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We are looking into getting some replacement Firebird gauges built that match the OEM design and layout. Take a second and leave some feedback on these two design choices.
In one picture you will see the grid design that came in the 1985-1992 Firebirds. I have done my best to make the grid pattern similar in size and color as the original grid. The yellow warning zones on the factory gauges have a different graphic that what is shown. I am working on having this match as well. You will also see that one gauge on the lower right has a border around the labels for the gauges. This was my attempt at making them match the factory warning light cutouts. (These are not the final matching OEM shape yet either.) These will be backlit RED like the OEM gauges.
The all black version is designed to be like the 82-84 Firebird gauges. I have an example show that places the numbers to the outside of the gauges like factory. Unfortunately the length of the stock needle the manufacturer uses kind of covers up the lines of the gauges and looked bad. I made the needles smaller for this mockup. I am not sure if this is a change the manufacturer will be willing to make or not just yet. But I have tried to make the numbers to the inside version look as OEM as possible with the longer needles. These will be backlit WHITE.
I do still need to find a more OEM font choice. This is the default font the manufacturer uses and I will be changing it to match the OEM font as much as possible.
I am trying to use this post to feel out the interest for a product like this. I want your feedback and input on these while they are still being designed so you get a finished product that you love!
1982-1984 Style Gauges OEM Design
1985-1992 Style Gauges OEM Design
On another note..... We may have a lead on some really cool parts to have the GTA Digital Dash reproduced with modern tech/screens. This would be a more expensive option than the gauges pictured here as it would probably use 3 different LCD displays to make a factory style setup and would be very custom... but it could be installed into standard Firebirds that did not come with a digital setup and could have a few new and fun features that the original Digital Dashes did not have. It also would be able to be wired up traditionally or plugged into a Holley, FiTech or Haltech ecu on swapped cars.
Both look awesome. Are they gonna plug into the current gauge cluster or have their own mounts,wiring harness and sending units?
These are like most aftermarket gauges where you will need to wire them in. Not a drop in replacement for the factory gauges. Similar to the rest of aftermarket gauges like Dakota Digital and such.
Glad you guys are producing parts but what I’d really like to see is reproduction 82-84 Firebird dash buttons: hatch pop, defrost, etc… Every owner with an 82-84 bird needs new buttons cause the factory ones all aged terribly.
Glad you guys are producing parts but what I’d really like to see is reproduction 82-84 Firebird dash buttons: hatch pop, defrost, etc… Every owner with an 82-84 bird needs new buttons cause the factory ones all aged terribly.
I have been watching for a good set to show up for reproducing actually. I have a bunch of switches in process actually.
They both look great!......but I'm trying to keep both my Verts as close to original as possible.......I did however just the other day notice that you had the white overlays with the 80MPH Speedo on sale/clearance that would fit my 91 TA Vert. Do you have any for the 140MPH Speedo, or will you be getting them again?
Maybe it's because I'm about to be 70, but it's difficult for me to read the instruments top up, sunglasses on, and I desperately need a fix.
I am VERY interested in what you have cooking for a digital dash setup that mimics the OEM digital dash. Having a factory looking setup that you can run a holley efi interface from would be cool. I've always liked the digital dashes, but the factory units are too much of a pain to swap in and their 80s tech is showing their age.
These are like most aftermarket gauges where you will need to wire them in. Not a drop in replacement for the factory gauges. Similar to the rest of aftermarket gauges like Dakota Digital and such.
Right, there is nothing "reproduction" or drop-in about these gauges.
Speedhut will print any background graphic you send them. Anybody can do that, it is not the hard part.
The problem with gauges like this is a person has to literally destroy their gauge pod to open up space. And then they have to figure out a plate system to mount to because the gauges don't actually fit properly in the outer bezel. Are you providing those solutions or are you just selling gauges? (Mounting gauges in the early car dash is easier than in the later cars.)
There is a way to avoid running new wires but you need gauges compatible with OEM coolant temp and oil pressure sensors. Speedhut used to be compatible but they made that design obsolete after getting tired of tech calls from people with bad wiring in their old cars. If you can convince Speedhut to resurrect those old circuit boards then you suddenly have a solution that will wire in to the stock harness with an adapter pigtail. And then you can have another adapter pigtail to go back to stock.
They both look great!......but I'm trying to keep both my Verts as close to original as possible.......I did however just the other day notice that you had the white overlays with the 80MPH Speedo on sale/clearance that would fit my 91 TA Vert. Do you have any for the 140MPH Speedo, or will you be getting them again?
Maybe it's because I'm about to be 70, but it's difficult for me to read the instruments top up, sunglasses on, and I desperately need a fix.
Thanks!
I don't have a good answer for the 140mph overlays right now. Bruce and I did discuss the idea of a white background for the 82-84 design I showed above though.
Right, there is nothing "reproduction" or drop-in about these gauges.
Speedhut will print any background graphic you send them. Anybody can do that, it is not the hard part.
The problem with gauges like this is a person has to literally destroy their gauge pod to open up space. And then they have to figure out a plate system to mount to because the gauges don't actually fit properly in the outer bezel. Are you providing those solutions or are you just selling gauges? (Mounting gauges in the early car dash is easier than in the later cars.)
There is a way to avoid running new wires but you need gauges compatible with OEM coolant temp and oil pressure sensors. Speedhut used to be compatible but they made that design obsolete after getting tired of tech calls from people with bad wiring in their old cars. If you can convince Speedhut to resurrect those old circuit boards then you suddenly have a solution that will wire in to the stock harness with an adapter pigtail. And then you can have another adapter pigtail to go back to stock.
Right now I am trying to just get an idea of interest on a setup like this. I have been comparing a few different brands and this seems to be the best option for most people that isn't $2k for a custom set of drop in gauges. Speedhut does make some nice gauges and offers a way to customize them, however I think this setup has a few advantages over the Speedhut's. These do have a way to program them for a variety of different OEM sensors, for example the fuel gauge can be programmed to use the 3rd gen sending unit or the 4th gen style sending unit for guys running 4th gen tanks. For install it does come with a mounting bracket that mounts them behind the factory bezel pretty cleanly, but it does require some trimming on the backside of the dash. This uses an connector on the backside of the gauges but nothing like you are talking about that would be plug and play setup. A truly plug and play setup would be awesome but with so many different combos out there for original and swapped cars its hard to accomplish that.
Originally Posted by DynoDave43
As someone who added metal trim rings to his factory gauges, I'm not sure.
Originally Posted by Firechicken82
I didn't even notice the ring, I was looking at the numbers, needles and other details. Your totally right, the ring should blend in some how.
Originally Posted by QwkTrip
I would suggest a dark flat color for the ring, nothing metallic like what is shown. Make that ring disappear into the factory bezel, not stand out.
Check out this picture of some installed behind the factory bezel. These actually have a black trim ring so it blends in.
The pictures I used for the design are just a mock up at this point but I wanted to get something together to show what the backgrounds could look like. Obviously before any of these are available we will be getting a set here and installed and make sure the fitment is correct, looks as nice as possible and install is as easy as possible.
Right, there is nothing "reproduction" or drop-in about these gauges.
The problem with gauges like this is a person has to literally destroy their gauge pod to open up space. And then they have to figure out a plate system to mount to because the gauges don't actually fit properly in the outer bezel.
I agree. They are not a drop in cluster. Problem is the warning lights (Belt, Brake, AIR Bags, SES, Security). You have to custom make them somehow. You have to keep the cluster if you want your flasher signals and high beam indicator to work.
The wiring can be a real pain because the cluster is connected with an OEM back connector that pressure fits into the circuit board.
Here's mine. Lots of work went into this. Yes to a "Reproduction" but in reality it is not. Need lots of wiring and customization. A real reproduction would be something that bolts in using OEM connectors.
I think it's great what you're doing, but these cars are classic's now, and many want a reproduction as close to the OE as possible. ( Like a reflection in the OE Mirror )
This died almost as quickly as it began two years ago, so the only update from Hawk's would be if they're trying again, which they haven't mentioned.
Whatever the reason this collaboration died, NVU (New Vintage USA, the company Hawk's appeared to have been working with) apparently continued without Hawk's and created something similar. On the homepage, it's called "Throwback 80s Style," and it's listed in the "Limited Addition" category. It has the Firebird grid pattern and accurate font, but it looks like they made it for 3rdgen Camaros and universal applications, not 3rdgen Firebirds. M-59 SERIES 6-GAUGE KITS - New Vintage USA
NVU still offers kits for 3rdgen Firebirds, so maybe they'd make it with this design. They claim they can do anything custom, but from my experience with them, they don't want to do custom work. They whittled my custom ideas down to a design they already offered. But now that this design is something they offer, maybe they'll make it in Firebird sizes. So for anyone still wanting this, it looks like you'll be working directly with NVU.
I'm glad NVU wouldn't work with me, because if they had, then I wouldn't have gone to Speedhut, and I really like what Speedhut did for me.
This died almost as quickly as it began two years ago
There is another thread in here, and dakota digital will make a near perfect friebird gauge kit for you.
they dont show iton their site, but its all documented in the thread.
A simple phone call and get out your wallet and youll receive an awesome gauge set up
Dakota Digital came out with Firebird gauges this week, they look just like the 1986+ gauges with the grid pattern on them. They also retain the check engine and brake lights but add selectable illumination and easy LS integration. We will have 2 sets in stock as of today & can ship them out. They are $1676 which is the same as their other RTX series gauges. The wiring is the same as their other gauges with a small control box all the wiring goes to. The gauges come with all the senders you need or you can optional features like GPS speedometer, electronic fan controller and more. 1982-92 Firebird/Trans Am Dakota Digital RTX Gauges – Screaming Chicken
The only thing I don't like about these gauges is the digital clock, gear selector/speed read out on the battery/fuel pod. I would prefer it to have the idiot light windows like the original gauges. Maybe that is an option to do but did not see it listed on the website.
The only thing I don't like about these gauges is the digital clock, gear selector/speed read out on the batter and fuel pod. I would prefer it to have the idiot light windows like the original gauges. Maybe that is an option to do but did not see it listed on the website.
Unfortunately, they do not have that as an option. When the gauges are off that area is black and not as visible. In that area the display will change depending on what is selected, you can display the temp and other info digitally (191 degrees for example instead of having to look at the dial) or display your speed. Also you can add other sensors like air pressure in your tires, a compass, outside temp and some other information.
Those are cool. I was actually hoping Dakota Digital would make some Firebird instruments like the Intellitronix, only better (they're kind'a cheesey)...
Dakota Digital came out with Firebird gauges this week, they look just like the 1986+ gauges with the grid pattern on them. They also retain the check engine and brake lights but add selectable illumination and easy LS integration. We will have 2 sets in stock as of today & can ship them out. They are $1676 which is the same as their other RTX series gauges. The wiring is the same as their other gauges with a small control box all the wiring goes to. The gauges come with all the senders you need or you can optional features like GPS speedometer, electronic fan controller and more. 1982-92 Firebird/Trans Am Dakota Digital RTX Gauges – Screaming Chicken
May I suggest you start a thread for these? They'll get more attention.
It looks like a well-designed, well-crafted product, except for the 120-mph thing. But if the digital speedo continues beyond 120, then that kind of makes up for it. A drop-in a replacement cluster, for the most part.
As for the features, 86-92 Firebird gauges are already electric and nice, so there's not much point in changing them, unless you have specific modifications in mind and/or want integrated modern features, such as a digital speedo and other menu options. Such features have to go somewhere, and where they're located looks like a good choice, given the confines of the factory design.
Regarding the factory style, the way I look at aftermarket products, like modernized gauges, is, the most important thing is that the appearance captures the spirit of the factory gauges, not that they're 100% accurate, but that they look like they belong, and these capture that spirit, they fit and look like they belong.
For 100% accuracy, then an upgrade to the factory electric 140-mph cluster will probably be the best option for 86-92 Firebirds. But to upgrade 82-84 Firebirds, then this one from Dakota is probably the best option, or a kit from New Vintage USA, which is where the gauges are from in this thread by Hawk's.
I have a set of dakota digital gauges in my bronco. They are a factory replacement style like these. The cool thing is they add versatility in sending units. Even though they work w lots of oem stuff they also have numerous options built into them. You can use different tach drives/fuel sender ohm's and they are plug n play w edelbrock pro flow systems. So they do have other up sides that factory gauges dont have. On my bronco gauge there is an option for different info on the little screen. IDK if these do all this but most of their systems do. I probably spent the same amount on my autometer gauge setup and had to hand wire them. It looks good but i lost the oem look for sure. Im fine w that but plenty of people aren't.
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