Dash gauges

Mr Barnwood · #1 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 08:20 AM

I want to replace the dash in my Cobra as the layout is not very original looking. I ordered a new dash from Unique and as usual Alan was very helpful he’s gonna drill the new dash much more like original. When it came to gauges he says they use Autometer and I should just order them myself from Summit. They are so nice at Unique and I don’t wanna keep bugging them so I went on the Summit catalog and there are a lot of gauge choices to choose from. My question is what are you people using, I like the look of the Autometer Z series gauge but is there a better choice like Stewart Warner?
Thank you
Joe

bobcowan · #2 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 08:25 AM

IMO< Autometer is the best thing out there. Speedhut allows you to customize the gauges. But they have had some quality control issues in the past.

Mr Barnwood · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 08:27 AM

Thank you

Mr Barnwood · #4 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 01:02 PM

I have the gauges figured out, (Autometer) now how about toggle switches, which are the ones that look cool and work?

cycleguy55 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 01:14 PM

I'm happy with my VDO gauges, but Autometer has a good reputation.

Moriarty · #6 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 01:48 PM

If you want original look:
Nisonger Instruments :: the exclusive Smiths U.S. Warranty & Service Center since 1949

cycleguy55 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 02:26 PM

https://www.vdo-gauges.com/instrumen...on-chrome.html

xb-60 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moriarty

If you want original look:
Nisonger Instruments :: the exclusive Smiths U.S. Warranty & Service Center since 1949

I agree. Original 427 Cobras were fitted with Smiths gauges, and Nisonger is the place to go

Cheers
Glen

Unique427 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Barnwood

I have the gauges figured out, (Autometer) now how about toggle switches, which are the ones that look cool and work?

For toggle switches I use these.
50A and a nice solid feel when flipped on/off.
Switch is chrome metal

United Pacific 40004
On-Off Heavy Duty Toggle

United Pacific 40005
On-Off-On Heavy Duty Toggle

ERA 626 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-27-2020, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moriarty

If you want original look:
Nisonger Instruments :: the exclusive Smiths U.S. Warranty & Service Center since 1949

Peter is OK to deal with until you have a problem then he turns into a mr. know it all a$$hole.. JMO... good luck

flipper35 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-28-2020, 02:43 PM

I replaced the bad VDO with Speedhut with the GPS speedo some time ago. So far so good but it hasn't been driven much.

xb-60 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-28-2020, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA 626

Peter is OK to deal with until you have a problem then he turns into a mr. know it all a$$hole.. JMO... good luck

Oh

That's not the way I found him at all. Peter was extremely helpful.
The Smiths manufacturers, Caerbont (in Wales, UK) are also easy to deal with, and quite generous as well. I needed a new bezel for a gauge, and they sent me one at no cost, even postage paid by them....and I'm in Australia

Cheers,
Glen

FredG · #13 (**permalink**) 09-29-2020, 07:03 AM

When I installed my carbon fiber dash I also replaced all my gauges with carbon fiber face autometers. They have worked out very well. The big plus is the backlighting is LED. Much brighter.

vntgspd · #14 (**permalink**) 09-29-2020, 03:41 PM

The Autometer "COBRA" series is a nice low-buck alternative to the Smiths. I have Stewart Warner and they have a nice "old vibe" to them but I would take Smiths in a heartbeat.

Since you are going to the trouble to create a whole new dash layout for the sake of originality, I would strongly suggest Smiths if it fits your budget. If not, then AM Cobra.

FredG · #15 (**permalink**) 09-30-2020, 11:24 AM

I removed the original Backdraft padded dash, gauges, toggles and lights. Installed Carbon Fiber dash, Carbon Fiber Autometer LED gauges, new toggles, horn and start buttons and replaced all incandescent warning lights with LED lights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

When I installed my carbon fiber dash I also replaced all my gauges with carbon fiber face autometers. They have worked out very well. The big plus is the backlighting is LED. Much brighter.

Danr55 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-01-2020, 05:54 AM

I have Smith's gages. Much prefer the original.look

sracer5 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-01-2020, 08:42 PM

Ive decided to edit my post. After emailing again , - I heard from Nissongers and they are saying they will resolve my situation !

RUFdriver · #18 (**permalink**) 10-02-2020, 08:42 AM

Speedhut all day everyday!

ERA 626 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-02-2020, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sracer5

Yep ! I’ve called , emailed Peter for over a year and been promised a refund / gauge replacement For a defective gauge numerous times. I have spent WAY too much time contacting him about such a small amount of money , but for a time I tried to be patient. I ordered a full smiths set from him for my ERA and received a defective water temp gauge. He said I had to send it in so it could be evaluated. I needed the gauge before last years Tx cobra meet and couldn’t wait for the evaluation , so I bought another gauge from him. I,ve contacted him so many times I can’t count. I offered to let him substitute a volt gauge instead of a refund - he said the volt gauge was less expensive and he would send it and refund the difference. 18 months later and I’ve gotten nothing but the runaround. And , yes I have kept all out email correspondence. Last one said that the gauge would be on its way in a few days along with the refund of the difference. That was 3 or 4 months ago. I’ve since emailed him numerous times with no reply. I wouldn’t use him again !

my experience exactly... I purchased a full set of smiths gauges from Peter. He shipped them with no issues. EXCEPT when I installed them.He had shipped the WRONG oil pressure sender. After SEVERAL phone calls with Peter and him doing nothing but accusing me of wiring it wrong ( I am an electrician by Trade) he was often times being just plain rude.

Then the return game, instead of simply sending me a replacement gauge and sender he simply told me to return it for a repair (thats right a REPAIR on a BRAND NEW GAUGE) I sent the gauge and paid return shipping (he refused to send me a call tag)
Then after over a month of waiting, he told me his repair tech guy was out with COVID... this went on for about 3 months or so... I (not Peter) figured out that he sent me the wrong sender which explains why the gauge did not work. Peter finally after all the blaming me game finally sent the correct sender. He then refused to pay for return shipping. At this point its not the money at all, the guy was a straight up a$$hole.. I ended up going straight to the guy in the UK and he was sympathetic and apologized for Peter attitude... at the end of the day I would NEVER deal with nissonger EVER again. Go straight to the guy in the UK he will ship to you...and he actually understands the concept of customer service... good luck with nissonger.

desgros@vtlink. · #20 (**permalink**) 10-02-2020, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

Oh

That's not the way I found him at all. Peter was extremely helpful.
The Smiths manufacturers, Caerbont (in Wales, UK) are also easy to deal with, and quite generous as well. I needed a new bezel for a gauge, and they sent me one at no cost, even postage paid by them....and I'm in Australia

Cheers,
Glen

Peter is and has been exceptional to work with.

John
ERA #3010 Slabside 289 SB BRG