1983 C10 Gauge Diameters?

[mizozuman2]

Hi,

   New member here, looking for some info on the truck I'm planning on getting.

What are the gauge diameters on a 1983 C10. the two main one's, and the 4 off to the side? I'm planning on getting some aftermarket gauges, and was wondering what sizes to get! What gauges do you all recommend as well? I like the AutoMeter Ultra-Lite Gauges.

   Thanks!

[blazing816]

It depends on how you want to mount them, none are going to be a direct drop in. For the small ones you can get 2" or 2-1/16" however with the 2-1/16" they will most likely sit on top of the bezel, 2" will be able to drop in a little to give more factory look. The 2 big ones are 5" or some people use 3-3/8" again depending on how you mount them. Your best bet is to get a piece of hard cardboard and cut different diameter circle and plan how you want to mount and install them.

The link below is what I did with my beater truck cause non of the small ones worked. I did not change the two big ones, like I will be changing them all on my restoration project but not to that point yet, but you will get the idea.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,24709.0.html

[mizozuman2]

http://blog.tunedbypsi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/blog-mubarak-78-gauge-cluster.jpg

This is how I'd like them to look. If I do this, some people say I have to cut out the backs of the big ones, because there's not enough room to put them in there? Not sure on that answer though...

And the gauge faceplate will be the original looking Gauge faceplate. That's just to give an idea as to how I want the gauges to set.

(I'm just a teenager who wants to get this right the first time, so I don't waste a bunch of money on gauges. I understand most things, but some things confuse me, since I don't have the truck in hand right now.)

Thanks!

[Captkaos]

This gives you all the information you wanted.  I recommend using the recessed mounting...

http://73-87.com/7387garage/interior/gauges_recessed.htm

http://73-87.com/7387garage/interior/gauge_surface.htm

[mizozuman2]

@Captkaos

  I'm not being rude, just curious. Why do you recommend using recessed mounting? Is it easier, or is it just preference. As I said before, I'm just a teenager, so if it's easier to do a recessed mount, then I'd lean more-so towards it, I just like the way they look when the front is popped out like that a bit.

Thanks!

[Captkaos]

They are easier to see as they are pointed up toward the driver and it is a cleaner look in my opinion.  Either is fine, just what I would recommend.  I knew a few people that mounted them flush and ended up changing them.

[mizozuman2]

Ahh, fair enough. Have you done gauges recessed? If so, how difficult was it to do? Would it be something a 17 year old could accomplish fairly easily?

Thanks!

[mizozuman2]

Okay,


   So I found these Recessed gauge mounts (BIGBLOCK73's). He no longer personally sells them, but I can send in my gauges and the gauge panel and he will put them in there for $200. Would it be cheaper to just make them myself, since I have the stuff to make it, along with the tools, or should I just leave it up to him to do. I hear and see his work is phenomenal on his Website.

 Thanks!

[Captkaos]

The links I posted are bigblock73.  He can do them or you can.  Difference is he has some of the standard ones figured out.  He is on the forum.

Chris Lucas
73-87chevytrucks.com
captkaoscustoms.com
squarebody.biz

[mizozuman2]

The links I posted are bigblock73.  He can do them or you can.  Difference is he has some of the standard ones figured out.  He is on the forum.

I might've read it wrong, but on his Website, it says he no longer sends out the brackets, because of the differences in some gauges. (Or something close to that). And it's $200. Not that that's a bad price, I'm sure he does amazing work and it's worth the extra money. But I pay for all my toys, and that's quite a bit for someone like myself, after purchasing the gauges as well.

   Thanks!

[Captkaos]

No he only offers the service to provide the conversion (option 1 which you pay for it)
OR you can read the article, look at the pictures and mount them yourself (Options 2 where you don't pay for anything but the parts)

[mizozuman2]

Alrighty. Thanks for the help!

[werewolfx13]

Ever consider analog gauges from Dakota Digital? this site sells them. See link below.
http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=VHX-73C-PU&Category_Code=7G

[Captkaos]

If you create a login and email me what it is you will be added to the special pricing group and when you login you will see special pricing on things...