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1971 Chevy Truck Classic Instruments Gauge Cluster Install - Project Get ShortyPart 14: Dine And Dash From the November, 2008 issue of Custom Classic Trucks By Dakota Wentz
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When it comes to my tastes in trucks, I like 'em as custom as custom gets. (As if I haven't already made that abundantly clear over the past few years.) That's why when it comes to building my own personal truck, Project Get Shorty, there isn't a panel on it that hasn't come face-to-face with the torch. However, when it comes to customizing, some areas are out of my jurisdiction, due to machinery, tools, equipment, and so on and so forth. For instance, I can't whittle out a set of custom one-off wheels. Nor can I whip up a set of custom pulleys for an engine. Yet, luckily there are companies out there that do have the know-how and technology to build anyone custom parts and accessories. When it comes to the interior of Shorty, it too will be to my likings, custom. The dash, door panels, steering wheel, and even the seats will all be unique to the '71. To kick-start the customization of the interior, the first step is to get the dash in order. Instead of keeping things stock, such as the instrument cluster and accessory controls, the dash will get a So-Cal Speed Shop Auburn insert installed smack dab in the middle. At the bottom of the insert will be the ignition, headlight, and wiper switches. However, it's not the So-Cal insert that will highlight the dash. Instead, it will be what is inside the insert that really sets things off. Speaking of off limits, another area that is out of one's jurisdiction, in terms of customizing, is gauges. When it comes to gauges one is pretty much stuck picking one of the many designs offered in the aftermarket. Actually, let's put things in reverse, that's how it used to be. Nowadays, one can give renowned gauge gurus, Classic Instruments, a call and they will build you a set of gauges to suit your ride. Whether you want Classic to change fonts, colors, insets, and more on a set of existing gauges offered or build you a set of retrofitted gauges, in the vein of old factory gauges, it's all doable. However, all of that is only a teaser. For those looking to go full bore, Classic will build anyone a set of custom gauges per one's design and direction. And when we say design and direction, we mean that to the fullest, because there are pretty much no restraints on what one can do. Basically it's Field Of Dreams style; if you can think it, they will build it. Seeing that I am always looking to take things that one step further, getting a set of custom gauges made for Project Get Shorty seemed to be a natural fit. Therefore, I got in touch with the crew at Classic Instruments. From there I sent off a few pictures and whatnot of ideas I had, and then they filled in the blanks. Here's how things turned out.  Here's how it all started,...  Here's how it all started, with a few ideas floating around in my head. The numbers on my watch start small and then gradually increase, and I always liked that, so I figured I'd have a set of gauges made in that fashion. Only I decided to have the numbers go from small to large, peak at the top and then fade back to small...  ...I also liked the font of...  ...I also liked the font of my watch, so I relayed that to Classic as well. Classic Instruments will inset any type of logo, name, or picture one wants into the gauges, and I wanted to use my grandpa's first logo he used when he opened up the Star Kustom Shop clear back in '54. On top of that, I've officially decided to adopt the Star Kustom Shop as the name of my shop, thanks grandpa!  Instead of going with a basic...  Instead of going with a basic black or white background, we decided to paint the faces of the gauges the color of the scallops on my truck. To get that exact color down, I headed over to Department of Customs, in Anaheim, CA for Matt Means to lay down a test panel of House of Kolor Kandy Pagan Gold.  Once we honed in on the exact...  Once we honed in on the exact color, Matt then sprayed the metal faces and inner bezels that Classic sent us. Once dry, they were shipped back to Classic.  When Classic saw the color,...  When Classic saw the color, they began on some prototypes for the gauges. To ensure the customer gets exactly what they want, Classic sends out artwork after each session on the drawing board. At that point one can say tweak this, change that, let's try this, and so on. Then, once the customer is satisfied, the gauges are put into production. In my case, we went through that three times. In the end this is what we came up with. By the way, when you get a set of gauges made for you, they are for you. Classic doesn't begin making mass production of them. In fact, they won't even make another set of your exact gauges for anyone who asks, unless your permission is given. This means these custom gauges truly are your custom gauges.  A week after the OK, the gauges...  A week after the OK, the gauges showed up at my doorstep. Classic also gives you the option of what lens and bezel to go with. I choose a stepped bezel with a fish-eye lens. Also, the gauges are fully electronic, and Classic also sends all of the proper gear for the fuel gauge.  Here's a close-up look at...  Here's a close-up look at one of the gauges. Notice the quality and precision that is instilled into the gauge. Classic even got the bronze in the logo to be metallic like I asked. You can't get any more dead-on than that.  Another trick they did, on...  Another trick they did, on all of the little gauges, was to hack the rears of the pointers off to clear up some viewing space for the logo.  Dig the So-Cal Auburn insert...  Dig the So-Cal Auburn insert and switches we picked up from So-Cal Speed Shop Los Angeles.  Instead of mounting the instrument...  Instead of mounting the instrument cluster in the traditional spot, I chose to move things out in the open, to the middle of the dash.  In order to do this, I had...  In order to do this, I had to cut out most of the dash, as you can see.  From there I went down and...  From there I went down and picked up a piece of 16-gauge sheetmetal to make the front of the dash. Next, Chance transferred all the necessary measurements of the dash, and So-Cal insert, to the piece of metal.  At that point the metal was...  At that point the metal was cut accordingly. And there you have it, our new dash.  Next, Chance welded the dash...  Next, Chance welded the dash into the truck.  I headed over to KA Custom,...  I headed over to KA Custom, in Huntington Beach, CA to have some holes drilled in the So-Cal insert...  ...Using Rota broaches, which...  ...Using Rota broaches, which are basically hole saws on steroids, Kevin marked and drilled the necessary holes.  Back at the ranch, the new...  Back at the ranch, the new So-Cal switches were fastened to the dash.  Next, the new Classic Instrument...  Next, the new Classic Instrument gauges were fastened to the insert.  Lastly, the entire unit was...  Lastly, the entire unit was installed in the truck. And that my friends, is as custom as custom gets. | Sources | Classic Instruments
(800) 575-0461
www.classicinstruments.com | Department Of Customs
Myonlyloveis-customs@yahoo.com | House of Kolor
www.houseofkolor.com | KA Custom
(714) 375-4787 | So-Cal Speed Shop Los Angeles
(310) 991-6128
www.so-calspeedshoplosangeles.com | |
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The Thinker??? - Haul Monitor
Ryan talks about the friendly badgering that goes on around the shop and overcoming obstacles that seemly pop up out of nowhere during a project....
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