Bought some of these.
I want them to be as integrated as possible, but ideally I'd like to avoid cutting up an original SS dash. So far the plan is to put the instrument cluster away for safe keeping and build a new structure to house the gauges, along with some surrounds that adapt it to the standard recesses. A bit like this.
Will be using locating rings to position the surrounds over the gauges. As per usual I couldn't find any aluminium the right size, not so bad now I have a furnace. The first couple used some old extrusions of unknown origin which cast fine but were a nightmare to machine, need to be more selective in future. This one's an old water pump housing.
After much machining on the lathe and a little on the mill.
As usual it took a few goes to get the correct shape on the 3D printing, but I'm pretty happy with these.
The surrounds are a very snug fit into the locating rings, which have a recess that sits around the gauge bezel. When the replacement thread tap arrives the holes will be tapped for some M3 screws. The gauges will be mounted in a place of aluminium or something like that, and attach to the back of the fascia as the original instrument cluster did. The locating rings will screw to it also.
Depth to the gauge face is supposed to be about the same as the originals.
Mock up. The speedo surround is a funny colour because I've started sanding it smooth. There's just enough depth in the original holes for the little flange at the front to sit flush.
Those with good eyes might also notice there are a couple of small protrusions in the quad gauge surround. These will house coloured LEDs for the brake warning and check engine lights.