Gauge disappointment

stephen low · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 02:32 AM

Well after months of waiting I picked up my replacement gauges from Howards Instruments.

I had the older Smiths cobra style, which when I first lit them up after dark, showed all the faults in terms of finish quality on the replacement faces.

This happened about nine months after I had bought the gauges but to Rodger Howard's credit, without even battering and eyelid, he offered to replace the gauges.

Clearly his line about using a new gauge face supplier meant there were possibly issues already raised and noted, but it was the principal of the issue.

Anyway the new gauges use the modern through the gauge/dial lighting, so I'll be interested to see how these look lit up.

But the big disappointment - No "Smith's" markings.

Seems Howards got a slap on the wrist and had to abandon using "Smith's" on the refaced gauges - double bugga!!

It was this small detail that had led me to use the gauges.

Seems trademark envy is alive and kicking for Smith's gauge fans.

Ciao

sambo · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 03:02 PM

Slowy, that's a shame that you lost the authentic look for legal reasons, but I guess Smith's have a right to protect their brand. Personally, I would rather have been consulted before the product was altered though.

Have you been able to hook the new gauges up to a 12v power source and compare the quality?

stiffy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 04:25 PM

Slowly

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Seems Howards got a slap on the wrist and had to abandon using "Smith's" on the refaced gauges - double bugga!!

Being a Smith myself I agree with Mr Howard

P.S. How do you think i am funding the Daytona!!!!!

STIFFY

richardferguson · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 05:42 PM

I'm with the Stiff on this one. You want Smiths, you buy Smiths.
Hey Stiffy, any pics of the Daytona?
Richard

stephen low · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 06:22 PM

Hmmm not when they were twice the price, mechanically operated and a local decent looking variant was then available.

boxhead · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 07:57 PM

I suppose thats the choice of the consumer, if they want the Smiths name then you pay for it.

schipps · #7 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:04 PM

I think we can gauge your dissappointment from this side of the computer screen Slowy...

I got my Smiths Telemetrix gauges from the gauge guys in the USA delivered for under $1000 AUD. Pics are in my gallery.

I thought it was a good price compared to what was around in Oz.

cheers

Mick

Aussie Mike · #8 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen low

Hmmm not when they were twice the price, mechanically operated and a local decent looking variant was then available.

That sounds like the argument made by many a replica Cobra builder when asked "Is it a real one?"

LoBelly · #9 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

You want Smiths, you buy Smiths

Quote:

want the Smiths name then you pay for it

So that 'Cobra' you're driving - its a CSX?

LoBelly

damn - 2nd again

stephen low · #10 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 11:29 PM

Close Michael its a Superformance, so somes of us can afford almost the real thing. Well far more than I've shelled out anyway!!

As for me, hell no I'm on a budget but I was getting a certain look for the extra money.

Just have to get used to the new gauges I spose.

Cheers

stiffy · #11 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 01:15 AM

Hey Rich,

Not as yet, I will be going out to Doug's on Saturday to get stuck in again so I will take some more then.

STIFFY

BMK · #12 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 02:20 AM

Smiith...:

Aussie Mike · #13 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 06:21 AM

Good idea Bernie. They should print Smifs on there or something like that.

I bought some Lee Jies jeans in the Philipines once.

Cheers

Wazza · #14 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 05:29 PM

FULL SET OF GENUINE SMIFFS GAUGES FOR SALE....BEST OFFER !!!!

Just give me time for the paint to dry !!

Wazza · #15 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiffy

Slowly

PHP Code:


			
Seems Howards got a slap on the wrist and had to abandon using "Smith's" on the refaced gauges - double bugga!!

Being a Smith myself I agree with Mr Howard

P.S. How do you think i am funding the Daytona!!!!!

STIFFY

C'Mon Stiffy....I've seen your gauges.....Genuine "Stiffs"

!

PCC · #16 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 09:26 PM

Stephen,

The best set of gauges I've seen on a Cobra were on Blair's car. they are the ultimate and the blue backlight is awesome.

Maybe he'll chirp in and provide some details.

stiffy · #17 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 09:52 PM

Wazza,

Quote:

FULL SET OF GENUINE SMIFFS GAUGES FOR SALE....BEST OFFER !!!!

Just give me time for the paint to dry !!

I noticed it only goes to 9"

Give me a break!!!!!!!

STIFFY

Rob. Smith · #18 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 11:12 PM

My "other" cobra build project has VDO gauges with the faces re printed with "Smiths" logo on them. Aparently done locally here in Newcastle.
Smithy.

hodson · #19 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 03:03 AM

The gauges that Blair has in his cobra are from Autometer in the US. They are from the Cobalt range. I have the same gauges going into my cobra in due course. They come with blue LED's and look great.

Colin

Tenrocca · #20 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCC

Stephen,

The best set of gauges I've seen on a Cobra were on Blair's car. they are the ultimate and the blue backlight is awesome.

Maybe he'll chirp in and provide some details.

They are only the ultimate if they suit his style of car. By the looks of things he is after a traditional looking gauge - so making the dash look like a ricer might not be the look hes after.