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Instrument Theory

Four Basic Types of Instrument Movements

Iron Vane Movement: Developed in 1819 and commonly known as "wigglers" due to erratic pointer swings and "bouncy" readings.

Rated: POOR

D'Arsonval Movement: Developed in 1890 in France, this type of instrument uses a coiled hair-spring to bring the pointer back to the proper position.

Rated: FAIR

Thermo-Electric Movement: Developed in the early 20th Century. Electric current causes bi-metallic band to expand and contract. Band movement drives pointer across the dial-face.

Rated: BETTER

Air-Core Movement: Developed in early 1960's this movement utilizes a wire wound magnetic coil to move the pointer to the correct position on the dial face. This movement is required on almost all aircraft and marine instruments as a minimum.

Rated: BEST

Classic was the only choice when we decided to produce our own gauge design series. Their intense commitment to quality and innovative designs keep them ahead of everyone else.

- Boyd Coddington

Having seen almost every instrument out there, I would recommend that anyone wanting gauges to complement their own car check Classic Instruments. I chose Classic to give my own street rod the right finishing touch.

- Tom Gale

Instruments are as important to us as any other part of the car and we only use the best quality products available! Classic fits our requirements every time. And, the choice of design options is a bonus for us and our customers.

- Barry Lobeck

No matter what design direction we take on a car, I insist on using Classic Instruments. The hand made retro-fit `40 Ford gauge panel they built for the Poteet `32 five window is the perfect complement to our vision for the car.

- Dave Lane

From our 200 MPH Vintage Air Studebaker to the over 200,000 miles we have put on our old `39 Ford Sedan, the Classic Instruments have stood the test of relentless use and some serious speed.

- Jack Chisenhall

Classic has always been the trend setter for street rod and custom car instruments. We have been a Classic dealer since the `70s and know their passion for style, quality and innovation is equal to our own.

- Ken "Posie" Fenical

Classic did an amazing job retrofitting the instrument cluster for our `50 Woodie project. We chose Classic because of their reputation for quality, accuracy and reliability.

- Rick Love

Classic Instruments offers me the flexibility and creative avenue to add that complimenting custom touch in quality instrumentation to our complex rods and customs. Their products and services are second to none.

- Steve Frisbie