mechanical gauges?

[grpups]

has anyone replaced their stock electrical gauges with mechanical oil and temp gauges? if so, what would fit in my stock '77 gauge cluster panel? thanks....

 

[BeaterShark]

I had put in some cheap Sunpro mechanical gauges (oil pres, water temp, and voltmeter) in my '69. I did have to dremel a little, but they fit well in the stock bezel.

I have since gone with some 2 1/6" VDO electrical gauges that are nicer. If you search my posts, you can find some pics of the VDO's.

 

[grpups]

thanks beatershark.....your VDO gauges look good. where can i buy those gauges? NAPA, Checkers, etc.?

 

[Ken Anderson]

Why don't you just put in a 72-73 mechanical oil gauge that was stock? Most all temp gauges are just like your stock one - uses a sender.

 

[BeaterShark]

I got my gauges/senders from summit and http://egauges.com

I went with the VDO gauges over stock for the following reasons:
1) lighting. The night time visibility of the VDO gagues are much better than stock.
2) I have 3/8" NPT hole in my head for temp sending unit and didn't want to drill/tap for the stock 1/2" NPT sender.
3) I wanted an electrical oil pressure gauge so I know I'll never have an oil bath behind my center console.
4) Price. I got my entire setup (oil press, water temp, voltmeter, & fuel gauges and senders) for about $150. Stock would be about $50 per gauge used and then I'd have a 30 year old gauge.
5) Accuracy/granualarity. Mainly I'm talking about the water gauge here. The stock replacement sending units are all over the place. Also, the VDO gauge is graduated where the engine temps are normally operating. I like to know what temp my engine is at.

 

[grpups]

ok.......thanks for the info.