OK folks, here's my first question -
Would it be possible to completely abandon the current instrument cluster for a new custom unit comprised of all new M38A3 gauges?
I can design and build a replacement gauge mounting face fabricated from 1/8" aluminum, correctly shaped and bent to fit precisely as the existing black plastic does. I would need to engineer a top mount structure for this new face, however I have already got that figured out. The M38A3 gauges would simply mount into the holes milled into the new aluminum face. I would set this up in AutoCad and mill the shape and openings in the mounting face on a CNC router. The aluminum mounting face would then be bead blasted and painted 383. What do yall think? is it possible? What problems or obstacles are there to overcome?
I would want a large diameter Speedometer and Tach mounted side-by-side in the middle, and smaller diameter fuel, temp, oil pressure, volt meters (2), and the 24-volt meter mounted on either side. The heater control can be fastened to te back side of the new face, and the BO lights and headlight switch would simply stick through the way they do now. There would be some extra room where a radio would normally be located, however I would use this area for push-button glow plug switching and other switches.
All of the new gauges would have to be hooked up manually, which is part of the goal anyway.
Any comments?