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What Gauges For My Dash?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Buildflycrash, Dec 5, 2018.

  1. Dec 5, 2018
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    I'm getting close to where I need to buy gauges and switches for the dash. I have a stock type Speedo' to install.

    [​IMG]

    To the left of the wheel there are two holes 2.5" or 2.25" I think. The PO hacked the hole on the right is for the ignition switch mounted on a small plate, The speedo has Temp and fuel gauges, so one of the extra holes should be Oil pressure and the other should be .... what?

    What brand / model gauges are "best value"? affordable and reliable.
     
  2. Dec 5, 2018
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Oil and Amp on the two left holes were stock for some jeeps. I would install Oil and Volt gauge .much easier wiring.Any thoughts of welding up extra holes while you have it out.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Typically the extras would be oil pressure & ammeter but in this day & age, & especially if you're running a big alternator, a voltmeter is preferred to the ammeter. I myself would prefer a mechanical oil gauge but many people have un-fond memories of hot oil soaking their leg when the tube broke :(

    As for the gauge manufacturer it's hard to beat the classic design S-W stuff.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2018
    Buildflycrash

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    Smith & Wesson make gauges too? :confused: South West? :shrug:
     
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  5. Dec 5, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  6. Dec 5, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Hint- it's printed on your speedometer someplace. :whistle:
     
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  7. Dec 5, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Auto Meter.
     
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  8. Dec 5, 2018
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
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    I also used Autometer and run mechanical oil and a voltmeter, ammeters are famous for starting fires with an alternator that puts out more than about 45 amps. On an amp meter all that power runs thru the meter all the time the ignition is on.
     
  9. Dec 5, 2018
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    SW is Stewart Warner, but I think they are imported now. Autometer is still made in Illinois. Ihave a mix matched oil pressure, water temp and Voltmeter. As far as location the lower left is typical but they are hard to see when driving. Around the speedometer is slightly better.
     
  10. Dec 5, 2018
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    I agree with Howard and the others: Oil Pressure and Ammeter (or Voltmeter)

    Whatever you decide on, make them match your speedometer to a T. In other words, tall (narrow) white numerals, 'Day-Glo' orange needles. If the speedometer bezel is black like on this '71 Renegade, it'd be neat to have black bezels on everything:

    I dig a steering column-mounted Tach too.

    1971 Renegade.jpg
     
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  11. Dec 5, 2018
    NCRenII

    NCRenII yellow fever

    Far Nor Cal
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    I've had good luck with vdo. THey have a product line called cockpit that has black bezel, black face, and correct sweep as original.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2018
  12. Dec 5, 2018
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Another SW user.
    [​IMG]
     
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  13. Dec 5, 2018
    Buildflycrash

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    Thanks for the replies. I’m putting Auto Meter on my Christmas list!
     
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  14. Dec 5, 2018
    dane71

    dane71 Member

    USA
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    I've heard stewart warner has gone down in quality, it's hard to beat their appearance though. New Vintage USA looks interesting, not sure if they're good or bad though.
     
  15. Dec 6, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    20181206_055510.jpg I put these Auto Meter gauges in mine and I really like them. I think they look good and they're very accurate. I thought long and hard before I cut 3 holes in an unmodified stock dash but I'm glad I did.
     
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  16. Dec 6, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Don't use an ammeter - use a voltmeter instead. You could use an ammeter with a remote shunt, but most ammeters have an internal shunt and are not suitable for under-dash mounting with today's alternators. SW full-sweep for me. I would keep the water temperature and fuel level in the original cluster. Tachometer would be next, then vacuum gauge.
     
  17. Dec 6, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    That represents a lot of work ... padded dash, defroster duct, jumbo glove box. Lots of custom work there.
     
  18. Dec 6, 2018
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

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    You should see the engine bay.
     
  19. Dec 6, 2018
    Buildflycrash

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    I remember seeing a photo of that recently, very nice and LOTS of work into this jeep. I'll bet he can hang with most any modern 4x out there.
     
  20. Dec 6, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    Hang with? I'll bet anything modern has to work hard to keep up with John!
    -Donny
     
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