My car originally came without a tach and with the idiot lights. I would like to install a set of rally gauges instead of an aftermarket cluster under the dash. I would rather buy some original gauges from one of you than buy reproduction parts. Anybody have a set they can spare? Or maybe a recommendation of where to buy the best reproduction gauges. Any help would be appreciated.

I also need a dipstick for a 400 if anybody has one.

Chris

 

The gauges you are talking about are fairly rare and they do cost big $$$ as OEM non NOS parts. And that's not guaranteeing the condition. Like you I bought my U21 gauges off the net and paid top dollar. Had to buy them separately too. Just the oil/fuel/temp cost me close to 350; not including the senders or fittings or shipping.

BTW, you'll also have to adapt your wiring harness to match the gages and bypass one of the idiot light wires. Most of the new repro kits have the instructions. You can also find the instructions in the 68 Olds Chassis/Service Manual.

Any particular reason you don't want to go with aftermarket from one of the suppliers? Maybe someone here has what you're looking for, but be prepared. Even amongst Olds enthusiasts, valued parts aren't 'given' away.

 

I am aware of needing to do some wiring. I shine at wiring. It is my favorite thing to do at work (I am good at it and it's a lot cleaner than some of the other jobs) so it doesn't scare me at all.

I was hoping OEM gauges would be cheeper than aftermarket. You are thinking I may be better off with aftermarket because I am guaranteed they will work? They look good in the catalog I have from OPGI, but damn are they expensive. Has anybody bought their gauges from OPGI? Were you satisfied with the fit, finish functionality?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Actually the reason I was questioning whether you looked at aftermarket is the opposite: they are cheaper than OEM parts that may need to be a) purchased & b) refurbished. The going rate for new aftermarket 'rallye pac' was typically $429.00 + installation hardware from Year One (http://www.yearone.com/pco/3_0510/full.asp?page=95 ) and Parts Place. Some of the guys on this site comments were the gauges looked good, but needed some work on the lighting end. OPG is way out of line with pricing: too high for exactly the same product. BTW, anything electrical?? Absolutely not guaranteed to work afaik. But PP and Fusick have excellent warranty. BAP (Brothers Automotive Products) also sells these gages, but many of the CO members - myself included - have been screwed royally by their shipping prices and tardiness on orders.

Glad to hear you are handy with electrical; you'll probably have no issues with your install.

 

Thanks Allan. I will check out Year One. Their price does seem a whole lot better, especially if they are exactly the same parts.

Chris

 

You have a PM.