i want to build a new dash for my 1990 cherokee using aftermarket gauges (tach, speedo (maybe), volts, oil pressure, fuel lvl, temp).

how involved is it? can I get some autometer gauges or VDO gauges that will just plug right in?

the dash will be an aluminum panel riveted to the dash bars of the cage Im going to install. im planning on reworking a lot of the wiring to simplify it and clean it up.


thanks

I just got a Mooneyes set that came with the sending units for the fuel level, oil pressure, and water temp. The speedo, tack and volt gauges all work out of the box. It's been a bit of a project for me but I hacked out half of my dash and moved stuff around and welded a bunch of stuff in different places but to do what you are doing with just taking out the old stuff and throwing in gauges is easy.
HTH

Originally posted by indulf
i want to build a new dash for my 1990 cherokee using aftermarket gauges (tach, speedo (maybe), volts, oil pressure, fuel lvl, temp).

how involved is it? can I get some autometer gauges or VDO gauges that will just plug right in?

the dash will be an aluminum panel riveted to the dash bars of the cage Im going to install. im planning on reworking a lot of the wiring to simplify it and clean it up.


thanks

no you wont ind gauges that wil just plug into your factory wiring. You are going to have to add new sending units elswhere in the block/manifold for water temp, oil. pressure.

You probably wont be able to use the holes provided by the old senders (for Water temp anyway) because the ECU is gonna need temp readings from them. volts is easy, just tap a hot wire. tach will have to be tapped into the distributor.

Nothings really a huge deal, but it is not "easy".

what id like to do is just get rid of all the wiring from the firewall back. here's a plan..

-keep the ECU, TCU (its an auto), and engine wiring stock.
-ditch all wiring from firewall back (except TCU stuff)
-install new senders for gauges, install new gauges
-new wiring for lights/brakelights/signals
-pushbutton starter (with keyed switch)
-painless wiring accessory fuseblock for cb, scanner, radio etc.

i think ill have a better idea of what im getting into once i start taking it all apart.

thanks