How do I order a set of custom gauges do you ask? We can easily put something together for you but its best to have some sort of idea what you are looking for.
We can do
1. Individual gauges and gauge kits - You install in your dash as needed
2. Existing Direct fit kits- modified. We modify/create custom dials on one of our exiting Direct-fit kits
3. Gauge in a Panel - We create a bracket to install our gauges similar to our direct-fit kits
4. Custom Cluster - We design and build a custom cluster
First things first: How are you going to plan on installing gauges in your dash? Are you going to be using standalone gauges like a 2 or 6 gauge kit?
INDIVIDUAL GAUGES AND KITS:
Above: 37215-02 2 gauge 4-3/8" mounting hole
Above Performance II 6 gauge kits with 4-3/8 or 3-7/16 speedo/tach and 2-1/16" minor gauges.
If you are going to use our standard gauges make sure they will fit, take a look at our DIMENSIONED DRAWING PAGE
SHORT OR FULL SWEEP?
Now you have to choose between short or full sweep. In general, short sweep gauges are perimeter lit, full sweep gauges are backlit. The accuracy of either style is the same, the resolution, however is different. For example a short sweep gauge has a sweep of 90 degrees, a full sweep has a movement of 260 degrees
Above: short sweep gauge
Above: Full sweep gauge.
NVU DIRECT FIT KITS:
Or do we need to modify one of our direct fit kits?
Above 67-68 Mustang with custom ranges and backlighting colors
Above: 67-67 GM truck kit with some modifications.
GAUGES IN A PANEL:
We can design a bracket or panel that mounts in your existing location. This option is great when you want new gauges but do not necessarily want to spend the additional cost on an entire cluster. We can add indicators, graphics, whatever you need for your custom bracket assembly. Usually $295.00-$395.00 for a custom bracket. (some may be less if easy to duplicate).
We will need your original cluster, dash bezel and any information as to what may be behind there. Before quoting, its best if you can figure out what size gauges will fit, its easy all you need to do is check out our DIMENSIONED DRAWINGS.
Above: Custom Gauges and panel for an RX-7. Fits in the stock housing and included indicators.
Above: Gauges and panel for a BMW. Creates a race inspired look with BMW grapohics
CLUSTERS:
OR do you need a cluster "retrofit". A retrofit is where we basically make a duplicate cluster of your set that bolts in the same location. The gauges are clustered together in one piece and not individual gauges. This is typically used where an individual kit will not work for one reason or another.
Above: 55-59 GM truck cluster
Above: Custom cluster with CFR graphics.
GRAPHICS:
That is a great place to start. Now what the heck do you want this thing to look like?
Stock? Sure we can do that
Custom? Sure we can do that too.
Either way its best to have some images on hand. If you need a custom design, gather up some images you like and send them in when we start the quote.
Colors: sure we can print just about any color.
Color matching: We have a stock palette of colors we generally use. If you need a color match, we can get it pretty close by eye, just remember once the dial is behind a lens the color will be off a bit. We charge $95 per hour to color match, it genrally takes less than an hour.
LIGHTING:
We use 2 different types of lighting. Perimeter lit and backlit:
Backlit: This lights like a modern OE gauge using LEDs and lights through the dial graphics and lit pointer. We can light the graphics or any area of the graphics any color, it can usually be different than the day (unlit) color as well)
Above/Below: backlit gauges
Perimeter, or sometimes flood lit gauges are lit by light coming from around the dial. Typically we use incandescent bulbs but we can also use LEDs or colored LEDs.
Above: Perimeter lit white speedometer.
INDICATORS
NVU was the first instrument company to have integrated indicators in the gauges, we started a trend that almost seems like a regular thing now. We can install indicators just about anywhere in most of the 4-3/8 and 3-3/8" gauges. Here are some general rules.
4-3/8 and 3-3/8" speedometers and tachometers with OLED screen. Yes we can custom insert LEDs just about anywhere but for ease of building and costs, its best to stay with one of our standard layouts. We have a board that uses 3 LEDs near the center. This is nice because there are typically not any graphic this close to the pointer.
We can also place them in other areas for $49 per light (below):
We can also "deadfront" most colors so that the indicators are invisible. You can also opt to have them visible (not on) when off.
Multifucction (quad) and 2-1/16" gauges, there just is not room in there for indicators unless we do a fill custom board.
POINTERS
We have three basic "stock" styles of pointers we use.
Below: Backlit pointer. This has a red polycarbonate lit area that is printed red on the back. We recommend leaving it red, but for an additional charge we can strip the red and print a color on the back. The reason for the clear/color is so that the pointers will light at night on a backlit gauge. This style also features a molded hub to cover the center. Its a nice modern look. While this pointer style can be used on all sizes and perimeter lit gauges, it MUST be used on all backlit gauges.
Below: Spun Hub pointer. This can be used on back lit or perimeter lit gauges. May interfere (cover) indicators on existing perimeter lit gauges that have the metal pointers below, custom dial may be required. This also requires a larger pointer hole.
Below: Contoured or "Woodward" pointer, This is a metal stamping e-coated red pointer. We can also paint other colors to suit your build. This is a higher end OE look pointer.
Below: Pool Cue or 1940 pointer. This is a metal stamping e-coated black pointer. We can also paint other colors to suit your build. This has a hotrod feel that is great in any classic, traditional build.
Below: Custom pointers. We can laser cut and assemble any shape perimeter lit pointer. We can also make them any length and any color. (longer pointers may require thicker material.
BEZELS:
We have polished stainless and matte black available. We can upon request do a spun machined finish as well:
Above: spun stainless bezels.
RANGES
Speedometer
All of our Phoenix speedometers can be custom programmed to any degree of sweep (0-300 degree) with any range in MPH or Km/h.
Mechanical speedometers are locked and cannot be changed, only available in MPH.
Tachometer
All of our Phoenix speedometers can be custom programmed to any degree of sweep (0-300 degree) with any range.
Temperature (water, oil, trans)
We do have some custom options available as far as range but in general its best to stay with the pre-set ranges.
Short sweep: We have 140F-260F (60C-120C) and 160F-300F (70C-150C)
Full sweep: We have 100F-280F (40C-140C) and 140F-320F (60C-160C)
Pressure (oil, boost, etc)
Short and full sweep: We use a standard automotive 0-100 PSI sender to drive our pressure gauges. We can also special order other ranges such as 0-80, 0-60, 0-15 PSI
Full sweep transducer gauges: We can special order various transducers for pressure some of them are(PSI):
0-15, 0-30, 0-60,0-80, 0-100,0-150, 0-500, 0-1000,00-1600 more may be available
Vacuum/boost
We have a standard 30/30 (30 in/hg-30 PSI) MAP vacuum/boost sender available
AFR
All of our full sweep AFR gauges require an aftermarket controller with a 0-5V input, we can custom design different range dials if needed.
EGT
We have a standard full sweep, backlit EGT and thermocouple setup we use all of the time, the range is 300F-1500F
FUEL
Our standard ranges cover just about anything under the sun but if oyu need something special juts let us know.
MULTIFUNCTION GAUGES:
Quad gauges, dual gauges, 3-1 and speedo/tachs can all be programmed to just about anything, any range, sweep, etc.
INPUTS
We can generally match the inputs from any analog signal, pulse, resistance or voltage.
METER PLACEMENT
Clusters: We can place any meter in any position moving in any direction in any range.
Multifinction Phoenix gauges: We can place any meter in any range in any sweep in any position.
CUSTOM OLED SCREENS
How about a custom input or graphics on your OLED screen?
Custom graphics : starting at $89.00
Custom inputs starting at $189.00
So How much does this all cost?
INDIVIDUAL GAUGES, GAUGE KITS AND DIRECT FIT KITS
Starts with the "core" kit, the closest thing to what you want.
Customizing services at additional cost:
Artwork $178.00/hr Min charge of 45 minutes, may be 1-5 hours depending on the design/print setup
Indicators $45/ each in a non-standard position, no charge for standard positions
Programming/coding: 1/2 HOUR MINIMUM, $178/HR Rates will vary based on the complexity of the project. Simple range changes are generally 1/2 hour.
| INDIVIDUAL, GAUGE KITS AND DIRECT FIT KITS | |
| ITEM | COST |
| GAUGE KIT | BASE PRICE (CLOSEST TO ITEM) |
| DESIGN TIME | $178.00/HR |
| ENGINEERING TIME | $178.00/HR |
| INDICATORS | CUSTOM BOATRD REQUIRED |
| ADDITIONAL GAUGES | AT COST |
| CUSTOM OLED GRAPHICS | $89.00 AND UP |
| OLED INPUT CHANGE | $189.00 AND UP |
| RANGE CHANGE | 1/2 HOUR ENG TIME PER ITEM |
Print work: We use an OE screen printing process, for more information on how we print dials take a look HERE> This includes setting up the screens, printing, mixing inks, premask/adhesive and CNC laser cutting.
BACKLIT DIALS 1-6 What we can fit on an 8x10 film minimum 2 color minimum, includes CNC cutting
Note: Perimeter lit dials with indicators are backlit dials.
| NO. COLORS | PRICE |
| 2 | $195.00 |
| 3 | $249.00 |
| 4 | $295.00 |
| 5 | $325.00 |
| 6 | $339.00 |
| 7 | $349.00 |
| 8 | $359.00 |
| 9 | $369.00 |
| 10 | $379.00 |
PERIMETER LIT DIALS 1-6 What we can fit on an 8x10 film minimum 2 color minimum, includes CNC cutting
Add $50.00 for lighter colors that require multiple hits (white beige)
| NO. COLORS | PRICE |
| 2 | $235.00 |
| 3 | $359.00 |
| 4 | $269.00 |
| 5 | $279.00 |
| 6 | $289.00 |
| 7 | $299.00 |
| 8 | $329.00 |
| 9 | $339.00 |
| 10 | $359.00 |
Substituting parts: Changing gauges in the kits will be calculated by finding the difference in price. For example, the kit has a volt gauge $59.00 vs a Oil pressure gauge $79.00 an upcharge of $20.00 will be applied.
RETROFITS AND CLUSTERS:
We will need your original dash/bezel to make this kit for you. The depth may be different that what you currently have, we recommend maintaining a 3" clearance zone where the new cluster will reside. We do not refurbish old lenses, glass chrome or paint. We may choose to re-use your existing lens(es)
BASE PRICE $1195.00
This includes:
Scanning the original cluster and creating a model which we will place our new parts in.
Building the cluster housing using our CLC process
All internal components and circuit boards, up to two of our standard OLED screens and 6 stepper motors
Temperature sender, pressure sender Wiring harness with amp connectors (not plug and play), programming button and bushing kit
All programming and coding
Additional services that may be required:
Artwork $145.00/hr Min charge of 45 minutes, may be 1-5 hours depending on the design/print setup
Indicators $45/ each in a non-standard position, no charge for standard positions
Programming/coding: 1/2 HOUR MINIMUM, $122/HR Rates will vary based on the complexity of the project. Simple range changes are generally 1/2 hour.
| RETROFITS | |
| ITEM | COST |
| BASE RETROFIT | $1,195.00 |
| DESIGN TIME | $178.00/HR |
| ENGINEERING TIME | $178.00/HR |
| INDICATORS | $45.00 EA |
| ADDITIONAL GAUGES | AT COST |
| CUSTOM OLED GRAPHICS | $89.00 AND UP |
| OLED INPUT CHANGE | $189.00 AND UP |
| RANGE CHANGE | 1/2 HOUR ENG TIME |
Print work: We use an OE screen printing process, for more information on how we print dials take a look HERE> This includes setting up the screens, printing, mixing inks, premask/adhesive and CNC laser cutting. If your parts will fit in an 8x10 area, we can follow the same formula as above.
Parts larger than 8x10: We have a specialty shop make the films for us that we use for making your screens. Each color runs about $14.00, depending on the length. This is an additional charge to above.
How long does something like this take?
Lead times vary by the scope of the project and the time of year. Lead time on something like a custom existing gauge may be a couple of weeks, where as a full custom machined unit may be up to 12 weeks.
All lead times are stated on the bottom of your quote, the lead times are approximate and may change due to production volume, supply of parts or other factors. There is no guarantee as to an exact date.
I'm in a hurry how do I expedite this? Sorry, we do all projects according to when they come in and how he schedule comes up, we cannot expedite any custom orders or move anyone around in line.
KEEP IT FUN!
Remember this is going to be a fun project for a really special vehicle. We really enjoy building one-off parts and we want to make the experience fun.
OK I'm ready to go, how do I start?
Start off by filling out our online RFQ form HERE>
We absolutely have to start the process here. It will get most of he questions answered and we will have some idea of what you are looking for.
Please try to fill it our completely. We do need a complete address to write a quote including city, state and zip.
One of our quoting specialists will email you back with some follow-up questions. Please answer all of the specialists questions, they may ask for images or examples of what you are looking for.
From there, once the quoting specialist has all of the information required for your project, a quote will be prepared and emailed to you.
The specialist will let you know the course of action we would take to do your project. This is the production development plan we would take on your project, we cannot deviate from our best practices.
Its best to keep everything in writing by email at this point so we can maintain an email chain with all of he history in one spot. Then if questions come up we can quickly refer to the emails.
Need to call? Sure, our quoting specialist hours are by appointment, that way we have all of the information and answers ready to go when you are, better to have everything ready to go when we call.
Alright, this quote looks like something I want to do, how do I start?
Its easy! We require 50% down to start your project. From there we can place your project on the schedule to start. If we are doing a retrofit, the clock will start when both the deposit and parts arrive that we need to fit to.
PROCESS
PROOF SHEET
It all starts with your proof sheet. Our design team, with more years in OE and custom design experience anywhere will start developing your concept into reality. This is where your outstanding description and sample images will come into play. The more concise information you can give our team, the better we can execute your vision. We will develop one proof sheet and make up to two "tweaks" for the quoted price. Direction or major changes will be charged an hourly rate. This why it is so important to have all of your information up-front. Your proof sheet is the file we use to actually print and build your project so what you see is exactly what you will get. The proof is generally full size so larger projects you may want to print on a larger printer so see in real-size.
Your proof sheet will be scheduled in line with other projects, your quoting specialist will let you know a rough timeline for the first run. We cannot start any artwork or scheduling until the deposit and any core parts (if required) are received.
BUILD TIME!
Once your proof sheet is approved by you, we will schedule the build to start. This may take from 2-12 weeks depending on the level of your build. Your quoting specialist will let you know more details based on your project at each step. Custom projects that require custom circuit boards will have extended lead times, the board themselves have a 5-6 week lead time when we order them,
COMPLETED PROJECT
When your project is completed, we will do full photography and send you images of the completed items for your approval. Once you approve your parts, we will ask for the balance on the account, box everything up and ship it out
Below are some images of proof sheets and completed items.
OK now I have my custom gauges and I don't know what to do or how to connect them!
No problem, our tech team is here to help. Your custom instruments use the same internals, programming and wiring that we use on our standard gauge kits for easy installation and troubleshooting.
Any custom wiring instructions will be included in your box and we will also have a copy available for review if you have any questions.
Oh no! something broke on my custom kit!
Not to worry, all of our custom gauge kits have our standard 5-year warranty so nothing to worry about
READY TO ORDER?
Great! Just fill out our RFQ Form HERE>