EQUIPMENT | Buyers Guide

EQUIPMENT | Buyers Guide

Gathered by suppliers or products, this buyer's guide serves as your primary reference for suppliers providing various types of inspection, measurement, and testing equipment. For a more comprehensive look at select supplier offerings, complete with detailed write-ups on key companies, access our eBook here.

Smart Buyers Guide

Select gauges for your street rod wisely!

So, what sets gauges apart? Aftermarket automotive instrument sets typically range from $199 to $499 or even higher for a speedometer and four instruments, inclusive of sending units! What accounts for this significant price range? Is the quality disparity that pronounced? The following information aims to equip you with the right questions to ask prior to making a purchase!

What may – and may not – be included in your instrument set!

Certain manufacturers offer lower-quality "wiggler"-type movements in their gauge sets, claiming their systems are "all-electric." Unfortunately, these manufacturers can legally promote and market even the "wigglers" as being "all-electric," highlighting a flaw in "truth in advertising." The quality differences can be stark, akin to contrasting the fuel gauge used in a lawn mower with one found in a luxury European vehicle costing $150,000!

This discrepancy also explains why some retail auto parts outlets can advertise "under-dash mounting panels featuring three electrical gauges and senders – all for $39.95"! Cost-cutting measures adopted by various manufacturers or distributors significantly affect what you receive. A prevalent cost-reduction tactic involves assembling instruments with "utility" or "industrial-grade" movements that are primarily engineered for industrial applications such as forklifts or graders. Such instruments would not typically be the best fit for a meticulously constructed street rod, drag car, or a custom show vehicle!

Moreover, exercise caution when considering a new "bargain-priced" gauge set! Ensure the "bargain set" includes all necessary components. One such "bargain set" lacks the Signal Generator required for the speedometer to function, necessitating a separate order for an additional $85!

If you wish to delve deeper, feel free to explore our offerings on gallopsensor.

Choosing wisely and observing keenly!

When people admire your car, their first instinct is usually to take a walk around before peering into the dashboard. This insight, confirmed through hundreds of observations, highlights a natural reaction to a car's presentation. The exterior delivers the initial impression, while the dashboard largely shapes the second.

This is not the moment to pat yourself on the back for scoring a fantastic deal on an "ordinary set of gauges" or for hastily deciding to get your prized vehicle on the road. A compromise on your dashboard or steering wheel leading to something that appears "off" or mismatched with your car's overall aesthetic will undermine your entire effort!

Don't let a "bargain" set of gauges tarnish the quality you've invested so much time and money into achieving. Your selection should transcend mere thriftiness; it should be rooted in the discernment of quality that enhances the value of your project car! Since you—and onlookers alike—will scrutinize your dashboard, ensure that the instruments you choose complement the style and color scheme of your interior and exterior.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY!

• Will the manufacturer communicate directly with me if I require assistance during ordering?
• Will my instrument set be complete, eliminating the need for additional shopping for specific adapters, bushings, etc.?
• Is the manufacturer recognized as a leader in fabricating the instrument type I seek for my vehicle?
• Are instrument dimensions and threads compliant with US-SAE standards instead of a foreign-making standard?
• Are the instrument lenses—clocks included—fabricated from glass rather than lexan or plastics?
• Does the warranty extend a minimum of three years?
• Will a faulty product be replaced with a new unit under warranty?
• Are the instruments genuinely manufactured in the U.S.A., not merely final-assembled using foreign components?
• Do all speedometers produced by the company have programmable electronic types easily installed by the owner?
• Is a fuel gauge included that reads accurately, even when paired with a sender from a different manufacturer?
• Are the instruments designed to minimize erratic pointer movements caused by vibrations during transit?
• Will my instruments be "Air-Core" and of "marine-quality" rather than the inferior "utility" or "industrial" grade?
• Are Gold Bezels made with genuine gold finish over solid stainless and hand-polished instead of merely clear-coated brass?
• Can I get technical support directly from a factory technician if needed?
• Can I order directly from the manufacturer if my local dealer is out of stock?
• Is the company primarily focused on designing and manufacturing instruments specifically for street rods?
• Is the company owned by street rodders who prioritize top-quality design and customer service?
• Does the manufacturer comprehend the various application specifications and parts combinations used in specialty vehicles?

Your commitment to quality is evident in your eagerness to construct a street rod! Avoid compromising the considerable hours of work already invested in your project vehicle. If a manufacturer or dealer presents a deal that seems "too good to be true," don’t hesitate to inquire further, pose the questions we've listed above, and be ready to seek alternatives if they fail to affirmatively respond!

Classic Instruments confidently says "YES" to all the aforementioned inquiries! We aim to be the company you would want to engage with! Just ask street rodders who possess the true "Classics" in their cars; we believe you'll be pleased with their feedback!

Choosing "Classics" means you're in good company!

If you are keen on delving deeper into the offerings of an industrial instrumentation supplier, reach out to us today for an expert consultation!