Aftermarket Gauges in a 96..

This image got me thinking...


My odometer is not working, tried the fix, screwed it up worse. The temp gauge is not working, so I am thinking of putting one in aftermarket style anyway, which would mean a different gauge on a pillar pod or something and I don't care for a larger than needed A-pillar.

Any reason why I should not completely remove the cluster and put in aftermarket stuff? I know I will lose idiot lights, but there is no longer a low oil light and I could care less about seat belt light, low wiper fluid, etc. The only ones I see needing are "Check Engine" and ABS.

Can I hook up the ABS and CE light to LEDs on a custom bezel?

Are there certain gauges that work best for wired clusters? Any (Lack of) knowledge I have of gauges is old analog cable driven.

Thanks guys

Doug

I just started playing with Autometer gauges.
Havent fired them up yet but the electrical ones are pretty straight forward.
12V switched
12V dimming
Ground 2 places (function & bulb)
Function (sender unit)

You have the choice of mechanical but I didnt want any fluids in the car.

As far as who makes the best....cant help you.
I think its mostly style nowadays anyway...everyone's works

Just make sure that you can get EVERY gauge you want in the style you choose
I had to paint the bezel on a 2-5/8 tach cuz they didnt offer it in Autometers "phantom" style

Aftermarket gauges are the way to go no doubt about it.

I had the autometers in my box tucked behind the OE window, it looked really cool.





Using the existing wiring you could very easily mount a CEL, Air Bag, Turn Indicators, that is all simple stuff.
If you get me a template out of cardboard, I could probably cut out an 1/8" aluminum cluster panel with the plasma. Let me know.

Hi there I'm new to the site, but I noticed the picture of the 95 Impala SS custom guage panel. That is my car, the pic is from Nantasket Beach car show. All the guages except the speedo are Equus, the speedo is Auto Meter with a custom overlay from "ImpalaSStudio". I wired the panel myself. you can use most of the original indicators. The original digital on the 95 has a couple of lights that are not used in the Impala, so I left them out. I kept the original cluster intact and used one from a Caprice from a salvage yard. I wanted to put a 96 cluster in, but could not find one. If I can be of any help, let me know.

Don't want to do it to mine, but it sure looks good. Welcome to the forum.

bfurches wrote:

Aftermarket gauges are the way to go no doubt about it.

I had the autometers in my box tucked behind the OE window, it looked really cool.





Using the existing wiring you could very easily mount a CEL, Air Bag, Turn Indicators, that is all simple stuff.
If you get me a template out of cardboard, I could probably cut out an 1/8" aluminum cluster panel with the plasma. Let me know.

Before you came back I was brainstorming whether I should use that or the Po-po speedo and aux gauages. But I don't want to cut things

I might copy you I'll give you all of the credit though.

There's an 85 box in the local yard if you need the gauge or gauge parts let me know! It's all still there.

I had autometer gauges in my 40 Plymouth, easy to wire and understand. The fuel gauge iirc had to be within a specific range of resistance to work. But it's been a while, follow the instructions.
All others were straight forward. I love the look of the antique white ones.... They may end up in the caddy.

jamsal wrote:

Hi there I'm new to the site.............

That is my car, the pic is from Nantasket Beach car show.................

I wired the panel myself..............

If I can be of any help, let me know.

Lets see now...
New to the club...has an Impala ......electrically competent.....helpful
OK you pass the entrance exam

Go on over to the introduction section & let us know a little about you

Looks like membership south of Boston is climbing..

Thanks for the feedback boys. I just needed someone to tell me that it could be done (And fairly easily at that).

I think that might be a project for this winter, but I think I am going to go ahead and do it. My buddy has a CNC table and can cut me a pretty background and I can mess with placement over the winter.

I'm pretty excited about it now.

Welcome new guy! Sounds like you have a nice ride there, lets hear about it in the intro section!

Doug

sdstick wrote:

Looks like membership south of Boston is climbing..