Custom Gauge help...

[Rick74]

Anyone fit new gauges into the stock instrument panel area? I don't use the tach or the stock temp/gas gauge, and I have 5 VDO gauges now and I don't want all 5 in the center console (too busy looking). Thinking of running a Auto Meter speedo and tach with 2 of the 5 VDO's where the stock inst. panel is and the other 3 in the center console. Also, is anyone using an aftermarket speedo? Will the stock speedo cable work on a mechanical Auto Meter or VDO speedo? Thanks in advance

[esty]

if you're crafty enough, you can do all of that and more...the limits are your skills and imagination

[BarryA]

people out), you can build a new panel that will look like it might have been an original German issue unit by combining a couple of different models of VDO guages and bezels.

Among their other offerings, VDO offers a gauge line called "Classic" that has a plain black face with white markings and pointers that look virtually identical to black face '02 gauges; they also have a gauge line called "Royale" that uses bezels with the same cross-section as the bezels on early '02 dash panels, in either chrome or gold finish. The Royale bezels are available separately (I got mine from No Hollywood Speedo) - gently bead-blasting the chrome bezels (before installing them) reduces the chrome to a satin finish that's indistinguishable from BMW's factory finish. By swapping the original bezels on "Classic" gauges for bead-blasted chrome "Royale" bezels, you create a set of gauges that look like vintage O.E. German units.

With care, you can cut the center panel out of a factory gauge panel, cut a new panel from textured finish ABS plastic to fit in the opening, cut holes to mount two large and either 3 or 4 small gauges in it, and solvent-glue the panel into the old panel housing. With the modified Classic/Royale bezel gauges mounted, the end result looks very original. You'll probably want indicator lights, too (at least for turn signals and high beams) - although they're hard to find, early Saab 96's had cool individual lights with chrome bezels that match the Royale profile very closely. Treated to the same satin finish, they blend beautifully with Royale bezels.

[Guest Anonymous]

You could also get the three gauge panel which sits to the right of the instrument binnacle on the parcel shelf. BMP has them. Nice look! Wonder why I changed mine? Mike Self did nice article on this He attached it with velco, as did I.

[Russ]

Didn't someone just post about having that BMP console (or something similar) and running all the gauge wiring up through the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign hole in the dash and then mounting the console on the upper part of the dash of the hole? Seems slightly cleaner that punching holes in the dash...

edit: it was mike from Beavercreek OH, he posted about it in the "Unique mods" thread, but didn't provide any more details.