FAQs
How is a Classic Dash better than an original?
There are two considerations; style and functionality. Often cars came with huge linear speedometers, no tachometer, and “idiot lights” to monitor key functions and sometimes faux wood grain or fabric inserts. Not only can you update the look of the dash by selecting a matte black, brushed aluminum or carbon fiber finished panel (and trim pieces, with some applications), and equip it with gauges styles that range from classic to contemporary, but it’s easy to keep tabs on the systems and spot things like declining oil pressure and voltage or increased water temperature. This warning lets you take corrective measures before it’s too late.
What are the Classic Dash panels made of?
How durable are they?
What are the color choices?
What are the gauge choices?
Depending on the application, there are AutoMeter gauge styles and VeeThree gauge styles to choose from.
Autometer: Phantom – Electric, Phantom – Mechanical, Sport Comp – Electric, Sport Comp – Mechanical, Ultra-Lite – Electric, Ultra-Lite – Mechanical
VeeThree Instruments: Black Premier Elite Series, Black Sterling Elite Series, Sterling Platinum Elite Series, White Premier Elite Series, White Sterling Elite Series
Are they mechanical or electric?
ALL gauge options are electric EXCEPT the Phantom – Mechanical, Sport-Comp – Mechanical, and Ultra-Lite – Mechanical gauge sets. These mechanical sets include the oil pressure line and water temp tube. A mechanical gauge wiring harness (PN#5800) may be purchased separately, along with a speedometer cable adapter.
The electric gauges include the oil pressure sender and water temp senders. The Autometer and Elite Series all include a universal gauge wiring harness (PN#5200).
An electric speedometer no longer uses the speedo cable; a sending unit is required for it to function properly.
Some electric gauge bundles include a speedometer sending unit. The Autometer gauge bundles do NOT include a speedometer sending unit and must be purchased separately. The Elite Series gauge bundles include a speedometer sending unit.
How is an electronic speedometer better than cable driven?
Versatility is the primary advantage. A mechanical speedometer uses a cable driven by a gear inside the transmission. When you install a new mechanical speedometer, it will give you the same output as the old one, so you will use your speedo cable (adapter required).
An electric speedometer reads electric pulses that are counted and converted to miles per hour. This means the speedo cable will be eliminated and replaced by a speedometer sending unit.
This may be important to correct issues arising from a taller tire-wheel combination or a rear-end gear change that causes a cable-driven speedometer to give a false reading. The electric speedometer has a calibration circuit in it that allows the user to calibrate the speedometer to show the correct speed.
Which gauges are typically employed?
By far the most popular group of six gauges includes the 3-3/8” diameter speedometer and tachometer, plus 2-1/16” diameter oil pressure, water temperature, voltage and fuel quantity gauges. Most gauge styles offer a 5″ speedometer and tachometer as well.
Are others available?
Can I use my own gauges?
Yes, panels can employ other gauges —or they can be mounted in auxiliary panels. Some choices include oil temperature, boost gauge, transmission temperature, etc. We even have clocks available in most gauge styles!
Are panels available for 2-5/8″ gauges?
Are blank panels available without holes?
Yes, many of our panels are offered with no holes or as a blank panel. To see the entire lineup of our blank panels, visit https://classicdash.com/product-category/blank/
What tools are required for an installation?
Are wiring kits available?
Yes, we offer a variety of wiring harnesses depending on the gauges you plan to use.
Autometer gauges use PN# 5200 for the Universal Gauge Wiring Harness.
The Elite Series gauges use PN# 5700 for the Elite Series Wiring Harness.
Mechanical gauges will use PN# 5800 for the Mechanical Gauge Wiring Harness.
ALL wiring harnesses include every wire and connector that you will need for a complete installation, along with an illustrated 24-page color instruction booklet and LED kit for your turn signal, parking brake and high beam indicators.
How do I calibrate the new speedometer?
Regardless if you’ve changed tire sizes and/or gear ratios, the speedometer will “learn” your vehicle. Here are the steps for speedometer calibration:
1. With the power off, push and hold the calibration button located on the front of the speedometer.
2. While holding the button, start the vehicle and continue to hold the button until the pointer sweeps to full scale and stays at full scale.
3. You may now release the button.
4. Drive to the beginning of a pre-marked two mile stretch of road (i.e. a toll road with ACCURATE mileage markers) and come to a stop. It does not matter how far away the stretch of road is. DO NOT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE.
5. Push the release button and the pointer will drop to half scale.
6. Drive the two mile distance. The pointer will remain at the half scale mark no matter what speed you choose to drive during the two mile stretch. (If the speedometer has an LCD display odometer, it will be normal to see it counting rapidly as it receives a speed signal). If you have to stop during the calibration that is OK. The speedometer is simply counting pulses during this time.
7. At the end of the two mile distance, come to a complete stop, push and release the release button. The pointer will drop to 0 (zero) and the calibration will be stored.
Are there differences in fuel quantity gauges?
Yes, they vary by vehicle manufacturer. The key is the “ohm” value when the tank is empty. Some of the more popular values are 0-30 ohm, 0-90 ohm, 73-10 ohm, 16-158 ohm and 240-33 ohm. Classic Dash furnishes the correct unit for the application.
Can I use existing sending units?
Is there a warranty with the gauges?
AutoMeter gauges have a 1-year warranty.
Concourse Series gauges have a 1-year warranty.
Elite Series gauges have a 5-year warranty.
You must call us direct at (866) 882-3525 Monday – Friday from 7:30am PT – 4pm PT to obtain a return authorization number for ALL returns.
What is “half sweep” vs. “full sweep?”
Thinking of the gauge like a clock, the half sweep gauges go from about 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock. Full sweep gauges are about 7 o’clock to 4 o’clock. Most of our electric gauges are short sweep. Mechanical gauges tend to be full sweep.
Do they require dash frame modifications?
In most cases it’s a simple bolt-in situation. However, minor trimming may be required to achieve proper fitment. Some older vehicles (Camaro comes to mind) were built in multiple factories (Ohio and California) and were not 100% identical. Production methods weren’t as accurate and consistent as they are today. Please beware that multiple manufacturing plants mean that there may be some slight dimensional differences that need to be fabricated.