How To Build a Custom Instrument Cluster

This is (Episode 20) of the #ETCGDadsTruck Series.

Link to (Episode 21): https://youtu.be/rxT27VvkWfA

Link to (Episode 19): https://youtu.be/fmgQ9GCwK7Q

Extended (Full) Version of this video: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/exclusive-videos/73-exclusive-videos/2405-how-to-build-install-a-custom-gauge-cluster-full-extended-version

If you’re looking to build a custom instrument cluster, this video can give you some basic ideas and techniques for going about that. I’m building this cluster for a 1990 Chevy C1500 Sport Truck, #ETCGDadsTruck, but the information can apply to any custom instrument cluster you might want to build.

In the second part of this video I show how to wire these gauges up.

Link to wiring video:

Camera: Brian Kast, Eric Cook

My Patreon Account: https://www.patreon.com/EricTheCarGuy

The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com

Check out the ETCG Blog for the latest info: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/blog

Check out my ETCG1 channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ETCG1?sub_confirmation=1

Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/redirect?banner=SOCIALFB190421

Thanks for watching!

Links

Gauges: https://www.speedhut.com/customizer.i?cmd=customizekit&pid=1548

AF Sensor: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ngk-90067?utm_source=etcg&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=airfuelmonitor&utm_content=2019-05

Heat Shrink TEK Connectors:

LED Lights: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075F6KPNW/?coliid=IR8T5SENPJ8UH&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Tools

Label Maker: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GQHHYFE/?coliid=ISVHNBY16ZZB&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

2 1/16” Hole Saw: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGT5R9J/?coliid=I120A3WP9XMX0S&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

3 7/8” Hole Saw: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGWF23S/?coliid=I3UYI3P4DEKY04&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Jigsaw: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GWD50X0/?coliid=I2Q81CFFK2R2RQ&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Jigsaw Blades for Plastic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CZEGW7E/?coliid=IN8P4BV71YIWY&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Dremel Tool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FSBY9GV/?coliid=IMLED8DH44DB0&colid=245LHJDQ9HKVE&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Milwaukee Drill: https://milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Drilling/Hammer-Drills/2706-20

Milwaukee Underhood Light: https://milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Task-Lighting/2125-20

Power Probe: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/power-probe-pp319camo-multi-circuit-tester-camo#oid=1002_1

Astro Crimp Tool: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pneumatic-9477-7-piece-pro-ratcheting-wire-crimper-pliers-set#oid=1002_1

Wirefy Crimpers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFLWKTT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tesa Electrical Tape: https://www.amazon.com/Tesas-Advanced-Harness-51036-Mercedes/dp/B01I2MLN2Q/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=tesa+electrical+tape&qid=1561750222&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Digital Caliper: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/performance-tool-w80152-digital-caliper-0-6-150mm#oid=1002_1

Related Videos

Introduction to #ETCGDadsTruck Build (Episode 1): https://youtu.be/kCepnacqRuI

#ETCGDadsTruck Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCepnacqRuI&list=PLSzhQ6St-ov1g_GML2aVq6EN-_ShJ9G2o

Installing a New Radio & Speakers 1988-94 Chevy Truck #ETCGDadsTruck: https://youtu.be/fmgQ9GCwK7Q

How To Bend and Flare Brake Lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqyoTWFZ5K4&t=3s

Exhaust Cut Outs Give Your Vehicle a Split Personality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKgTuIFKAvo&t=24s

**Answers to your automotive questions found here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq

Social Network Links

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Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/premium-content-streaming-etcg-content

Stay Dirty

ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

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39 thoughts on “How To Build a Custom Instrument Cluster

  1. When drilling any kind of plastic, I found that for some reason a step bit will not bite or chatter the way a spiral cut bit will. Just make a minimal hole all the way thru with the smallest size step nit, then bring the hole to the desired size with the appropriate size bit.

  2. If you have seen a dashboard area of a 1992 suzuki swift, and/ or a 1992 holden barina, I am using your idea to house 4 car guages in the area that actually holds the basic air and heater, as I don't ever use it, I cleared out this area and hand fitted a piece of perspex, to hold the 4 guages. thank you for the idea. and greetings from Australia

  3. Eric, a real Youtuber would spend at least 10K building his custom CNC laser cutter to cut this one Plexiglass… 😀 😀 😀

  4. This is awesome. Thank you, I have a 2010 GMC SLE, I5 2nd and I swapped my cluster LED’s, but now I want something custom. Thanks for the great video.

  5. Looks good. I did the same steps on building a cluster for my ‘72 Nova. The only thing I did different is that instead of black paint I covered the plastic sheet with black leather. Just a preference thing.

  6. So the main reason I got excited about this type of project is because I had a somewhat similar idea, but I have no idea how everyone is making the gauges 😮‍💨😖

  7. Hey Eric I know this is a old video but I need to ask you a question bro where did you get your gauges at I like those gauges and I like to get me a nice set for my truck I have the '88 Chevy pickup nothing got looks really good so if you could I'd really appreciate it thank you bro

  8. When cutting holes in acrylic/plexiglas I found if you Cool the material with cold water you reduce the risk of cracking. An added benefit is the edges of the cut will also be polished.

  9. I spent nearly 20 years working with glass. How about spraying it with water, from a bottle as you drill. It might help to cool it. Though I think I would have just used ply wood

  10. Wouldn't it have been better to spray paint the back side instead of the front side to prevent scratches on the surface in the future? ( just a thought ).

  11. I have an 89 k1500 and would love this as an upgrade. I personally love the 4in1 gauge to conserve space and add additional gauges to the cluster.

  12. Just a quick fyi. They make a sign board thats plastic. Its the same 1/8, 3/16” options as acrylic. The better part is. Its slightly softer. So its easier to drill. It also comes in black with a slight grain texture to it. Its what i used for my 90 wrangler build back in the day.

  13. I’m always looking for good moonie gauges for my ‘89 GMT400. I really like the old school quirkiness they have.

  14. We need a Playlist for this truck at this point 😆 Been following this build forever! Love it cause I have the same truck and at a very slower speed im doing alot of the same things. Very informative and entertaining 👏

  15. It new gauges and cluster panel turned out great.

    Is there going to be a replacement odometer put in at some point ? or was it already later installed after this video was made ?

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