new gauges

neomagus00
neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
edited May 2005 in Custom Fabrication
weelll, summer is approaching, and i'm overflowing with ideas, one of which is to replace my stock gauges.

i'm thinking of going with AutoMeter, specifically the cobalt line. has anyone ever used or heard of this company? reputation? other people i should look at?

i'm going to glass a panel for the gauges i want, to go in the stock location. all i want are a couple extra numbers in front of me, but i still want the cluster to look uniform, so i go with aftermarket.
It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

"Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
Post edited by neomagus00 on

Comments

  • spwuinmk67
    spwuinmk67 Posts: 797
    edited April 2005
    I was actually thinking about doing the same thing soon. All mine are green, and my amps, hu, etc, are blue. I'm not familiar with them myself, so be sure to post anything you find.
    1993 Ford Ranger super cab:
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P880PRS
    MB Quart QSD216
    in need of amps and subs

    Home:
    52" Sharp Aquos
    PolkAudio Monitor 10's
    Harmon Kardon HK3375
    Xbox 360
    PolkAudio XM tuner

    Owner and co-designer of www.basicholdem.com
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    AutoMeter is a very reputable gauge company, from what I know. Not that I've done any customizing or anything of that sort myself, but I've done a lot of reading and drooling about it, and just about every install in 'Popular HotRodding' has AutoMeter gauges.

    I had never thought about fiberglassing the panel to mount your gauges to. Interesting idea. Good luck!
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    After visiting their site I must say that I personally wouldn't choose the Cobalt series, but they do look pretty cool. What kind of car are they going in?
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • neomagus00
    neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
    edited April 2005
    for what reason would you not choose cobalt? which would you pick over them? i chose them because they looked clean and blue, but i thought they might be a bit flashy, this is intended to be a stealth install (and the whole car is working towards a stealth look, down to black paint and wheels, eventually :)).

    this car is mine, and so if i have anything to say about it, they're going in there.
    It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

    "Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    The only reason I wouldn't choose the Cobalt line is aesthetics. I personally like the UltraLites, but they're expensive and not too inconspicuous. If you're going for stealth, I kind of like the way the Z-Series looks. However, it's your car; whatever you like!
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    Well....he obviously didn't like my recommendations!
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • spwuinmk67
    spwuinmk67 Posts: 797
    edited April 2005
    Do any of us ever? :D
    1993 Ford Ranger super cab:
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P880PRS
    MB Quart QSD216
    in need of amps and subs

    Home:
    52" Sharp Aquos
    PolkAudio Monitor 10's
    Harmon Kardon HK3375
    Xbox 360
    PolkAudio XM tuner

    Owner and co-designer of www.basicholdem.com
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    *walks out and slams the door*
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    *slowly opens door and peeks in*
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • neomagus00
    neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
    edited April 2005
    *shakes head in confused condescension*

    no, i've been looking around a bit, and it occurred to me that the cobalt line has WAY more useful gauges than most of the other lines. plus it matches the blue/black theme i'm starting to put together.

    so, these six are what i think i want, even though i have NO idea how expensive and complicated it's gonna be to hook them all up:

    1,2) tach and speedo, obviously
    3,4) water temp and fuel level, basic diagnostics
    5) vacuum/boost gauge, turbo

    all of the above is stock, but this is why i wanted a gauge, to tell me how my precious electrical system is doing:
    6) voltmeter, duh
    pyrometer, cause this engine gets freakin hot, and i don't wanna mod it till it explodes (i want to stop just before then :))

    now, a single small gauge seems like a pretty crappy excuse to go spend lots of money and time, and my enthusiasm is beginning to wane. plus, the stock gauges have this neato feature that will blank out all but the most important bits of info at night, to reduce cabin illumination.

    hmm... i'm thinkin real hard about whether or not to continue considering this...
    It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

    "Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by neomagus00
    the stock gauges have this neato feature that will blank out all but the most important bits of info at night, to reduce cabin illumination.

    That's pretty awesome.
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • neomagus00
    neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
    edited April 2005
    it is very useful, i just wish my HU could do the same, then it would be utterly black inside the car at night... very cool.

    so, upon many reflections, second thoughts, and sleepless classes, i have decided to abandon the gauge project. thank you all for tuning in.
    It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

    "Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited April 2005
    Oil pressure gauge is a good one.
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by neomagus00
    and sleepless classes

    Haha! Good one!
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • AustinKP
    AustinKP Posts: 861
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by neomagus00
    it is very useful, i just wish my HU could do the same, then it would be utterly black inside the car at night... very cool.
    My Alpine will do that. I thought you had one? Can't remember...
    http://www.silverdragon.com/punkie/cybertusk/net.idiot.html - Read it, know it

    Alpine 9815
    Polk MM6's in custom fiberglass door pods
    Ascendant Audio Atlas 12
    HiFonics Zeus ZX6400 - 85x2 + 350x1
    2 Gallons SecondSkin Spectrum V.2
  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited April 2005
    my escort 8500 radar detector has a voltmeter
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
  • neomagus00
    neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
    edited May 2005
    that's just weird

    and austin, i have a pioneer
    It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

    "Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
  • AustinKP
    AustinKP Posts: 861
    edited May 2005
    Originally posted by exalted512
    my escort 8500 radar detector has a voltmeter
    -Cody
    uh, why? That's the problem with all the radar detectors these days... they keep adding "features", when what we really need is "radar detection"... if I ever get a radar detector, I'm going with Valentine One. Although I hear that the new top-of-the-line escort is performing much better than before.
    http://www.silverdragon.com/punkie/cybertusk/net.idiot.html - Read it, know it

    Alpine 9815
    Polk MM6's in custom fiberglass door pods
    Ascendant Audio Atlas 12
    HiFonics Zeus ZX6400 - 85x2 + 350x1
    2 Gallons SecondSkin Spectrum V.2
  • neomagus00
    neomagus00 Posts: 3,899
    edited May 2005
    i run a valentine one on roadtrips, it's performed admirably (especially in avoiding lasers - it'll catch the reflections from the traffic ahead of you and give you about 10mph of time)
    It's not good, very fundamentally simply not good. - geolemon

    "Its not good enough until we have real-time fearmongering. I want my fear mongered as it happens." - Shizelbs
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Polk Woodpecker Posts: 0
    edited May 2005
    I use these guys for gauges:
    Dakota Digital
    We also use Autometer. The radar detector I use is made by K40. It's very expensive, but they do pay for your tickets if you own one of their systems:
    Undetectable Dual System
    Laser Diffuser Plus
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited May 2005
    Wow. That's some pretty amazing radar/laser detection stuff. They seem to stand behind their equipment, too.

    What do you have yours installed in?
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB

    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii

    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited May 2005
    Originally posted by AustinKP
    uh, why? That's the problem with all the radar detectors these days... they keep adding "features", when what we really need is "radar detection"... if I ever get a radar detector, I'm going with Valentine One. Although I hear that the new top-of-the-line escort is performing much better than before.
    Its a nice feature to have, I use it quite often. I had a Valentine 1 and it worked great until it just died on me after a year of use. I bought it brand new too. So I bought my 8500 and its noticeably better than the V1. I liked the V1 because it had arrows but 25% of the time the arrows were wrong. The 8500 seems to have better detection on all the bands and MUCH LESS false alarms. That is what I like most about it. It also looks a helluva lot better. The Escort 8500X50 is supposed to be even better than the 8500...
    I've heard many good things about K40s radar jamming, but I've heard that the radar detector itself is inferior to both the V1 and the 8500. Someday I might get the jammer but its very expensive and the warranty only works if you get it installed by a dealer
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it