I have an '88 F150, and would like to know what goes into the two spaces to the right of the steering column. The one closest to the column is just a square opening and the outside one is blocked off.

I was think of installing some real gauges in these spaces.

Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi

 

The one is a tray and on the top is a place to put coins in the little slots. On 1989 HD's and 1990-1991 trucks with E40d, it's the OD cancel switch. The one all the way to the right is indicator lights for diesel-equipped models, and 4x4 push buttons for touch drive trucks in 1991.

Using them for a guage pod is a good idea.

 

Thanks.

I realized that my owner's manual might show what they were for and checked it. Found the coin thing but nothing else. Mine is a 4x2 with a stick so does not use this part of the dash. I'll get at least an oil presure gauge into it soon as I figure how to best get thru the fire wall.

I like a clean dash so it may take a some time to figure out how to cut the lower panel to best mount the gauge. And of course the A/C didn't work when I bought it and that's being repaired and converted to the feon replacement on Monday so I may not have the truck for a day or two.

Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi

 

Bob;

Just did the same to my identical '87. Run the tubing into the cab thru the rubber grommet directly above the oil sender on the firewall. Make sure you leave about a 3" loop for slack.

Take the lower right panel off on the dash. Mark the panel (end piece) and cut with a dremel, finish with 1/4 round file and fine sandpaper. Install the gauge (at this point hookup tubing loose, crank engine and bleed off air in line, tighten tubing, hook-up lights.) and replace panel.

I went to Home Depot and got a 3" 1/4NPT nipple and a 1/4"NPT "TEE". Some teflon tape. Ran the factory straight and the aftermarket off the 90*. This will allow use of the aftermarket AND factory gauge.

Larry

 

Thanks.

I will do most of that. I like to run at least a 1/4 inch line so have to allow for the engine to cab vibration on the engine end and allow some movement to permit installation at at the dash end of the line.

My brohter always said I made a easy job hard, but my Dad agreed that the tiny 1/16 inch line dampened the pressure variations so all you get is an average. If your oil is low, for what ever reason and you go around a corner and the pressure drops, it won't show up on the gauge. Not a likely occurance, so maybe my brother was right.

Bob
'66 7 Litre, top loader, 3.25 Traction-lock, Sidewinder Intake, SCJ Exhaust
'88 F150 XLT Lariat, 302, 5 speed, 3.08
'99 Ranger, 3.0, 5 speed, 3.73 posi

 

This spot also is a perfect fit for a CD changer controller...That's what I did with it.