gauge wiring

[naa10104]

Hello,

      Have a 73 vert with no guages, just idiot lights.  Curious if Ford would have installed the wiring to run the three optional guages in the top of the center dash ? I ask because I switched my car from a short console to long and found that the wiring for the clock and ashtray light were prewired and tucked up behind the dash. Want to add three guages and sorting out my options.  Any suggestions as to period add on guages or sourcing original guages would be appreciated.  Thanks 

steve

 

[midlife]

Only in 1971 was there an option to have a non-tach dash with the center 3 gauge cluster. In other years, there was no available wiring to plug the 3 gauge cluster into the main harness. I can reconfigure any 7123 underdash harness for the 3 gauge cluster, and you can use your existing circuit card. I know of no other option.

 

[Stanglover]

Actually there is an option, but only aftermarket gauges, either mechanical or electronic. If you can find a center gauge panel, you can retro fit gauges as I did for mine. In my case, I chose not to destroy the original factory gauges and construct a bracket to hold the Bosch down-sweep mechanical ones. I can offer help on how to install the tubing for the mechanicals if that is needed. Electrical gauges, if you can find them, would be easier if you're into wiring 'stuff'.

A very good option for your idiot lights is go to Rocketman's Classic Cougar Innovations and buy his tach conversion. It looks just like the factory tac, but with the idiot lights still operational. You could click on his link below the tech forums. He can convert your idiot light pod or you can send it (or another) back for a core exchange. Talk to Bob.

Here's my gauges. I finished them in black to match the speedo / tach facia, which has no chrome trim.

Geoff.

 

[naa10104]

thanks for all the info. Have to look into this further.

Steve

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

I myself would love to have both, lol. You never or hardly ever look at the gauges in the center. Like in a NASCAR racer there is a big red light right in front of the steering wheel and if you loose oil pressure it comes on. Gauges are neat and look good but not very practical for saving an engine.

Especially if you are on track doing an autocross or road coarse. You might get to glance at gauges in a straight but no time anywhere else. With all the traffic today I do not like to look down would be great to have a big red light to tell the story and not have to read it.

David

 

[Stanglover]

I myself would love to have both, lol. You never or hardly ever look at the gauges in the center. Like in a NASCAR racer there is a big red light right in front of the steering wheel and if you loose oil pressure it comes on. Gauges are neat and look good but not very practical for saving an engine.

Especially if you are on track doing an autocross or road coarse. You might get to glance at gauges in a straight but no time anywhere else. With all the traffic today I do not like to look down would be great to have a big red light to tell the story and not have to read it.

David

 True. The gauges really need to be angled far more toward the driver than they are. I like having them and the idiot lights, but you're right, you have to take your eye off the road to see them. Perhaps if I ever (and not too likely) decide to build up another set, I think I'd look more at the angle. Sitting in the car and being a shorter driver, I find I don't really see the readings accurately. If I move toward center, then I get to see the actual reading, but can't do that at 70 mph!! Heads Up display would be the real answer.

As for the big red light, go for it. That's your next project David!!

Geoff.

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

I myself would love to have both, lol. You never or hardly ever look at the gauges in the center. Like in a NASCAR racer there is a big red light right in front of the steering wheel and if you loose oil pressure it comes on. Gauges are neat and look good but not very practical for saving an engine.

Especially if you are on track doing an autocross or road coarse. You might get to glance at gauges in a straight but no time anywhere else. With all the traffic today I do not like to look down would be great to have a big red light to tell the story and not have to read it.

David

 True. The gauges really need to be angled far more toward the driver than they are. I like having them and the idiot lights, but you're right, you have to take your eye off the road to see them. Perhaps if I ever (and not too likely) decide to build up another set, I think I'd look more at the angle. Sitting in the car and being a shorter driver, I find I don't really see the readings accurately. If I move toward center, then I get to see the actual reading, but can't do that at 70 mph!! Heads Up display would be the real answer.

As for the big red light, go for it. That's your next project David!!

Geoff.

LOL, wiring and electrical are my downfall. I cannot even get my tach to work with MSD and with their tach drive. If if starts I will just drive it.