adding mechanical gauges

[patrickj]

Any body have any experience with drilling the firewall to run water temp/oil pressure gauges? Or is there another way? this is on my 85 thanks

 

[vetteboy86]

I came across this a while ago. Ever see them?

Corvette America - Corvette America Specials

 

[vetteoz]

Any body have any experience with drilling the firewall to run water temp/oil pressure gauges? Or is there another way? this is on my 85 thanks

Why not use elec gauges; you only need to a path for the wires , not a big hole for the sender unit ?

 

[helphos]

gauges

Nice thing about electric gauges is they are less likely to leak or pull away due to engine movement. It happened to me!

 

[Curious George]

Any body have any experience with drilling the firewall to run water temp/oil pressure gauges? Or is there another way? this is on my 85 thanks

The best place to drill a hole, through the firewall, is on the driver side. On my '92, I drilled it just above the main electrical connector and slightly to the right of my "foot rest" molded into the carpet. Be careful, the power brake booster is in that area and you do not want to drill into the back of it. Trust me, it happens more than you think.

I came out just above the main connector and was able to "fish" my wires through, then apply a liberal amount of sealant to seal the hole.

CG

 

[patrickj]

OK I am looking to install the gauges in the center where the four vents are.I removed the two inboard vents and the gauges fit and look good there. (They are in a bezel) I am using these as I do not trust electric gauges to many ways to not read correctly.

 

[Curious George]

OK I am looking to install the gauges in the center where the four vents are.I removed the two inboard vents and the gauges fit and look good there. (They are in a bezel) I am using these as I do not trust electric gauges to many ways to not read correctly.

Just be aware that a mechanical oil gauge can be a "messy gauge" meaning that it can leak and make a complete mess inside the dash area. It does not matter if you use copper / nylon tubing, it will somehow, someway develop a leak.

If good quality gauges are used, I have had good luck with electrical gauges and that is all I use if a gauge is needed.

CG

 

[helphos]

Mechanical gauges

I'm in general agreement with curious George. But if you go ahead with the mechanical gauges, here's a suggestion to reduce the likelihood of leaks.
Don't run the tubing straight into the gauge. Make a coil of the tubing near the gauge and then have a 1" or so straight section going into the gauge. Same with the engine block. The coil will allow some flex as the engine moves. I'm assuming you're using copper tubing. It's been more reliable in my experience than plastic.
And show us some pictures!
How about an Ammeter next?? (Tells you things the voltmeter can't)
Best of luck!

 

[WhalePirot]

I am looking to install the gauges in the center

I like that idea sooo much. http://members.dslextreme.com/users/fry747/Vette/NewAnaDigDash%20(WinCE).jpg

The Autometer gauges are so superior to stock and US made. The only issue is these cobalts are much nicer to read than the (dated) cyber-dash. I went electric and drilled no holes.