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1957 Chevy Gauge Upgrade

An Updated Gauge Cluster Provides More Information

By Ryan Manson   –   Photography by the Author

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.

002140 mph speedometer 8K rpm tach voltmeter oil pressure and high beam indicator
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.

003 matching clock that features quartz movement and push button adjustment
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.

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004 Classic Instruments offers this Holley Easy Level sender that uses LiDAR
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

005 Electric sending units for the oil pressure and water temperature gauges however come standard
Electric sending units for the oil pressure and water temperature gauges, however, come standard.
006 The oil pressure sending unit for the LS engine will be located on the stock block off plate near the oil filter
The oil pressure sending unit for the LS engine will be located on the stock block-off plate near the oil filter …
007 the temp gauge sending unit mounts in the driver side cylinder head
… while the temp gauge sending unit mounts in the driver side cylinder head.
008 Installation of the gauge package begins with complete disassembly of the original gauge cluster
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.
009 Three retaining brackets are included in the Classic Instruments kit to hold the gauges in place
Three retaining brackets are included in the Classic Instruments kit to hold the gauges in place.
010 Four screws affix the large bracket to the gauge housing
Four screws affix the large bracket to the gauge housing, securing the center 4 5/8-inch gauge.
011 The two flanking gauges are held in place using the other brackets and provided hardware
The two flanking gauges are held in place using the other brackets and provided hardware.
012The cluster assembly is complete
The cluster assembly is complete.
013 The main center gauge has a handful of loose wires that need connecting
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.
014 The water temp and fuel level gauges are wired separately
The water temp and fuel level gauges are wired separately,
015 12V switched dash light power and respective sending unit connections
…each requiring a ground, 12V switched, dash light power, and respective sending unit connections.
016 The gauge cluster is fully wired and ready to be connected to the vehicle's wiring harness and sending units
The gauge cluster is fully wired and ready to be connected to the vehicle’s wiring harness and sending units.
017 We opted to use the stock turn signal indicators in the dash housing so these will need to be wired as well
We opted to use the stock turn signal indicators in the dash housing, so these will need to be wired as well.
018 Wiring requirements of the clock consist of ground and 12V constant
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.
019 The assembled gauge housing is now ready for installation
The assembled gauge housing is now ready for installation!

Sources
Clampdown Competition
clampdowncomp.com

Classic Instruments
(800) 575-0461
classicinstruments.com

Click on this issue’s cover to see the enhanced digital version of 1957 Chevy Gauge Upgrade.

acp june 2024

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