Modifying or updating a stock instrument cluster

I am building a 39 chevy restorod and I have two very well preserved gauge clusters that I want to reuse to complete the look I am going for. I am not running the original 216 anymore and therefor the water temp, oil pressure and amp meter need to be updated since the limits are a lot lower than newer motors.

I have thought about how to update my dash with new gauges but still using the original faces. I know there are a few companies that can restore/modify my dash like I want it but they are in the $900-$1100 range....way too much for me. I am thinking about buying some Stewart Warner gauges, removing the face, transplanting the old face on, set new limits on the face, modify the housing, etc.

Can anyone give me some tips or pointers before I start this project? Things to do or not do would be appreciated.

I did what you're talking about on the dash pictured below. Instead of buying a full gauge unit I ordered a set from Classic Instrument (less speedo) without bezels and glass because the panel had a full face glass behind the dash face. This was a few years ago when Classic was still in the hands of the original owner up here in the NW. They've since changed hands, so don't know if they'll do that still. Might be worth a check.

The configuration of this panel supported round gauge shapes and the Classics were only slightly larger than the stock ones in diameter, so it worked out well for "peaking" through the openings. So you'll want to measure the available gauge design for those factors. In my case the gauge "guts" had to be fitted to a full width "can" that held the original gauge mechanisms. The Classics while being a good fit on the face, were much deeper, so I had to locate and drill holes through the original back housing to accommodate. I then put a strong but pliable (in case I ever have to service a gauge) sealant/adhesive around the gauge housing/hole to both hold the gauge in place and seal against dust and dirt intrusion. After that it was just hook up the gauges with the supplied sensors/wiring diagram and ta dah!

Thats an idea I hadn't thought about doing only because I didn't think I could get some gauges that would match the original font on my speedometer. The openings in my dash are rectangular and each gauge has its own slot.

Thanks for the tip, does anyone else have some advise or pictures to share?

You may want to check out an instrument company called Aurora Instruments. I think their website is auroragauges.com. They have a pretty unique system of creating any gauge anyone could want, and they also have a large selection of gauges to choose from. I saw them at SEMA and checked them out.

I think what you could do is take your faces and put them in their gauges, so you'd have the original look. I know they can do anything, and for less money than other gauge companies.