Operation: Obtain e30>>SUCCESS>>Initiate project #2

[JCarp90]

That's a lazy ass solution, and one that won't last long either... I feel building one/retrofitting is the right thing to do, as just dropping in another stock one is just a matter of time before it breaks down too. Let's face it, these things are out of date, getting old and brittle, and could look a bit nicer. The only challenge really will be integrating/wiring the aftermarket gauges with the rest of the cluster while keeping all the other functions like signals, hazards, etc.

Greg's clusters are fully refurbished by him, including the SI boards. I feel like it's a pretty decent solution and will out last my car. I like your gauges, a lot, but I wanted to retain the stock look.

[Spyke]

Okay caught up on some projects and since I'm not going to worry about the cluster for right now, it's time to focus on the door panels. Just spent a few hours scraping adhesive (which is the most annoying part of these). Looks very pretty now, should be able to start shaping the prototype panel tomorrow.


IMG_20130731_195432 by Spyke e36/e30, on Flickr

[Cletonius]

It's a pain to remove the intake with the head on the engine. Using a racheting box end helped me greatly.

[Spyke]

Found a group that rebuilds stepper motors with 1-2 day turn around, so I may try that as a last resort.

I actually bought new intake manifold gaskets but couldn't access nearly any of the nuts for it so I skipped that... maybe I need to give it another shot.

[e30topdown]

^^what he said. Also, I had flaky idle/dying issues. Found intake mani gaskets leaking. While I had intake off, took it and valve cover for soda blasting and wrinkled black powdercoat. The new gaskets took care of the issues and it looked like I had a brand new engine!
Great job on build.

[jhaurimn]

Just read through this thread, nice job so far. I would have to agree with the person who said buy a used cluster. The issues you are having are definitely not the norm and the stock cluster is just so fitting for the car I wouldn't want to put some aftermarket gauges on...

Enjoy the car!

[Spyke]

That's the problem. There are no "new" ones, only ones that have been partially repaired. I know Greg, he's a local and I've already been at his place a few times. Don't get me wrong he's a smart guy and does this kind of work professionally but when the majority of parts are 30 years old and counting, I think it's time for a makeover.

[blck325is]

Nicely done man, I'm liking how thorough you've been with everything.

[Steven]

That's a lazy ass solution, and one that won't last long either... I feel building one/retrofitting is the right thing to do, as just dropping in another stock one is just a matter of time before it breaks down too. Let's face it, these things are out of date, getting old and brittle, and could look a bit nicer. The only challenge really will be integrating/wiring the aftermarket gauges with the rest of the cluster while keeping all the other functions like signals, hazards, etc.

idk i think the best thing to do would be to get a new one and re solder and refurbish it then put it in the car.

[Spyke]

That's a lazy ass solution, and one that won't last long either... I feel building one/retrofitting is the right thing to do, as just dropping in another stock one is just a matter of time before it breaks down too. Let's face it, these things are out of date, getting old and brittle, and could look a bit nicer. The only challenge really will be integrating/wiring the aftermarket gauges with the rest of the cluster while keeping all the other functions like signals, hazards, etc.

[JCarp90]

I've actually thought about doing that as well but... I'm too lazy to re-wire that stuff. I'll just pick up a new cluster from Greg's ///M.

[Steven]

just pick up another instrument cluster.

[Spyke]

Just about had it with the cluster... replaced gears, fixed SI board, odometer still doesn't move, tach stuck at 2k, fuel gauge bounces all over and can't be trusted. Looking into getting an empty cluster shell and using more modern gauges, trying to see what I am in for and if everything will be compatible.

I am liking these gauges since they look very similar to the OEM gauges:

[Spyke]

Car passed smog yaaay!

[Spyke]

All the power steering is done! Working great with the e36 rack, no leaks, no alignment needed.