Hey I am going to be getting a 3 gauge pod to install under my ash tray area to mount an oil (temp or pressure.. Not sure which yet), water temp and voltage gauges to better monitor than the stock gauges. I've never installed any gauges before and was wondering if you all had advice as for how to hook them up? Thanks

 

If you get a mechanical oil psi gauge, you will need to run tubing from the sending unit through the firewall to the gauge. The electrical version costs a little more but is a much easier run since you will be using wire instead. Now back to your subject....you will need to use 12V to power the gauges and then run your sending unit wire/tube in through the firewall. Tubes love straight lines and make sure there are grommets on the firewall holes. Hook-up is simple. Also, make sure to use the manufacturers supplied sending unit.

 

Any good set of gauges will include installation instructions.

 

You will also have a wire that will run to the light switch for backlighting at night.

 

If mechanical oil pressure with nylon line watch out for your exhaust it will melt through very quickly. I'd opt for the copper line, it's a little more and you will probably have to buy it separately, but it's worth the money.

 

There is part of a bullet connector under the dash that you can get power for the backlighting. I'm not sure if it's male or female. You could find it with a test light.

 

If that is a mechanical oil pressure gauge, be sure to add at least one extra loop in the plastic or metal feed line so that engine vibration and movement is not transmitted through the line. Also, don't install the line in place of your oil pressure sensor - you can get T-connectors at many auto parts stores or Ace Hardware which can allow you to hook up both the idiot light and gauge. Belt and suspenders... never hurts.

 

I'm currently looking for a wire to feed the backlght on my gauges. Can someone elaborate on this connector mentioned above?

 

It's under the dash between the headlight switch and the steering column area. Sorry I don't have any more info than that right now.


I found the info in a 1975 F100 shop manual.

 

Thanks for the info guys