Gauge cluster dimensions

[Ram50Man]

Hey does anyone have a gauge cluster for their truck, that is not installed that can measure the dimensions of the face of it. (the actual face, under the clear front.) I am working on getting basically a sticker made to layover the top of the current face, just to change the color scheme, but I need the dimensions (just the length and heigth). I would really appreciate it. Once I get a sticker made I will test it out on my truck and if it looks good, and is still readable at night with the factory dash lighting I will let you guys know. Depending on the cost maybe I can throw a few to the site, as a contest prize or something.

[DroppedMitsu]

Just measured a spare I had and the actual gauge face measures about 13 5/8" x 4 3/4".

[Ram50Man]

Just measured a spare I had and the actual gauge face measures about 13 5/8" x 4 3/4".

Sweet, Thanks! Is our Speedometer Backlit or is it just illuminated from bulbs down towards the bottom? I was thinking about this today when I was taking a smoke break at work in my truck, if our speedometer is backlit, then my idea wont work, cause the bulbs I am sure are not bright enough to shine through the gauge and the sticker overlay. But anyways... here is a few ideas I was kicking around....

Simple, factory style:
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=353&d=1303859058

Custom style:
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=352&d=1303859054

Custom Border Overlay only:
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=351&d=1303859051

Obviously the outer border area, can be changed to any color, im fond of the white, but my interior is Tan and Black, so I may change it to a darker color, im just so tired of the all black gauge cluster. Maybe a charcoal color or something.

[crvtec90]

Thats good stuff man. How did u do that?

[Ram50Man]

Thats good stuff man. How did u do that?

Paint... took me literally all day! Just to do those three. Lets put it this way... Im going to be seeing Pixels forever! There is probably an easier way to do it, but im not good with paint... so i sat here and pretty much did all the edge work pixel by pixel.

(oh and yes I did it at work, and got paid! Thats our tax dollars at work!.... lol)

[l.k.]

That looks great. I like it. Might have to try something like that myself.

[LethalEthan]

the gauges are backlit. Even the back of the oem gauge faces is green so youd have to change the whole thing in order to get a different color. Or you could light it from the front using some led strips

[l.k.]

thanks for the added info. Lethal..Im collecting info on making my own already.

[blindeyed]

Sweet, Thanks! Is our Speedometer Backlit or is it just illuminated from bulbs down towards the bottom? I was thinking about this today when I was taking a smoke break at work in my truck, if our speedometer is backlit, then my idea wont work, cause the bulbs I am sure are not bright enough to shine through the gauge and the sticker overlay.
Applaud you for taking this on :clap:

In my firebird, the factory gauge cluster is just a simple overlay that can easily be peeled off revealing a clear plexiglass background. So if you run into this problem, that might be something to check out. No telling if other manufacturers did this as well.

Or as someone else said, some LEDs in front could also be an option. Would just recommend a small trim piece in front of them so they only shine towards the cluster itself and not towards you.

[DroppedMitsu]

They are not backlit, they are a solid metal face plate(the non-tach versions) so it'b be impossible to be backlit. They are lit mainly by the row of bulbs on the bottom.

[Ram50Man]

They are not backlit, they are a solid metal face plate(the non-tach versions) so it'b be impossible to be backlit. They are lit mainly by the row of bulbs on the bottom.

Thats even better than I can do the overlay to include the speedo, and not have to worries about wether the numbers on the speedo will be visible at night or not. I will just replace the factory bulbs with LED's to help out. Holy crap this may actually work! I have a guy here on Base that makes custom Decals I am going to get with him and see about what the cost would be to have him turn these into decals for me.

Here is another one, trying to fill it in, is a pain in the but, as its paint so I keep having to go around the edges and finish filling it in pixel by pixel.... (not sure if i like this one.... its just a simple background filler)
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=355&d=1303906305

[foolonthehill]

For those of you working on a custom truck; who perhaps might be able to squeeze out a few more $$ for something special, Dakota Digita has universal type drop in all digital clusters which I've done some basic measuring on, and they'll fit in place of the factory gauge cluster.
Not cheap, but not outragous when compared to other quality gauge sets.

[l.k.]

for those of you working on a custom truck; who perhaps might be able to squeeze out a few more $$ for something special, dakota digita has universal type drop in all digital clusters which i've done some basic measuring on, and they'll fit in place of the factory gauge cluster.
Not cheap, but not outragous when compared to other quality gauge sets.

ill have to check that out...thanks

looking good man...leds should work out great..keep us posted

[4doorciv]

I would like a picture of this installed. Sounds interesting.

[Ram50Man]

I still have to see about getting the decal made, ran into some financial limitations at the moment. might be awhile before I can afford to blow money again on fruitless adventures!.... lol

(which sucks, cause I still need to replace the carb w/ weber 32/36, and uppgrade my distributor and coil)

[abeemanator]

Do you need the metal gauge face? I have a sport cluster now and don't need my old speedo setup, but it is just the metal face, i took the entire cluster apart, and all I have is the gauge face.