Gauges are the instruments that show us the things we need to know about our trucks. Is it running hot? How fast am I going? Do I still have oil pressure after bottoming out? These are all questions gauges will answer. Every truck has at least a few gauges, but for the most part those are boring. We compiled this guide to show you what's out there and where to get it. There isn't enough room in this whole book to print every gauge, so we took a sample of the coolest. So sit back and enjoy our guide to gauges.
Auto Meter has a few new lines of gauges for '08: the ES, GS, and Retro. The ES (black bezel) and GS (chrome bezel) gauges are available in short-sweep electric, mechanical, and electric full-sweep. The ES lights up red, while the GS lights up green thanks to Auto Meter's signature, high-definition, through-the-dial LED illumination. The 3-3/4-inch, pedestal-mount, retro-style tachometer accurately reproduces styling cues of the first tachometers produced by Auto Meter in the late '50s and early '60s. Beneath their shiny exterior these tachometers are all business, featuring the same high-quality, race-proven, precision air-core movements that Auto Meter uses in all of its racing tachs.
Auto Meter
(866) 248-6356
www.autometer.com
For all you air-suspension guys, check out Air-Zenith's LED digital air-pressure gauge. This gauge is rated to 220 psi and has two faceplates available (White or Smog). Every gauge comes with an electrical pressure-sending unit and a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
Air-Zenith USA
(702) 270-7988
www.air-zenith.com
AEM is proud to introduce its digital-display gauge line that includes sensors and all necessary hardware in one box. The digital-display gauges are available for oil pressure, fuel pressure, water temp, trans temp, oil temp, boost, and voltage. Each gauge includes 24 sweeping LED lights for immediate reference to the measured parameter, and an integrated three-digit display that reveals real-time operating conditions.
AEM
www.aempower.com
(310) 484-2322
Got 'bags? Then AVS has air gauges for you to consider. Available in single- or dual-needle models, the face of the 2-inch AVS gauge is brushed aluminum and has black markings up to 200 psi. Both models have an aluminum trim ring and built-in lighting.
AVS
(559) 486-5444
www.airbagparts.com
Give your truck an instant aircraft look with these precision-machined Cockpit Rings designed to fit on 2.125-inch and 3.75-inch Classic Instruments gauges. The large speedo ring features turn-signal and high-beam LED lights in the simulated adjuster knobs. The rings feature a matte-black powdercoat finish with machine screws at each corner. They are in stock and ready to ship and carry a full 5-year warranty.
Classic Instruments
(800) 575-0461
www.classicinstruments.com
Brothers' '47-'72 billet panels are constructed of aircraft-quality aluminum which has been machined to fit perfectly into the dash using the existing mounting holes. The billet insert comes in a machined "brushed" finish, and the gauges mount from the rear of the panel for a flush look. The '47-'59 gauge packages include a mechanical speedometer and electrical oil pressure, water temperature, voltmeter, and 0-30 ohm fuel gauge. The '60-'66 gauge packages include the same gauges as well as a 0-7,000 rpm tachometer. The '67-'72 insert is designed to accept Auto Meter Competition gauges, which are sold separately.
Brothers Mail Order Industries
(800) 977-2767
www.brotherstrucks.com
If you've got a '55-'59 or other classic Chevrolet truck, then check out what Dakota Digital has for you. The vacuum fluorescent instrument package is a six-gauge system that has a 255-mph speedometer, 0-9,990 rpm tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and voltage gauges. The system also features odometer/trip odometer, turn signal, high beam, check engine, brake, and cruise control indicators. It is available in your choice of a blue, green, or high-contrast teal-colored display. This package includes the required senders and features the Series III control box with pushbutton speed calibration and user-adjustable warning points for oil pressure and water temperature.
Dakota Digital
(800) 852-3228
www.dakotadigital.com
Looking to replace those faded or broken gauges in your '67-'72 truck? Then Early Classic Enterprises has what you need. You can get each gauge individually, or you can order a pre-assembled cluster in a shiny new bezel. Not only does it offer the gauges, but ECE has the proper printed circuit card and lens for a clean rebuild. Don't forget to check out the ultra-rare vacuum gauge, because you probably won't find one of those in the wrecking yard.
Early Classic Enterprises
(888) 777-0395
www.earlyclassic.com
Edelbrock, known for producing a variety of performance-building products, now offers a line of pressure gauges to monitor your nitrous and fuel systems. Edelbrock's nitrous gauges are calibrated for 0-1,400 psi and are available in 1-1/2-inch diameter for bottle-mounted applications and illuminated 2-5/8-inch diameter for dash or pod-mounted applications. The fuel-pressure gauges are available for carbureted (0-15 psi) and fuel-injection (0-100 psi) applications. You can get these in either a 1-1/2-inch or 2-5/8-inch diameter with a liquid-filled illuminated face.
Edelbrock Corp.
(800) 416-8628
www.edelbrock.com