78 gauges
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 69
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78 gauges
i want to buy new gauges for my truck. i was looking at the autometer gauges. should i buy the mechanical ones for my 78? can i get away with buying any certain gauges that are electric? thanks...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 9
From: Kasson, Minnesota
I've also heard that mechanical are more accurate, but don't know if that's true or not.
It's a little easier to run wires instead of plastic or copper line. Both Mechanical and electric are pretty easy to install.
It's a little easier to run wires instead of plastic or copper line. Both Mechanical and electric are pretty easy to install.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: DeWitt Ne.
Some gauges I would prefer electrical, like oil pressure, I hate having that little plastic tube run through. I had one melt on my headers once, lost all oil pressure and looked behind and seen all the smoke. Crapped myself on that one.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 48
From: Middle TN
Mechanical gages are more accurate and trustworthy especially over the long haul. They are are not dependent on a maintaining good ground or keeping a connection tight.
Oil pressure is the most important one to use a mechanical gage.
For oil pressure don't use plastic tubing, use copper tubing supplied buy some gage manufacturers or make it up yourself.
Oil pressure is the most important one to use a mechanical gage.
For oil pressure don't use plastic tubing, use copper tubing supplied buy some gage manufacturers or make it up yourself.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Get mechanical gauges. Electrical gauges are less accurate and slower to respond. Electrical gauges add an unnecessary middle man because they convert the signal to a resistance, and then read the resistance. Mechanical gauges read the signal directly. In my opinion, it's a hands-down choice.
As far as the plastic tube for oil pressure - don't run that. Never run the nylon oil line that comes with mechanical gauges. They are notorious for leaking and many times blowing out. You can buy replacement copper line in the same section that you buy the gauges, and you should run that instead.
EDIT - Bart I think we posted right at the same time so I'm pretty much repeating what you said but I agree with you 100%.
As far as the plastic tube for oil pressure - don't run that. Never run the nylon oil line that comes with mechanical gauges. They are notorious for leaking and many times blowing out. You can buy replacement copper line in the same section that you buy the gauges, and you should run that instead.
EDIT - Bart I think we posted right at the same time so I'm pretty much repeating what you said but I agree with you 100%.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 3
check out my gallery with home built over head console all autometer electric 5 years old and all work perfect what ever you do dont buy cheap gauges a little more invested will pay off in the long run
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