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.