More than a year ago, I put in an order for a 1698 Gauge Clusterfrom JME Enterprises. They can't seem to tell me when it's going to be done, only that my gauge cluster is in the next "batch" and that it should be very soon. Of course, I heard that line 3 months ago. I've been under the impression that nothing out there looks as good, and that's the only reason why I haven't taken my business elsewhere. Now I'm having second thoughts.

My question: Is it worth waiting? Does anyone have any experience with these kits first-hand, installed on their stang? Comments and ideas appreciated. Thanks.

 

I did it myself about 5 years ago and have always advised people that JME is worth the expense for the quality you get and the amount of work it takes. BUT, if the wait is exceeding 3 months... then I would have to say do it yourself.

I had a link to edbert's how to page but it does not work anymore... anyone know where edbert went?

 

Cool, that's good advice. What about this link you were talking about? Was it a how-to for building your own cluster w/ Autometer gauges? Thanks.

 

Yes it was. But the site is down. Someone here or on Stangnet should know what happened???

 

i used to talk to edbert all the time when he hung out at SN, and i haven't heard from him in forever. i hope everything is ok with him

 

His site appears to be back up: http://www.edbert.net/gauges.htm

 

If you cut the inner ridge off the outer housing, a 5" gauge will butt right up behind the cluster and you don't have to take the gauge apart.... cutting the ridge on the smaller ones is a little smaller than a 2 5/8" gauge so the 2 1/16" would probably be a better fit, then you can modify and attach the gauges to the steel instead of the plastic. I tack welded or screwed the supplied brackets to the original back. Wish I had a steady hand when I cut the plastic, it would help too if the dremel wasn't from the 40's..... Jay did I ever send the pics to you? I may have some....

 

Pic 1

 

Pic 2

 

Wow. I thought this thread was a goner! Thanks for sticking with it, Jay, I appreciate it. It's a great write up! Now that I know how to do it at home, I plan on calling JME this week and getting a 'final' answer. Again, Jay, thanks!

 

Cool. Edbert did the write up, and my brother sent those pics of his conversion.

 

I am seriously considering doing this with my 69 dash. I am little gunshy about tearing apart the cluster, but to have nice working gauges again would sure be nice.

Plus I am going to re-wire the car anyway.

I think I priced it out to be about $300.

I have one major Question:

JME states that you have to have some sort of adapter for the speedo cable? What did you guys use for that? Or did you not have any problems?

Thanks.

 

No problem with the speedo cable... you could always use an electronic speedo which is better yet.

 

Jay,

I haven't had a chance to look into the electronic version. Do you know how they are setup? I may go that route because my car eats speedo cables all the time.
Headers melt them... :angry:

Any advice is appreciated, cause I ain't going to wait a year for JME.

 

I am actually putting together a custom gauge cluster for 65-66 and 67-68 using billet aluminum and autometer gauges. Hopefully it will be done within the next month. If interested, email me.

 

My brother used the electronic setup... no firsthand knowledge for me. Check www.autometer.com for more info :scratch:

 

Jay,

I haven't had a chance to look into the electronic version. Do you know how they are setup? I may go that route because my car eats speedo cables all the time.
Headers melt them... :angry:

Any advice is appreciated, cause I ain't going to wait a year for JME.[/b][/quote]
For an electronic Speedo on a Ford autometer offers a hall effect sensor that goes in right where the stock speedo setup is.... depending on your transmission some are equipped with a sensor, and late model mustangs are equipped both with a speed sensor for the computer and the cable pushes into it to drive the speedo.... kind of strange why ford didn't just use an electric speedo in conjuction as the cpu uses it anyway, probably saved them .05 cents a car..... you can run a wire by shifter or do a hole by tranny under carpet.... alot easier, but the gauge/sender is usually a little higher in price.....
Brian

 

Factory Ford sender pic: Not sure if it is compatible with the autometer gauge... should be.....
Brian

 

I have a link to a guy that did a guage swap on his '69. It also has all the part numbers, and prices. Here it is:
http://www.geocities.com/kvinkler/gauges/page_01.htm
Hope this link works. Some great ideas for the '69

 

Thanks for the info.


copasspupil, I will send you an email this weekend. New gauges will be soooo nice!