Hi everyone,
I've looking to buy a set of aftermarket gauges(idiot lights suck), preferably a triple-gauge set that attaches to the bottom of the dash.I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this way, so maybe this will help others.
Water temp and oil pressure are a given to get, very handy. I thought I saw this topic before but I can't find it now looking for it. Which is better, ammmeter or voltmeter to have as a gauge?
One other question I have is this:
I've hooked up electrical gauges without a problem. Mechanical gauges I've heard are more accurate. How hard is it to install mechanical gauges for water/oil?

Tony
'68 Chevelle 400

Forgot something I wanted to add.
If anyone has a set they thinks looks good in an old Chevelle, plz post manufacturer as I'm having a hard time weeding out the products not worth looking at.

Tony
'68 Chevelle 400

First, I like the simplistic looks and low cost of the AutoGuage (from AutoMeter). With either the mechanical or electrical, you will still have to bring something into the passenger compartment (wires/tubing, etc.). I doubt the difference in accuracy between mechanical and electrical would be discernable in such a small guage. If you know how to read them, a voltmeter is as useful as an ammeter and much easier to install. Lastly, I would hook everything up where you still have the benefit of the idiot lights.

I got the triple gauge set from autometer (through summit) black on black to keep them decrete. They are very nice gauges! The temp unit is awesome. As I am cruising, I can pass under a set of clouds and the gauge will drop 5 degrees quickly. when I come out into the sun it'll go back up the 5 degrees! too cool.

I had an amp-meter setup once and didn't like it much. It was only usefull to me on my 76 jeep, for extra lights, winch etc.) I'd stick with a voltmeter. for the 'velle, easier to monitor alternator output.

It is very easy to use the stock idiot light for the oil as well as the gauge. Just needs an extra Tee fitting. Saved my butt once! AS for the temp, I don't have idot protection on it, that's not to sudden of a change.

I bought 2 individual gauges from advance auto parts by "sunpro". They are black and look very good, very similar to the gm chevy performance series gauges. They were very easy to install and look great. I ran the oil line to a tee at the oil switch area so that I could keep my warning lamp operational. I ran the bourdon tube for the temp gauge to the fitting in the left head of my 396. Although this disabled the fact temp gauge, I feel the sunpro is far more accurate. I constantly watch the true temp fluctuating up & down, it really saved me from ruining my engine last year when I started overheating and didn't realize it. I wired the backlighting to the console harness for the shift lamps.

I still use the fact amp gauge even though sunpro makes one. I think I paid about $25 for one and about $38 for the other, they are about 3 1/2inches in size.

I mounted them just under the dash between the ashtray and the steering column

just my 2 cents

ok, electrical gauges it is.
one problem i'm having is the same reason i was pondering mechanical gauges.finding a nice looking triple gauge set that is electrical. sounds easy but not as many as you'd think. i have an old set that from sunpro(not in great shape at all, etc), that is style like most of the mechanical gauges in summit's book and most others. sunpro does make one electrical triple set, although i want the other look i mentioned above, which seems kinda hard to find, especially since i'm aiming for 2" gauges or 2-5/8" gauges in the console.
if anyone has a lead on one, help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys for all the replies to send me in the right direction http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
Tony
'68 Chevelle 400

[This message has been edited by Ox68 (edited 03-06-2000).]

Just some considerations. Mechanical gauges allow 270 degree sweep, electrical are usually less than 180 degrees so discerning fluctuations is easier with mechanical as well as asessing vital signs with quick glances. Also mechanical water temp still indicates temp when the motor not running so you can see how high temp creeps after shutoff. I purchased 2 and 5/8 Sumitt mechanicals for oil and temp. That's all you really need. I recomend to still have the idiot lights operational, since they will be visible if you're not paying attention to the guages.

I got a three gauge set of Autometer gauges and the black mounting panel. Mounted it under the heater controls, used the same two screws for the heater to mount the bracket.

I have a volt meter, a water temp ( mechanical ), and oil pressure ( also mechanical). They work really well. Easy to view, look perfect-almost like they came stock. Idiot lights all still work too.

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'67 Chevelle, 388cid
'85 K20 Silverado 6.2L Diesel

[This message has been edited by fastburn (edited 03-07-2000).]

mini-triple-gauge. J.C. Whitney. $19.95. Works good;lasts long-time.

My car is a 71 with the sweep style speedo. I'm currently working on this modification that I found right here on this site;
http://members.aol.com/beavrab/guage.html

But, you either have to use Autometer Designer series or VDO Vision series. You are limited to 3 1/8 inch tach and speedo, and 2 1/16 inch gauges. I'm going with either Autometer Designer black or the VDO with a programmable speedo.

I would go with Autometer, have been installing a custom set into my '65. So far no problems and I have managed to keep even the "idiot" lights too. so anything is possible. And best of all it looks too cool!!