Doing an M2-1001 instrument cluster "clone"...

[Chops]

I've been looking and at random pictures of the M2-1001 online (very few available actually), and realize that I really like the looks of the gauge cluster in them. The tried and true classic look. The proper roadster look.

At any rate, I'm waiting for some stuff of mine to sell on CL, and once that happens, I want to find an old cluster that I can pull apart and custom fit a new panel with some nice aftermarket gauges, something like Stewart Warner, VDO or possibly even Smiths. The Smiths ones will be a very long stretch.

With the SW line, I'm looking at either the 6-piece Wing series or 7-piece Cobra series. In the Cobra series, I wouldn't use the Amp gauge.

With the VDO line, I'd use either the 6-piece Series 1. The only thing with these is that they say something about a Ford or Chevy transmission sender for the speedometer.


Anyway, I'm just wondering how difficult it would be to do this. I've read that the NA cluster is actually quite basic and can be tapped into straight from the two wiring harnesses that plug into it. IF I do this, I'll take my time, make it look M2-1001 stock (or at least as close as possible) and have it so it is pretty much "plug & play".

Now I just need to find that NA cluster schematic again that I saw last night.

If any of you have done this, have more information on it, links, pics, whatever, please let me know.

Many thanks in advance!





M2-1002


V-Special

[morr]

Unfortunately I have nothing to offer other than to say how freaking amazing those last two are... Actually, have you tried contacting Adam (Revlimiter) about the wiring, reproduction, etc?

[druz]

This is the rear of a 1001 cluster, pretty simple.


The traces on the back of the standard cluster are labeled so it's easy to figure out without a diagram.

[— Phatmiata —]

Unfortunately I have nothing to offer other than to say how freaking amazing those last two are... Actually, have you tried contacting Adam (Revlimiter) about the wiring, reproduction, etc?

Or just have Revlimiter make a set of faces that "look" like the M2 version. That would look cleaner, and be easier too.

[morr]

That was my initial thought. I just wasn't sure how difficult it'd be to actually create almost an entire cluster from scratch vs. just the faces themselves.

[modernbeat]

I think there are vintage motorcycle gauges that are closer to the M2 gauges than just about anything currently on the market for cars.

[Chops]

Actually, have you tried contacting Adam (Revlimiter) about the wiring, reproduction, etc?

I haven't contacted him at all about this actually. Not yet anyway. It seems fairly simple as there's only like two dozen connections if that to be made.

This is the rear of a 1001 cluster, pretty simple.

The traces on the back of the standard cluster are labeled so it's easy to figure out without a diagram.

Thanks for that shot! I've been searching for a shot like that of the M2 cluster, but just couldn't dig anything up. I think the most difficult part will be sourcing a pair of mating connectors to go with the stock harnesses in the car so I can just "plug & play". That and getting a speedometer that the speedo cable will work with unless it can be easily switched over to an electric speedo instead of a mechanical. This I have to research.

Or just have Revlimiter make a set of faces that "look" like the M2 version. That would look cleaner, and be easier too.

I disagree. No doubt Adam makes great looking gauge faces. Unfortunately, no matter how good his gauge faces are, there's no possible way of swapping the tach and speedo to the opposite sides of the cluster. Also, I think the M2 cluster is a much simpler, cleaner design than the stock NA cluster.

That was my initial thought. I just wasn't sure how difficult it'd be to actually create almost an entire cluster from scratch vs. just the faces themselves.

Again, I don't think it will be that difficult. There's not much going on in the stock NA cluster. Not to mention it will be totally unique.

[revlimiter]

I disagree. No doubt Adam makes great looking gauge faces. Unfortunately, no matter how good his gauge faces are, there's no possible way of swapping the tach and speedo to the opposite sides of the cluster. Also, I think the M2 cluster is a much simpler, cleaner design than the stock NA cluster.

Agreed. Due to the sweep of the M2-1001 gauges, I've never tried to replicate them. I've had thoughts of doing the 1002 design for a while, but not the 1001.



A lot of the charm, for me, lies in the sweep. The 4 gauge setup is nice. The thin gauge rings are great. The individual glass is wonderful. But the gauge scale, for me, is the thing that puts it over the top. The 1002 design is a little too stock-like. The 1001 is artwork.

As for your project... it's a great idea... but you really might consider just sourcing a 1001 cluster and installing that. It's hard to improve upon perfection.

[oldcafe]

out of curiosity, why the 1002 tacho in this pics are scaled in miles ?

[revlimiter]

It's probably got a converter gear (or resistor?) installed. I've had a few UK based customers with converters in their speedometers. Imagine having a 180 mph speedo!

[— Phatmiata —]

If you are looking to buy an OEM M2-1001 Gauge Cluster you are gonna spend a cool grand easy when its all said and done, and it will count miles and speed in KPH anyhow.

You could also save some money and get a similar style panel from RS-Products and and some vintage looking gauges from Revlimiter, AWD, RS-Products, etc.

RS-Products Gauges and Panel.jpg

[oldcafe]

mhh Adam, if you look carefully the picture seems to have the double scale, the last number is 180 but has been deleted with black pen, also thewritten km / h has been cleared the k
I do not remember who owns this cluster,was on sale in UK on the mx5nutz time ago

[revlimiter]

^ you're right! I saw the blacked out k in the center (km/h becomes m/h) but didn't notice the blacked out numbers. Good eye.

BTW, there's been a few M2-1001 clusters on sale recently. A couple on CR, and a steady stream on yahoo japan. They're not the hardest to get item. You might only have to wait a few weeks for one to show up for sale, Chops.

[Jamie]

Excuse the dust (inexcusable I know! ;) ). Below are a couple of iphone pics of my m2-1001.

Once I've finished other jobs on the car, I was planning on asking Adam about doing a MPH version of the speedometer, so I could go without the sticker.

[revlimiter]

If you can scan your gauge face for me at a nice resolution, it would be no problem!