gauges

[albersj51]

I hope to start the rewire of my rig shortly. In doing so, I plan on adding some gauges (turbo boost? Kidding!) so I can see how the old girl is doing. Mine only has the speedo and the combo gauge (Fuel and ammeter). I will be adding an alternator so instead of buying a new combo gauge for now Ill just disable the ammeter and add an aftermarket voltmeter.

I want to add an aftermarket tach, which can be run off of the alternator, right?

Most importantly I want a Temp gauge and an Oil pressue gauge. Since my rig came with neither can I add them after the fact? If so, how? One thread I came across mentions a bolt near the t-stat than can be removed and a sensor inserted. Anyone got a pic of this location? Also, is there a specific size/thread of sensor required to fit in this hole?

Lastly, how does one hook up an oil pressure gauge when one did not exist before?

Thanks for the help, as always!

[NelsAnderson]

You might want to do something like I did:



These are stock VDO gauges and they make a retro style series that is a pretty good match for the original Land Rover gauges, as you can see. I also have a tach mounted to the left of the steering wheel out of this photo.

Hooking up the tach just requires power and a sense wire to the coil. The other gauges mostly come in your choice of electric or mechanical so you have your choices of sensors, etc. Some pretty good options and pretty inexpensive too.

[albersj51]

Nels: that's EXACTLY what I am looking to do! Any advice on whether to go electric or mechanical on the gauges? Also how do I install them since mine came with none? Lastly, what all gauges are you running? Thanks!!

[NelsAnderson]

I used all electric gauges. That way you just have to run a wire into the dash, versus a hose full of fluid of some sort!

I got the gauges from this place:

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_grou.asp?Series=Series1&Cart=

There is a lot of information here, you can even download and read the complete installation manuals before you buy anything.

The four gauges I'm running are volts, water temp, oil pressure and vacuum. Plus the tach on the other side of the steering wheel.

[TedW]

Nels: that's EXACTLY what I am looking to do! Any advice on whether to go electric or mechanical on the gauges? Also how do I install them since mine came with none? Lastly, what all gauges are you running? Thanks!!

It is my understanding (and experience) that mechanical oil pressure gauges are more accurate than are the electric ones. At least when you are dealing with Smiths gauges. American / German / Italian gauges may be different.

[albersj51]

THanks guys!

Where do the sensors/senders insert into the engine and is there a specific size/thread I have to get? Another post I read mentioned adapters for the sender so they will fit in the engine and not leak. Thanks again!

[siii8873]

The oil pressure guage mounts via Tee off the oil filter housing in the same location as the oil psi switch is located. I do not know what thread it is. I will be doing this same thing with my 69 when I get that far along.
The water temp is on the front passenger side of the engine in the thermostat housing.

[albersj51]

Thanks, Siii! Where do you get the "T" for th oil pressure gauge? Anyone know the thread/size for the temp gauge? Thanks!

J