|
Author
|
Topic: 68 gauge upgrades (Like Sam did)
|
indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 06-28-2003 07:04 PM
 
Sometime I would like to build a guage cluster like the JME custom units that go for about 800 bucks. I want to build it myself to save money and spread ths costs out. Im thinking about buying an old gauge cluster from ebay to do my cutting on but I have some questions about what gauges to use.
JME use autogauge or autometer, but Sam used VDO gauges in the '68 "how to" section on his famous website.I guess the outline for me is to replace my stock system (keeping it aside to retain value) with a large speedometer, large tach (8000RPM preferably) and a fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge and water temp. Sam quoted a 2 1/8 inch size but summit doesnt seem to stock that size (I checked the website and the catalogue) i see a lot of 2 1/16 is that the right size for the 3 smaller gauges?
what size should I be looking at for the 2 main gauges? If anyone has done this project and can share their thoughts I would love a little help on sizes and possible problems. Im thinking about doing this in the fall, If I do I will write an in depth report. I really dont like the way that JME are charging so much money for that cluster. Its nice but I dont have that kind of money. TIA
Phil
------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
66 heads, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
|
mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 27681
From: Hampton Va MCA#39406 M&M #12 Member Mustang Club of Tidewater
Registered: May 99
|
posted 06-28-2003 08:05 PM
Phil,
is the 2 1/16 the face size or over all dia of the gauge..
Anyway they should work with no problem,a 1/16 less and if I remember the gauge was a snug fit.
If you can get the complete cluster intact with wiring it will be ez-er to work with and you will have your old cluster if you should want to place it back in the Pony.What you don't see in the photos was I also blasted the metal and primed,painted it later. It's really and simple job,maybe a weekend at most,just be sure your wiring is done correct,watch your grounds and if you have a power source check your lights before installing in trhe Pony. One interestion note,at one time I had 5 clusters from junked 68's taking them apart I found the covers for the light varied.Some were a pale blue others were clear..I opt'ed for all clear for max lighting on the gauges. ------------------
98% of all Chevys are on the road,the other 2% made it Home
Sam
www.1968mustang.org
|
indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 06-28-2003 11:16 PM
Sam,
I just noticed a factory cluster with a tach on ebay, and it got me thinking, where did they put the fuel gauge on those?The one I see has a blank for the clock:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2421519361 Anyway I might consider buying a factory set up If I could be sure I would have a fuel gauge. ------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
66 heads, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
|
mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 06-29-2003 07:47 AM
The JME setup for all it's price lacks a voltmeter but gains a tach. The Haneline, has a slightly modified area at the bottom but it has the four critical guages. I like Sam's approach but would remove the clock and put in a voltmeter. The factory amp guage is a joke! I have downloaded the how to on Sam's panel, but wonder about hook up. Maybe it's included, will have to look.
|
mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 27681
From: Hampton Va MCA#39406 M&M #12 Member Mustang Club of Tidewater
Registered: May 99
|
posted 06-29-2003 11:01 AM
The only thing I have really done here is swap out the old gauge (electrical gauge) for new (mechenical gauges) using the original power source for lighting then ran the new lines (example tubing for the oil gauge, line from the new temp sending unit)for the gauges.The clock I did use the original power source.
If you note the addition of the "new wires" are for grounds only.What I tried to do is avoid cutting any original wiring that wasn't necessary and use the (installation) kits provided by VDO. For example on the oil pressure line that runs from under the hood to the gauge as it passes thur the fire wall I have added another piece of heavy plastic tubing (appox 3 foot long) over it to protect the line from chaffing and being cut by movement from vibrations etc.I placed this over the oil line before running the oil line and making connections to the gauge just for safety.
|
mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 27681
From: Hampton Va MCA#39406 M&M #12 Member Mustang Club of Tidewater
Registered: May 99
|
posted 06-29-2003 11:12 AM
where did they put the fuel gauge on thoseNow you got me stumped 
Looking at the photo, and guessing, it looks like the left hand gauge top is the fuel gauge but I can't read the print on it..LOL. Anyone got an answer,I too would like to know
|
sigtauenus
Gearhead Posts: 3969
From: Va Beach
Registered: Jun 2000
|
posted 06-29-2003 05:49 PM
The fuel guage on the 68 cluster with factory tach is the upper left small gauge. Middle upper is still clock, and upper right small guage is water temp. Alt and Oil press are idiot lights.My 68 left for Dad's today so can't go outside and look anymore, but I probably have a good picture laying around here if you want to see it.
|
indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 06-29-2003 08:23 PM
Im not keen on having mechanical gauges.
I will buy an old dash harness and use electerical gauges. I basically want to copy the JME set up. I dont care about voltmeter I dont have on now and I dont miss it. The ammeter is broken and so I dont miss it either. I dont need a clock (especially one like mine that doesnt work) So my design is basically OIL PRESS FUEL GAUGE WATER
SPEEDO TACH ------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
66 heads, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
|
stang67_460
Journeyman Posts: 11
From: Essex,VT,USA
Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 07-04-2003 04:53 AM
I think I am/have done what you are thinking about. Check it out on my mustang page.
http://www.geocities.com/stang460_67/Mustang.html
2 1/16 electrical gauges with 3 3/8 speedo and tach. The center has an oil press gauge now, water temp on the right, fuel on the left.[This message has been edited by stang67_460 (edited 07-04-2003).]
|
indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 3394
From: Senoia, G.A. USA
Registered: Jul 2002
|
posted 07-07-2003 06:19 PM
stang67_460,
yes thats exactly what I was looking for.Maybe when you get done you could let me know how you did it, at least things to avoid. Thats exactly what I want to do this winter as a little project. ------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
66 heads, edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
|
