Oil Temp gauge in Cluster (Pics)
 

Haven't seen it done before, thought I'd post pics. Pretty easy install, worked out well aside from some illumination issues....

It's just a standard 2 1/16" AutoMeter Sport comp gauge. Took it out of its case and stuffed it in the cluster.

--Alex

fixed

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

What about oil pressure now? Both are fairly important... I'd take Pressure over Temp personally.

Pressure is in a 2 5/8" gauge in a pod to the left of the cluster. I wanted that on a bit more visible.
--Alex

I, also, would like pics of the back of the cluster.

Cool. What kind of oil temps are you seeing?

Highest I've seen was aproaching 210º. I don't trust it though, I didn't calibrate it before I put it in. I suppose I'll have to tear it apart and take more pics this weekend....
--Alex

Yep, you will. :)
Did you have to modify the cluster at all? Been considering this for a while, but haven't had the time to start in on it.
And what illumination issues are you having?

I really want to do a full autometer cluster. I just don't want to get rid of the odometer. A full custom cluster with a stock speedo would be lame.

Looks really good though.

I had to modify the cluster a bit. I'll explain with the pics, it'll be much easier.

The face on the stock gauge seems to be more translucent than the AutoMeter so the lighting was visible through the gauge. The AutoMeters seem to put the light around the perimeter illuminating from the edges. Since the face is tight to the plastic there isn't enough light to see the gauge and it doesn't shine though from the back side....

Long story short, can't see it at night....
--Alex

Nice, I replaced the stock water temp gauge with a boost gauge in the cluster of my NX2000, and will be doing the same in the Miata (WT & OP) with VDO Vision's.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/R9nN...0/IMGP3461.JPG

C

I been really wanting to attempt replacing the oem Clt Temp gauge in the cluster with an actual clt temp gauge...but was worried of what it'd entail.

Please provide a real good writeup of some sort.

Anyone ever tried replacing the whole cluster altogether, successfully? As in with good lighting, and not looking like crap?

Subscribed for details...

Thanks for the motivation Alex! After seeing your pictures I decided it was time for me to get off my ass and do this. None of this is difficult, all it takes is a Dremel with a few bits, a Sharpie, and patience.

Begin by totally disassembling your cluster, I had the good fortune to have a spare one on the shelf (Hi Braineak!). I used VDO Vision gauges, and removed the outer bezel and glass from them. Starting with the oil pressure gauge, I used the Dremel to get rid of anything in the way, and made holes in the back of the cluster to fit the gauge connectors & bulbs. Notice that I kept one of the light bulbs in the cluster, because it was very close to the OP gauge body.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4761.jpg

Making room for the The WT gauge was similar.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4764.jpg

I needed to sand down the lip around the perimeter of the OP gauge, as well as a few spots on the inner bezel.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4765.jpg

Oooh, nice snug fit. :)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4766.jpg

The WT gauge isn't held steady by anything.... yet
http://lh6.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4767.jpg

Here's the secret to centering the WT gauge. The ring on the backside of the cluster face fits nicely inside the VDO gauges, and centers them.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4785.jpg

How nice is that?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4776.jpg

And another.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4777.jpg

Onto the back, and the holes to pass the bulbs and connectors through.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4768.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4771.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4772.jpg

I'll need to bridge the cut traces here.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4790.jpg

No need to cut anything behind the WT gauge, just fold it back.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4783.jpg

And the overall view. Not bad for an hour's worth of play.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/cscarpulla/SMHa...0/IMG_4773.jpg

This is just a rough start, I'll tidy things up a bit. Just wanted to show that it's not difficult.

C

Wow, loving the pics/details man. Please keep going thru to the finished product.
I suppose they are snug enough to not fall loose due to typical vibrations? Or do u plan on using something to secure them better, such as some kind of adhesive or whatnot?

Lastly, very curious about the lighting. From what it seems the gauges themselves light up, not the background. Which would simplify things quite a bit. I guess I'm picturing a dark gauge, with the hash marks/needles lit only?

Very interesting stuff man, at least IMO.

always wanted to do something similar!

Nice work guys!


For the lazy bunch out there, there actually is a company that does this with autometer gauges. Here's the link:

http://www.miatagauges.com/

Very nice work. Its about time somebody tried this. Best part is if you do the oil pressure you can reuse. the stock wiring.

I did it a bit differently....

Took the gauge works out ot the Autometer housing. Just pryed the "chrome" bezel off with a screw driver, removed the nuts from the back and the works came right out.

The nuts on the back are to set the height of the gauge once its in the cluster.

Both the stock gauge and the new one both have three posts, but the Autometers third was on top insted or the bottom.

Had to elongate the two bottom holes and drill the third. After that the new gauge pops right in the old location. Two nuts on the back and its secure.

I used the original bottom hole to rout the wires.

Oh, and I cut out the old traces. Probably could use 'em, they thick enough to solder to, just didn't.