I have been researching the forum trying to find some info or write ups on doing your own custom instrument cluster. I have visited
www.autometer.com and have found some real nice instruments that I want to use. I have been searching ebay and have found quite a few offered on auction. Getting the instruments that I want should not be too much trouble. The difficult part will be the custom instrument cluster that I want to make. I want to remove the existing cluster and install a new one made from brushed aluminum. I want to position all the instruments myself, etc. I have a chiltons, haynes, and soon to have the official toyota service repair manual.... however, these manuals do not really give too much info on a project like this.
From what I understand by reading up in the forum is that if you have an instrument cluster with out a tach, you can easily swap it with one that has a tach.... everything is simply plug and play and all should work.
Additionally, both clusters are similiar in respect that they:
(1) have a speedometer.
(2) w/o and w/tach already wired and ready to go.
(3) water temp gauge.
(4) fuel gauge.
(5) Oil pressure - idiot lights for both
(6) voltage - idiot lights for both
So swapping for a cluster with a tach still doesn't solve my problem... because I don't really like idiot lights.... I kinda want to see a potential problem before it's too late.... and from what I know is when idiot lights go off... you really don't have too much time to react to it.
That leads to me wanting to do my own custom cluster... so work with me here because here is my list of questions:
(1) speedometer - I am looking at the autometer brand... do these simply hook up to the existing speedo cable, or do I need to purchase and install a different one?
(2) Oil pressure - don't want idiot lights... so is there an oil sending unit that would work that I can purchase at autozone?
(3) voltage - don't want idiot lights... so how do you connect this instrument?
(4) water temp, speedo, and tach - please correct me if I am wrong, but I would guess that you would simply connect these new upgraded instruments using your existing wire?
Guys... I am new to the forum, noobie and all that... however, your minute of guidence and direction and help answering these questions will really go a long way for me. I plan on doing a detailed write up on my project. For now I am gathering all the info I can in an attempt to try to eliminate as many curve balls that can be thrown at me when I start the project.
Thanks for your help in advanced!
Garry
Linear Mode
