Gauges - What brand are you using?

rsimoes · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 07:30 PM

I'm thinking Smiths, SW and VDO, anything I should know. Any advice or warning? Is the backward speedo a problem?

ERA 626 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 08:52 PM

I cant really give any advise, but I have SMITHS

Back in Black · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003, 09:13 PM

Classic electric versions

See my photo gallery for pics

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 07:37 AM

All are good. I have the VDO electronic tac and speedometer. I like being able to reset the speedometer if I change gears or tire sizes by just driving a mile and letting the computer chip calibrate it.

Ron

PNJSNAK · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 10:22 AM

I saw your name up on Joe's board this week when I stopped in to see Joe and Sonny. Joe is now including SW gauges with a 160 mph speedo. The SW's are a far cry better than the Dolphin gages they were supplying. Smith's are very nice but costly, Autometer are great look for competition but for replica, Smith's, SW or VDO. I got my kit 2 years ago this time frame and they were supplying VDO gages then. Only complaint about VDO is the speedo is only 120 mph, I also added a clock and oil temp gage, you get Oil press, water temp, volts, fuel, speedo and tach. Good luck with the build any questions please feel free to ask. You made a great choice, you'll love the gel coat and the finish. Besides your getting the new mold product. The manual is a little disappointing half of the hours I have in my care was figuring out how it should be done. Ask if you need help. Don't bother asking Sonny any questions just call Joe, Roscoe was a great help we were building a similiar times.
Good Luck.
Jim

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 10:48 AM

PNJSNAK,

My VDO speedometer is a 160 M.P.H. one. I got it several years ago but still get the VDO catalogs and they show them still listed. If you ever want to switch I can get the catalog and look up the part numbers. Mine is the electronic one but I think they showed the gear driven one in a 160 version also.

Ron

PNJSNAK · #7 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 10:59 AM

Ron:
I am very interested in the manual gear drive unit, if you can provide that info and a place to get it, I would appreciate it. Also, this may sound strange but can the existing miles be somehow put on a manual gear driven gage. I have almost 5k on the existing 120 mph unit. I don't remember any access to the wheels, or do I use a drill with the square shank in the back.
Thanks,
Jim

Robb · #8 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 12:41 PM

I have a question for those with more knowledge then me:
(most everyone that reads this).

In your opinion, from best to worst, what gauges do you recommend for:

Reliability/quality

Period correct looks

High visibility (non-period correct)

Thanks,
-Robb

Jack21 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 03:03 PM

This is one of the areas where period correct went into the dumpster for practicality, and functionality.

Autometer Sport-Comp 5" electronic speedo (160mph), and tach (8000RPM) were installed in dash where they could be observed by peripheral vision without taking eyes off the road.

Z Series gauges (2 1/8") for oil, temp, volts, and fuel were used for 2nd tier monitoring, again without taking eyes off the road.

Mike Braddock · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003, 04:19 PM

Of the brands mentioned, Autometer are by far the most reliable, the most accurate and are accompanied by the best customer service in the industry. SW is a far second. And Smiths aren't even on the same scale. VDO is in between SW and AutoMeter.

Mike