Thinking about Gauges.....
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Yeah, that's an interesting application.
I'm not generally sold on digital tachs, but I think the idea of a multi-function gauge is interesting. I've seen them at work, though practicality depends on application. It could be a solution to the problem of not enough space for gauges.
I am thinking, when I get my voltmeter, of having a switch so I can check both batteries. Makes sense to be able to keep track of the deep cycle, as well as the starting battery. Back when I was really into lights on my Saab Turbo, I found a rotary switch with at least ten positions, and I was going to set it up with small wires so I could check voltage at every light -- never quite got around to it, though.
I'm not generally sold on digital tachs, but I think the idea of a multi-function gauge is interesting. I've seen them at work, though practicality depends on application. It could be a solution to the problem of not enough space for gauges. I am thinking, when I get my voltmeter, of having a switch so I can check both batteries. Makes sense to be able to keep track of the deep cycle, as well as the starting battery. Back when I was really into lights on my Saab Turbo, I found a rotary switch with at least ten positions, and I was going to set it up with small wires so I could check voltage at every light -- never quite got around to it, though.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
Lane, I can't say I'd use these as the bling factor is only about a 4 or 5 but if you're going to install these in a work truck and you're not overly worried about fancy stuff why not get one of these deals off ebay? They only run $50. You could buy 2 volt meters from stock Ford guage panels and install them where your current temp and pressure guages are. Then you'd have a volt meter for each battery and still have oil pressure, water temp, and a bonus oil temp all mounted with your tach. There is a metal backing on the dash pad so you can mount it to the dash just fine with long enough sheet metal screws. Just a thought.
http://images.andale.com/f2/118/100/...43_RG4_A03.jpg
http://images.andale.com/f2/118/100/...43_RG4_A03.jpg
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Yeah, Mil1ion, I guess I should have just linked to the gallery folder, instead of trying to use that little square "Insert Image" button. The idea was to illustrate the discussion on mounting gauges. How does ivanribic insert pictures into his posts?
I'm glad to have a "real" truck with real steel in the dash. It may not come with round 2-1/16" holes like the '66 International, but at least there's something to work with. The newer moulded and padded plastic interiors make things a lot more difficult. This beat up old '77 Ford F250 is growing on me. I guess pretty soon I may be waving this sign 
(even if International did introduce the crew cab in 1958
)
Wow, ivanribic, that may be too much flash and dash for my faded old Ford.
But I'm going to go take a look at it. Pretty cool. 
Lane
I'm glad to have a "real" truck with real steel in the dash. It may not come with round 2-1/16" holes like the '66 International, but at least there's something to work with.
The newer moulded and padded plastic interiors make things a lot more difficult. This beat up old '77 Ford F250 is growing on me. I guess pretty soon I may be waving this sign (even if International did introduce the crew cab in 1958 )Wow, ivanribic, that may be too much flash and dash for my faded old Ford.
But I'm going to go take a look at it. Pretty cool. Lane
Last edited by Lane Dexter; Oct 27, 2004 at 12:20 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Sorry Mil, I haven't been able to get most of my links to work on here lately which is why I prefer to insert pics when I can. I'm on dial up right now. 
EDIT- Those first two images are of a type "socket stream" that my browser does not know what to do with if they are converted to plain links. It may be something new that Ken is playing with to speed pic download from the user galleries. Unfortunately it does not work as a plain link. -Torque1st
EDIT- Those first two images are of a type "socket stream" that my browser does not know what to do with if they are converted to plain links. It may be something new that Ken is playing with to speed pic download from the user galleries. Unfortunately it does not work as a plain link. -Torque1st
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
I bought a 280Z voltmeter off eBay and it looks like it would work with a bunch of cutting etc. I have not bought the digital voltmeter yet but I have contacted the manufacturer about the application. I may just replace both of the gauges on the right side of the instrument panel with the digital units. The bottom one would become a switch selectable temp gage and the upper one would become a switch selectable voltmeter/tach. The gauges are basically $32 on eBay and the back plates are $7.50 each. Ebay Item number: 3846460111
You can check out the voltmeter and the different sensor back plates at:
http://www.hlabs.com/
I have a dimming circuit figured out for the display at night.
You can check out the voltmeter and the different sensor back plates at:
http://www.hlabs.com/
I have a dimming circuit figured out for the display at night.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
I'll second that. That's a bit further than I wanted to go on my old work truck.
Hey, ivanribic, you mentioned getting stock Ford voltmeters. Was there a stock Ford voltmeter available for my 1977? Of course, my stock panel is full. Speedo in the middle, fuel, temp, oil pressure and ammeter in all for corners.
This (gauges) is a good subject. Just about every "enthusiast" is interested in better instrumentation. I'm definitely getting some ideas.
Is there anyone here who uses the pods on the A-pillar? Maybe there's an image in a gallery somewhere????
I don't want to lose too much outside visibility. And I don't want to be looking way down to read gauges. I remember the old days, when American cars had V8's in front and drive wheels in the rear, and a fair number of mileage-conscious guys had vacuum meters on top of the dash. I'd consider that, but I'm not eager to clutter up the top of the dash.
Digital indication is fine for voltage and temperature, but you don't want it on a rapidly varying function like a tachometer.
At work, I still have lots of analog gauges in the control room (and all through the plant). Oh there's a computer screen with digital info, too. But some things just work better with good old gauges.
Lane
That's a bit further than I wanted to go on my old work truck. Hey, ivanribic, you mentioned getting stock Ford voltmeters. Was there a stock Ford voltmeter available for my 1977? Of course, my stock panel is full. Speedo in the middle, fuel, temp, oil pressure and ammeter in all for corners.
This (gauges) is a good subject. Just about every "enthusiast" is interested in better instrumentation. I'm definitely getting some ideas.
Is there anyone here who uses the pods on the A-pillar? Maybe there's an image in a gallery somewhere????
I don't want to lose too much outside visibility. And I don't want to be looking way down to read gauges. I remember the old days, when American cars had V8's in front and drive wheels in the rear, and a fair number of mileage-conscious guys had vacuum meters on top of the dash. I'd consider that, but I'm not eager to clutter up the top of the dash.
Digital indication is fine for voltage and temperature, but you don't want it on a rapidly varying function like a tachometer.
At work, I still have lots of analog gauges in the control room (and all through the plant). Oh there's a computer screen with digital info, too. But some things just work better with good old gauges.
Lane
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Simple Gauge Installation
I've got a '77 myself, and in my very humble opinion, I think AutoMeter makes a line of gauges which looks great, doesn't cost a ton, and offers easy installation. You can check the out online, then follow the links to a local dealer (everywhere!).
I've got a (4 1/2"?) column-mounted tach, along with a 3-gauge (2 1/2")horizontal mount bracket installed at the bottom edge of my dash, between the column and the ashtray. The triple holds coolant temp, a volt meter, and one empty spot (oil pressure coming).
AutoMeter also has a cool new inline manifold for coolant temp sensors you place in the middle of a hose section instead of hard-mounting, and I hear there's one on the way for oil too (no chance of mechanical gauge failure dumping tons of oil in your lap!). It's so easy to use, even I can put one in!
Take it easy... Cameron
I've got a (4 1/2"?) column-mounted tach, along with a 3-gauge (2 1/2")horizontal mount bracket installed at the bottom edge of my dash, between the column and the ashtray. The triple holds coolant temp, a volt meter, and one empty spot (oil pressure coming).
AutoMeter also has a cool new inline manifold for coolant temp sensors you place in the middle of a hose section instead of hard-mounting, and I hear there's one on the way for oil too (no chance of mechanical gauge failure dumping tons of oil in your lap!). It's so easy to use, even I can put one in!
Take it easy... Cameron
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Hey guys,Gregm here cann't figure out what happened with the second address, so here goes. Go to ProjectBronco.com and look up the links section,then go to personal web pages and look for Ken's 1979 Bronco. He definitely has a slant on CD controls and stereo gear,not to mention some of the other mods hes made.Guys using it for something besides a hat rack
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Hey, Ken really went to town on his Bronco, didn't he? That's a pretty impressive layout.
I'm going downvally tomorrow, to vist "civilization." I'll heed Cameron's advice and keep my eyes open for some Autometer gauges. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to check out a few of my options before I head back into the hills.
I'm going downvally tomorrow, to vist "civilization." I'll heed Cameron's advice and keep my eyes open for some Autometer gauges. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to check out a few of my options before I head back into the hills.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
The J.C. Whitney package just arrived. I don't know about these gauge pods on the A-pillar. Looks to me like this is designed for something with a lot of windshield rake. It says something about fitting Acuras and Hondas and such. I may end up with gauges angled toward the ceiling...
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