Wiring a gauge cluster???

Question

Hi, im doing my first full car rebuild to a 1980 toyota corolla, like it or not, that's not the point here. anyway, the OEM gauge cluster is ugly and only supports a speedo up to 85mph *struggles to say with straight face* so i decided to rip it out and make a full aftermarket gauge set with all individual gauges. the wiring and fusebox in this car have been through heck and back so i'd like to replace the circuit too. how much power does an average gauge use so i can calculate what kind of fuse to use? i know my car will run about 12-15v of power so if anyone knows about how many watts each gauge would use that would be great, or anything that can help me wire them would be great really. Thanks alot!!!

Answer 1

I find your question interesting, because, I am in the process of putting together a new set of gauges for my Chevy truck.  I have previously wired up a set for my Corvette.  

I don't know that the wattage matters so much, as the amps that the gauges draw.  From the information I could find, most gauge circuits use between 5 and 10 amps.  If you look on your fuse panel, it should show what the original equipment circuit was set up for.

I don't know if this will help, but, good luck.