The dash in this '57 Chevy has been upgraded thanks to a Classic Instruments Direct Fit gauge package. The added features from stock will ensure the driver is fully aware of the vehicle's operational status.
An Updated Gauge Cluster Provides More Information
When it comes to the gauge cluster of most classic Chevys, few provided much information past vehicle speed, fuel level, and an engine temp that ranged between hot and cold. In fact, the dash cluster in our project ’57 reflects just that, which leaves, literally, more information to be desired than is actually provided. Engine speed, oil pressure, and the state of the charging system was left up to the driver’s imagination, lest an “idiot light” or two. With today’s trend of ever-higher horsepower drivetrains and ever-increasing electrical loads, the need to keep a closer eye on the goings-on under the hood has never been greater.
The trio of Classic Instruments gauges features a central cluster that includes a 140-mph speedometer, 8K-rpm tach, voltmeter, oil pressure, and high-beam indicator. Turn signal indicators are also available as an option. Replacing the original water temp and fuel level gauges are similar units that match the central gauge and feature improved accuracy and display over stock.
In the case of our ’57 Chevy, the temp gauge provides a simple range of temps, the speedo reads inaccurately, and the fuel gauge suffers from “needle bounce.” The aforementioned lack of oil pressure, engine speed, and charging state from the cluster means we’ll be driving blind when it comes to the situation underhood.
Another add-on option is a matching clock that features quartz movement and push-button adjustment.
Thankfully, there are companies like Classic Instruments that step in and provide a wide range of gauge options that improve the coverage for nearly every classic Chevy on the market. Not only that, but they do so in a plug-and-play manner, many times using the stock gauge housing and bezels. The result is an updated gauge cluster that looks the part but performs superior.
The Direct Fit fuel gauge doesn’t ship with a sending unit and comes preconfigured to mate to the original sending unit’s 0- to 30-ohm range. For a more accurate experience, Classic Instruments offers this Holley Easy Level sender that uses LiDAR, laser imaging, detection, and ranging technology to precisely measure the depth of fuel in the tank. On-board buttons are used for setup and calibration, which can be done before installation. The dampening rate can also be adjusted to reduce gauge bounce due to fuel slosh, as well as the speed in which the gauge reacts to fuel level change.
Classic Instruments’ line of Direct Fit gauges are perfect for those builders who want an increase in coverage without cutting additional holes in the dash or adding pod-mounted gauges to the A-pillar or steering column. For the ’57, incorporating a number of separate gauges in a single, central gauge allows Classic to include more information in the same real estate as stock, without any modifications to the original gauge housing. Flanking the center cluster are a pair of electric gauges providing accurate engine temperature and fuel level. The result is a huge improvement in information relayed to the driver in a package that looks like it came from the factory, a win-win in anybody’s book!
ACP
Electric sending units for the oil pressure and water temperature gauges, however, come standard.The oil pressure sending unit for the LS engine will be located on the stock block-off plate near the oil filter …… while the temp gauge sending unit mounts in the driver side cylinder head.Installation of the gauge package begins with complete disassembly of the original gauge cluster. The stock gauge housing is reused, as are the chrome bezels.Three retaining brackets are included in the Classic Instruments kit to hold the gauges in place.Four screws affix the large bracket to the gauge housing, securing the center 4 5/8-inch gauge.The two flanking gauges are held in place using the other brackets and provided hardware.The cluster assembly is complete.The main, center gauge has a handful of loose wires that need connecting. From left, these connections are left turn indicator, tach input, dash light power, oil pressure sender, 12V switched, SN16 pulse signal generator, high beam indicator, right-turn indicator, not used, setup push button, ground, and speed signal.The water temp and fuel level gauges are wired separately,…each requiring a ground, 12V switched, dash light power, and respective sending unit connections.The gauge cluster is fully wired and ready to be connected to the vehicle’s wiring harness and sending units.We opted to use the stock turn signal indicators in the dash housing, so these will need to be wired as well.Wiring requirements of the clock consist of ground and 12V constant, in addition to dash light pigtails (not pictured), while the yellow wires mate to a push button used for setting the time.The assembled gauge housing is now ready for installation!