Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

[mountainmariner]

Hey All,
I am still working on my newest project(1978 20' fiberform, 350 sbc), and have found extensive damage in the dash cluster(my gauges are completely rusted out, the wires are just hanging there on my rpm, speed, fuel, and volt gauges)
My question, can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck(I can buy a complete dash, with all gauges at a local junkyard for $35, the cost of a new tach) on my boat, and if so, how do I connect it.
Any other ideas? I can buy "individual" gauges from the junkyard for $5 each. . ..can I make this work?
Thanks!
J.

 

[beermunk]

Re: Can I use a daxh "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and how?

Re: Can I use a daxh "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and how?

Hey All,
I am still working on my newest project(1978 20' fiberform, 350 sbc), and have found extensive damage in the dash cluster(my gauges are completely rusted out, the wires are just hanging there on my rpm, speed, fuel, and volt gauges)
My question, can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck(I can buy one at a local junkyard for $35, the cost of a new tach) on my boat, and if so, how do I connect it.
Any other ideas? I can buy "individual" gauges from the junkyard for $5 each. . ..will, and how, can I make this work?
Thanks!
J.

You could probably use a tach from an old car, but it's not going to be water proof. You're better spending the money to get something that will last.

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Thanks for the reply so fast!
I am going to do some custom fiberglass work on this(cuddy) and enclose the dash area as much as possible.(silicone, plexiglass shield, and ventilation)
any thoughts on replacing the entire dash panel?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Yeah, you want to get marine gauges as they can stand getting wet and dry out again, don't think you will get that lucky with automotive gauges. I have a set I took of my ol' 72 SeaSwirl that were still working perfect after 30+ years, even after getting soaking wet, having water pooled up in the bezels and being foggy inside,,, many times. They still worked while having water intrusion and dried out in a few days.

You can buy complete gauge clusters on Ebay, some new, some take-off's, some new and mounted into a dash panel.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Try Great Lakes Skipper (greatlakesskipper.com). You can buy new old stock gauges and panels very reasonably.

 

[John_S]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Well, at a minimum the speedo won't work and any mis-match of gauges to save a few dollars, would drive me crazy over time.

Along with the moisture condensation problems you will have over time, just not worth using auto stuff for this.

Great Lakes Skipper is good source, but due to shipping costs would explore your local boat dealers first. They always have a junker or two around. For most gauges, you will want the matching senders too.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Here is what will work and what won't work.

Tachometer: Depends on whether the tach came from a car with point or electronic ignition system and your boat has the same configuration.
Speedometer: Car is cable driven so it won't work on a boat.
Oil Pressure: This will work if the oil pressure sender from the donor vehicle is used.
Water Temp: This will work if the temp sender from the donor vehicle is used.
Fuel: This will not work as the sender for a car is not the same as a boat.
Voltmeter: This will work as it is not engine dependant.

Installation will be a problem since most vehicles for years have used printed circuit construction so making connections to the various gauges would require some mounting and electrical adptation work. If you are getting the idea that it would be far easier to install marine gauges you would be correct. Please check Greatlakesskipper.com as I suggested. You can't go wrong on complete panels. In fact I have this four-gauge unit (only with a white face) on my pontoon. They also have full panels for cheap.

http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/productdetail.cfm?CatID=7&SubCatID=666&ProductID=8671

http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/productdetail.cfm?CatID=57&SubCatID=488&ProductID=12291

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

Thanks for all the advice.. ..Planting my garden has taken precedence over the last few weeks, but now is crunch time!
I'll be asking more questions soon!
Good Luck All!
Counting the days!
J.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Can I use a dash "cluster" from a car/truck in my boat, and if so, how?

and don't presume that your old gauges are shot. If you pull them out and clean them up, they might work just fine with a simple rewiring.