install some gauges

I would like to install some gauges on the "Gal". I found the temperature sensor on the block but could not locate the oil pressure sensor. As for the volts I assume I have to connect that to the battery. Is there an easy way to install these gauges? Can I just tap into the dummy lights already on the car's console?


thanks in advance......

Here's what I did. I bought a set of gauges that I liked (VDO electrical, not mechanical). I also purchased the water temp and oil sending units from VDO. You'll have to change the units currently on the car since they don't send the proper signal to an analog gauge.

The current oil pressure sending unit is on top of the housing where you screw in the oil filter. There is a wire snapped on top of the unit. Disconnect the wire and use a wrench to unscrew the existing unit and replace it with the one matched to your gauge. I had to purchase a 45 degree adapter to give me the clearance needed to get the much larger sending unit to fit.

Now just run the wires to the gauge and you're set. The idiot light won't work for the the oil pressure any more, but isn't a gauge a better option? I've heard of ways to make the idiot light work along with the gauge, but I didn't want to go this route.

You can replace the current temperature sending unit with the one matched for the gauge you pick in the current location of the unit. And, yes, just attach the volt meter to a 12 volt line and you're there.

As for mounting the gauges, I modified the dash to eliminate the AM radio and put my three gauges. I think it looks great and it sure is easy to see the gauges up on the dash. See the picture below.

Hope this helps.

[IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/John%20Hovis/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/JOHN%27S%20PICTURES/20071010%20001.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/John%20Hovis/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/JOHN%27S%20PICTURES/20071010%20001.jpg[/IMG]

Oops the pics didn't work. You need to upload them or have them hosted on a place like photobucket. Photobucket you just copy and paste the appropriate url code into your post. That's one thing I love about photobucket is the 3 choices of codes.

Deb

Sorry about the photo not being there. Ok I have photobucket set up - let's see if this works. Here's the url to the picture with the gauges.

Image of Gauges - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

That worked! That looks cool in there, you did a nice job.
If you copy the last code that says "IMG Code" then paste it here it will show in the post.

Deb

JH that looks sweet. You did a great job making it look like factory installed gauges.

The gauges in the dash look great! I will have to consider that option.

What is the third gauge in the set? Is that a small Tach?

I think they are: volts, oil pressure, and water temp

Thanks for the kind words - I too really like how it came out.

The gauges in the dash are oil, water temp and volt meter. I have a small tach on the steering column for now.

Thanks also for helping me figure out how to put pictures in the post.

If you want the idot light for the oil to work put a "T" fitting in and screw the orginal sender in one side and the oil gauge sender in the other.