Launching new instrument package-looking for input

[marks914]

These are on-sale now, go to the last page and order up,
We expect to deliver all pre-orders 02/01/2011
Here are some updated images, as promised:

The 68 Series:




1969 Series




More hotrod/street rod, the Woodward Series





Eventually we will stock these in the 1940, 1967 Performance and Redline Series of gauges, and of course, we can alwas build a custom set

Mark


Mark

We just got the green light to kick off this program that has been on the back burner for a couple of months.
We want your input into the features you want in this particular package. Ideally, if we had a base package that would be great on its own, plus have the flexability to anticipate custom needs, we can have a great product at a great price. This is kind of how we approach all of our projects-actually find out what the customer wants.
The intent for the volume product is a set of 5" 3-in-1 gauges (see below)
My personal feeling is that the look is much more balanced than some of what is out on the market today. These will be able to be mounted in the stock dash in 67-69 Camaros, or any other vehicle that you have the room in. The mounting hole is 4-3/8 and the OD is 4-3/4.
It will have a fully programmable speedometer, tach, pressure, temp and 0-90 ohm fuel gauge.
What else do you need? Warning lamps, turn signals? shift lamps?
What RPM range are you looking for? Realistically, 8K is probably good for most, but if you guys want 10K let me know.
Speedo range? 140, 200?
We can do through the dial or perimiter lighting-which do you prefer?
Style-this is what we are really good at, what style are you looking for? OEM-era look? Super modern? retro?
What colors are you looking for?
One product will never be for everyone, but if we can do domething that has the basis everyone wants, we can easily change graphics, pointers, etc as needed.
Below is the basic setup we were going to start with, a 69-ish looking graphic, looks period, mint green graphics on a black background. But, its not what I think, its what you think that is important, so let us know what you want!
Thanks
Mark

[tellyv]

I think most people here would like something more race inspired than hot rod, or retro looking. Most cars on this website have auto meter sport comp type gauges I'd go for more of that look.

[marks914]

Originally Posted by tellyv

I think most people here would like something more race inspired than hot rod, or retro looking. Most cars on this website have auto meter sport comp type gauges I'd go for more of that look.

Thanks,
Thats kind of the point, there seems to be only a couple of players in the market and why settle for what everyone else has? I see plenty of cars that are simply awesome, until you get to the dash. With a limited amount of choices, everyone defaults to what everyone else has. the dash is the final frontier in completing a car, we are trying to step it up and bring some real style to the market.

Mark

[BonzoHansen]

Wow, I love them. I like the classic look. That is why the CIs are currently on my consideration list, along with having my OE ones rebuilt to modern standards.

Carte blanche?

Hell yeah turn signals. My #1 mark against the CIs.

Idiot lights? Low fuel (1/8th tank?) would be cool. Maybe just lights for volt/oil/temp to use senders? I'd guess programmable would be asking too much (money). Programmable shift light and MPH light (like a speedminder) would be nice to have. They can be small LEDs.

That 140 looks ok. I'd fear 200 would be too condensed. I'd have to see.

[marks914]

I hear you Scott, pricing will be VERY competitive, complete kit for under $500.00. We don't have a ton of overhead, so our prices are prety good, and we make all of our gauges at our shop here in Detroit.
We used to rebuild and retrofit instruments, but when it cost a customer $1500-$3K to do a full blown custom retrofit, it didn't make alot of sense. That is why we started building instruments that have the feel of an era. Get the period look, without the hit in the wallet.

Mark

[radrambler]

Ok

If i had a 69 camaro again these would be it !!
Love the less is more packaging..NOT 6 INDIVIDUAL GAUGES BUT TWO.
EYES on the dash and its all right there.
alot of FUEL INJECTION engine in these cars now..check engine light built in would be great.
If you want to stir things up get this set up rendered with different face types..kinda like a silver face with black numbers to compete with the comp autometerish deal .
i think until some of these guys see the face options rendered you wont know what sets them off..be alot of guessing.
Good luck and your product looks great !!!

Tom

[marks914]

Thanks Tom
We will probably have a few different styles. Trying to nail down content and positioning of components right now. Maybe we need to figue out how many warning lamps in each gauge. Maybe 4, 2 turn signals, hi beam and 2 warning lamps?
Mark

[Rick Dorion]

I like the idea of a classic look for my 68 with modern internals. Since I'd be looking at replacing my current setup, I'd need high beam and directional indicators. Warning light would suffice for volts. A built in programmable shift light would be great. I'd like to minimize extra gauge mounting. I like the picture you show of the classic look.

[Steve1968LS2]

I like the "all in two" approach to the 67/68 dashes.. nice and simple.

Classic Instruments makes on like this with the speedo/tach on one side and a "four pack" of gauges on the other side.

On their version the speed is large and the tack is a small sweeper at the bottom. I think a better idea would be to the the tack LARGE and the speedo just a small sweeper at the bottom. Or even have the speedo just be a small digital readout at the bottom. Tack is important, while MPH is just something you need to know to make sure you don't get a ticket.

Did that make sense?

As for warning lights my dream list would be: turn sigs, high beam, check engine and a very bright oil pressure warning light.

Nice stuff!

[marks914]

I think that the trick here is getting the right number/colors onto the PC board and then having icons that are generic, but meaningful at the same time. Turn signals will dedicate a gauge to a side, but that's life. If you don't need a certain function (like shift lamp) just don't hook it up, you won't see it until its on anyway. We use a dead front which conceals the lamps when off. I (probably myself) will come up with something to share.
Appreciate the input
Mark
Here is a custom set we did a while ago, came out pretty nice, kept the original theme of the car, with just turn signals and high beam.