Center Console Gauges

[jhawk635]

[attachment=19843]Hi,

Let me try to explain what I'm doing and hopefully it makes sense.

First of all I have a '72 convertible without the center gauges. I bought the New Vintage Speedometer and Tach assembly. It comes with the voltage, temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level gauges built in. I think my mechanic can wire those in. I'll have to let you know if I have any issues there.

What I am looking to do is add three gauges to the center console because I like that look better. I'm not sure what gauges yet. I'm thinking fuel pressure, oil temperature, and ??? What do you recommend? And since I have no wiring, etc. for them what will I need to purchase to make them work.

Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks,

John

 

[Mikes73]

An engine vacuum guage is cool to have. I have an Equus brand and it works great.

 

[jhawk635]

An engine vacuum guage is cool to have. I have an Equus brand and it works great.

Good idea... I guess I would need a sending unit and harness to go to it.

 

[rutkak]

An engine vacuum guage is cool to have. I have an Equus brand and it works great.

Good idea... I guess I would need a sending unit and harness to go to it.

Should only need a vac line ran off of the manifold through the firewall. With that fancy instrument cluster I can't imagine that there are any more gauges you could possibly need (other than vac). Wiring any of the other popular ones (temp, oil pressure, voltage) is super easy. You can just buy a kit that has them individually or a 3 pack. All you do is change out the sending unit in the engine with the aftermarket one and run the line to the gauge. The instructions should answer it all. It really is simple.

 

[jhawk635]

An engine vacuum guage is cool to have. I have an Equus brand and it works great.

Good idea... I guess I would need a sending unit and harness to go to it.

Should only need a vac line ran off of the manifold through the firewall. With that fancy instrument cluster I can't imagine that there are any more gauges you could possibly need (other than vac). Wiring any of the other popular ones (temp, oil pressure, voltage) is super easy. You can just buy a kit that has them individually or a 3 pack. All you do is change out the sending unit in the engine with the aftermarket one and run the line to the gauge. The instructions should answer it all. It really is simple.

I hear you! I just really like the look of the 3 gauges opposed to w/o them. The vacuum gauge seems to be the way to go and any of those others would be redundant, so I don't want to that. Since I have to fill those spots I'm thinking that the other two might be a fuel pressure gauge and maybe oil temperature.

Thanks!

 

[caspianwendell]

Vacuum is a must and if you want something else beneficial, I would want a transmission temp, and fuel pressure

 

[jhawk635]

Vacuum is a must and if you want something else beneficial, I would want a transmission temp, and fuel pressure

I think you're right. Those definitely make sense. One other thing that is bugging me. The standard gauge size appears to be 2 1/16" but I recall the hole diameter in the instrument panel being less than 2". Has anyone ran into this? Or am I missing something?

Thanks!

 

[Austin Vert]

Hi Jhawk,

Check out my tutorial post on center console gauges.Well worth the read, and should help put you in the picture.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-seeking-help-advice-on-centre-guage-setup

Thanks,

Greg.

 

[Totalled]

I'd make it a boost/vac gauge... You know.. in case a turbo happened to trip and fall into your engine bay.

 

[phagan63]

Hey Jhawk,

One thing that wasn't made clear in your initial post, do you have the center dash panel w/ 3 gauge pods in it, or the panel without ?

I recently installed 3 aftermarket gauges into a new 3 hole center dash panel I bought from OMS. When I bought my car it didn't have the 3 gauge center dash panel and like you, I really liked the look of the panel w/ gauges. I found that some of the components required for installing the OEM gauges were both difficult to find and expensive so I decided on the "aftermarket" option. My car isn't a perfect concourse restoration anyway so it wasn't difficult to make that decision.

The install wasn't too difficult really. It did require a small amount of intestinal fortitude because I had to take a dremel tool w/ abrasive drum bit to a brand new, fairly expensive part in order to fit the gauges in properly. One slip up and I would have wound up with a $180 piece of garbage. I used 2" Equus brand gauges. You'll notice the gauge pod holes are not perfectly round and more "egg shaped". What I had to do was round out the holes by sanding or grinding the plastic equally from both the left and right side of each hole. The measurement from top to bottom of each hole is just slightly over 2" which worked out perfectly for the 2" gauges. If you're using a new 3 hole dash panel, you'll find there is a small chrome ring bordering the opening of each hole. Part of the ring will disappear when you round out the holes but you'll have to very carefully grind down the remaining part of them at the top and bottom so the gauges will seat flat and uniformly within the pod. You will probably have to do a very small amount of touch-up with some satin black paint after you've done all the grinding and shaving. I found that the spin on retaining ring that comes with the gauges worked perfectly to secure the gauges within the panel. I'm not sure if it actually needed it but I also put some 2" O-rings (not pictured) around the gauges in order to "clean-up" the install a little more and also to reduce any squeaking from vibrations during normal operation of the car.

Here are a few pics of the unfinished project. Good luck on your install. Looking forward to seeing pics .

 

[Austin Vert]

Hey Jhawk,

One thing that wasn't made clear in your initial post, do you have the center dash panel w/ 3 gauge pods in it, or the panel without ?

I recently installed 3 aftermarket gauges into a new 3 hole center dash panel I bought from OMS. When I bought my car it didn't have the 3 gauge center dash panel and like you, I really liked the look of the panel w/ gauges. I found that some of the components required for installing the OEM gauges were both difficult to find and expensive so I decided on the "aftermarket" option. My car isn't a perfect concourse restoration anyway so it wasn't difficult to make that decision.

The install wasn't too difficult really. It did require a small amount of intestinal fortitude because I had to take a dremel tool w/ abrasive drum bit to a brand new, fairly expensive part in order to fit the gauges in properly. One slip up and I would have wound up with a $180 piece of garbage. I used 2" Equus brand gauges. You'll notice the gauge pod holes are not perfectly round and more "egg shaped". What I had to do was round out the holes by sanding or grinding the plastic equally from both the left and right side of each hole. The measurement from top to bottom of each hole is just slightly over 2" which worked out perfectly for the 2" gauges. If you're using a new 3 hole dash panel, you'll find there is a small chrome ring bordering the opening of each hole. Part of the ring will disappear when you round out the holes but you'll have to very carefully grind down the remaining part of them at the top and bottom so the gauges will seat flat and uniformly within the pod. You will probably have to do a very small amount of touch-up with some satin black paint after you've done all the grinding and shaving. I found that the spin on retaining ring that comes with the gauges worked perfectly to secure the gauges within the panel. I'm not sure if it actually needed it but I also put some 2" O-rings (not pictured) around the gauges in order to "clean-up" the install a little more and also to reduce any squeaking from vibrations during normal operation of the car.

Here are a few pics of the unfinished project. Good luck on your install. Looking forward to seeing pics .

Pat,

Check out my thread - worth the read.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-seeking-help-advice-on-centre-guage-setup

Greg.

 

[phagan63]

Hey Jhawk,

One thing that wasn't made clear in your initial post, do you have the center dash panel w/ 3 gauge pods in it, or the panel without ?

I recently installed 3 aftermarket gauges into a new 3 hole center dash panel I bought from OMS. When I bought my car it didn't have the 3 gauge center dash panel and like you, I really liked the look of the panel w/ gauges. I found that some of the components required for installing the OEM gauges were both difficult to find and expensive so I decided on the "aftermarket" option. My car isn't a perfect concourse restoration anyway so it wasn't difficult to make that decision.

The install wasn't too difficult really. It did require a small amount of intestinal fortitude because I had to take a dremel tool w/ abrasive drum bit to a brand new, fairly expensive part in order to fit the gauges in properly. One slip up and I would have wound up with a $180 piece of garbage. I used 2" Equus brand gauges. You'll notice the gauge pod holes are not perfectly round and more "egg shaped". What I had to do was round out the holes by sanding or grinding the plastic equally from both the left and right side of each hole. The measurement from top to bottom of each hole is just slightly over 2" which worked out perfectly for the 2" gauges. If you're using a new 3 hole dash panel, you'll find there is a small chrome ring bordering the opening of each hole. Part of the ring will disappear when you round out the holes but you'll have to very carefully grind down the remaining part of them at the top and bottom so the gauges will seat flat and uniformly within the pod. You will probably have to do a very small amount of touch-up with some satin black paint after you've done all the grinding and shaving. I found that the spin on retaining ring that comes with the gauges worked perfectly to secure the gauges within the panel. I'm not sure if it actually needed it but I also put some 2" O-rings (not pictured) around the gauges in order to "clean-up" the install a little more and also to reduce any squeaking from vibrations during normal operation of the car.

Here are a few pics of the unfinished project. Good luck on your install. Looking forward to seeing pics .

Pat,

Check out my thread - worth the read.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-seeking-help-advice-on-centre-guage-setup

Greg.

G'day Greg !

Yes , I did peruse your thread. Of course I didn't see it until after I did my own . If I had, I might have gone with the same set up as you. Although, it does appear that my method may be a tad cheaper and easier perhaps ? But ... like most things in life, the cheaper, easier way seldom has the same or better results as the more difficult and/or more expensive. I do like the way your gauges came out.

No worries though! I'm perfectly happy and content with what I have done. Now what I'm wondering about, and I'm pretty sure the necessary adapters are available because I've done this on other older cars I've had in the past, will I be able to wire up my aftermarket gauges and still keep the stock "idiot lights" functional on the main instrument cluster ?. The PO did not re-connect the various sending units to the engine bay wiring harness when he put the new motor in. So ... presently I am depending on a set of aftermarket gauges mounted just under the dash to monitor my oil press, water temp and voltage. Obviously the voltage meter needs no adapters but I will need to "adapt" the oil pressure and water temp so that the stock sending units can be retained along with the aftermarket gauge connections.

 

[jhawk635]

Hey Jhawk,

One thing that wasn't made clear in your initial post, do you have the center dash panel w/ 3 gauge pods in it, or the panel without ?

Hi Pat,

Thanks for all the info and pics! Mine came without the center gauges so I am buying a new bezel.

Hi Jhawk,

Check out my tutorial post on center console gauges.Well worth the read, and should help put you in the picture.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-seeking-help-advice-on-centre-guage-setup

Thanks,

Greg.

Wow...what a great read! Although, I'm not sure I have the patience required to plan it and do it. And it looks like finding the pod may be really difficult and expensive as well? I guess if it was easy anyone could do it! I'm reading and thinking. I know I want to go with the AutoMeter gauges (white face - fuel pressure, trans temp, and vaccum) but another concern is they seem to only come in 2 1/16. Is that the size you started with? Do you think you could have accomplished it without the pod?

Thanks for all input!

John

 

[Austin Vert]

Will I be able to wire up my aftermarket gauges and still keep the stock "idiot lights" functional on the main instrument cluster ?. The PO did not re-connect the various sending units to the engine bay wiring harness when he put the new motor in.

Hi Pat,

The simple answer to that is yes you will. Although, may i try and persuade you into a brilliant idea i discovered and went for myself. Yes, i know you're poised in regards selling your beautiful '73 Vert, but this idea is a knockout, and well worth the money and effort for sure.(i'm secretly hopeing you'll keep your fantastic car!)

I'm assuming you have at present, the cluster of idiot lights only on the left hand side of the instrument panel. Now the wonderful thing is you can buy a special custom made tach with the idiot lights incorporated into the tach gauge from a fantastic guy called Rocketman. He is a forum member and has his own dedicated web site. You may be aware of him already.

http://www.rccinnovations.com/index.php?show=menu-mustang-all

You get the best of both worlds - tach and idiot lights incorporated in as well. The unit looks 100% original and works very well indeed. Easy to install as well. So after my auto electrician did the wire up, i've got the tach/ idiot lights and the three center gauges all working for me. I got my auto electrician to do all the work, and had no problems.Worth the money believe me!

Also, glad you like my handy work on my three center gauges.(They say my attention to detail is right up there, and i've modelled myself on the famous Greek God of perfection, Meticulous!) What you will come up with in regards your own finished product should look quite decent, and fit the bill for you i think.

All the best with the project anyway Pat.

Greg.

Hey Jhawk,

One thing that wasn't made clear in your initial post, do you have the center dash panel w/ 3 gauge pods in it, or the panel without ?

Hi Pat,

Thanks for all the info and pics! Mine came without the center gauges so I am buying a new bezel.

Hi Jhawk,

Check out my tutorial post on center console gauges.Well worth the read, and should help put you in the picture.

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-seeking-help-advice-on-centre-guage-setup

Thanks,

Greg.

Wow...what a great read! Although, I'm not sure I have the patience required to plan it and do it. And it looks like finding the pod may be really difficult and expensive as well? I guess if it was easy anyone could do it! I'm reading and thinking. I know I want to go with the AutoMeter gauges (white face - fuel pressure, trans temp, and vaccum) but another concern is they seem to only come in 2 1/16. Is that the size you started with? Do you think you could have accomplished it without the pod?

Thanks for all input!

Rocketman tach and Autometer center gauges finished result.



John

Hi John,

You're welcome and thanks. As i said in my original thread, if you go my way with the Ford pod, be very careful on what Autometer style of guage you choose. 2 and 1/16 size gauges was what i chose.

I chose Designer black as the bezel diamater of that guage just fitted into the pod. Any bigger, and i would have had problems with fit.The bezel diameters vary slightly with the styles of guages on offer, so be careful and check the diameter of the gauge you intend to use.

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugesize.aspx?sid=18&opid=2

To answer your second question, no, i could not have done what i did without using the Ford factory pod. These pods can be sought around the traps - Ebay/ Don from Ohio Mustang maybe/ forum members etc.

Hope that helps,

Greg.

 

[phagan63]

"The simple answer to that is yes you will. Although, may i try and persuade you into a brilliant idea i discovered and went for myself. Yes, i know you're poised in regards selling your beautiful '73 Vert, but this idea is a knockout, and well worth the money and effort for sure.(i'm secretly hopeing you'll keep your fantastic car!Wink)"

Thanks for the input Greg. Yes, presently my main instrument cluster consists of the standard speedo on the right, and the basic dial face with 4 "idiot lights" on the left. Yes I have indeed seen and salivated over Rocketman's products. I may eventually come off my wallet and buy the tach upgrade but, as my resources do have limits, I will have to make do with what I have presently. I was wondering though, does Rocket man offer that particular tach w/ white face ? And can I get a matching white faced speedo ?I hadn't noticed when looking at the link.

And, I'll let you in on a little secret of my own ... Although I've never been one to place much importance on material things, just about anything I own can be bought if the offer is right, it won't break my heart if no one makes an offer on my car With each passing day that my phone doesn't ring or my e-mail inbox is empty, I grow a little more attached to the car

Pat

 

[Mikes73]

Holy quote batman

 

[phagan63]

Yeah ... my head is still spinning as I try to follow the flow of this thread :banana:

 

[Austin Vert]

Did you want to say anything at this point here at all John?

Greg.

 

[jhawk635]

At this point I'm just going to order the parts and see what I can do with them without the pod. My goal is to make it look as good as the Austin Vert! I'll post pictures (good or bad).

John