Need gauge advice

[Calfdemon]

I have tried to research this, but have not found the info I need. I know there is info for putting the F600 dash cluster in the bumps, but I am not sure my F600 gauges work. If they dont, I want to put aftermarket gauges in my truck, but I want to use my F600 dash panel.

I can see how I would make the 2 1/16 size gauges work in the smaller holes. I can see that the right and left holes can be cut to size and I can put any size up to the standard 3 1/8 gauges in there. My question is for the speedometer hole in the middle.

I would like to keep a Speedo in that location but the hole is quite large and a lot larger than the standard 3 3/8 size that most of the popular gauges come in. I see that Autometer makes a 5" gauge, but that would be too big as I would be cutting right up to the other gauge holes.

Besides, I like the Auto Meter Old Tyme style gauges and the largest they make are 3 3/8 for the Speedo. So my question is first is there anyone that has done this? And second, how did they accomplish this?

I know there is always the option of getting an aftermarket dash piece, but I really like the F600 one and want to utilize it if possible.

Thanks in advance for any help...

-Rich

[basketcase0302]

Rich,

There are several threads here on the F-600 panel, (agreed I love mine). They're not as easy to adapt the gauges to as it first appears I do have to say that!
Here's a few good threads on the F-600 panel:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=38063&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=instrument+panel

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=32146&p=339999&hilit=instrument+panel#p339999

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=36626&p=339199&hilit=instrument+panel#p339199

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17639&p=151741&hilit=instrument+panel#p151741

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=189&p=828&hilit=instrument+panel#p828

Edit: I don't know why the links above didn't paste properly? Maybe try to copy and paste them?

And here's mine:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... a&start=60

I gotta' say that our own Thunderfoot (moderator) has a really good way to adapt the guts of the newer gauges to the existing panel gauge faces. But it's a lot of work and not for the timid!

Good luck!

[Calfdemon]

Thanks for the reply, there are a few threads there that I overlooked when researching this. It would seem that it is easier to use the F600 gauges then to put in new gauges, so I will weigh my options and go from there. I noticed that several people moved their wiper switch up to the F600 dash as some of them are labled wiper. Mine isnt labled but one of those 3 small left holes are punched. I think what I am going to do is move the emergency flasher up there to that hole in the panel, and then I will install a 2nd cigarette lighter in the old emergency flasher hole so I have 2 power plugs to the right of the steering wheel, side by side.

I am also contemplating trying to figure out a way to mount a GPS unit on the right side uncut hole of my F600. Obviously it wont be round, but that end of my F600 dash is uncut and unused and would be an ideal place for putting a unit. I could hardwire it through the dash for power and probably figure out a way to permanently attach the mounting platform through that right hand hole. That way it could be a permanent location for a GPS unit, but I could still remove the actual screen and put it out of sight when parking if needed. Still need to research this some though as I am not sure how the satallite signal strength would be from that location. Maybe I can find a unit that has a exterior "antenna" that I could run out of sight. Hmmm... Just thinking out loud here. Adding a few moden creature comforts, in my opinion, to the classic bump is not a bad thing if they are done right and can be covered so they do not take away from the classic look.

Anyway, when I finally go forward with this, I now have plenty to read and help steer me through my decisions. Maybe I should start a project thread one of these days...

-Rich