Any recommendations for tach' and vacuum gauges?

[robroy]

Good morning!

I'm interested in picking out tach' and vacuum gauges for my truck.

I'm thinking about gauges three inches in diameter to mount in a cluster somewhere inconspicuous yet easy to view without taking my eyes far off the road. Suggestions on the mount location based on experience would be very interesting to me!

I'm also looking for the best quality gauges I can buy, preferably made in the USA. A more conservative and classic appearance is preferable to a modern, flashy appearance.

Does anybody know of a great source for gauges that match my specs?

Thanks very much!
-Robroy

[td]

these guys make what your describing check'em out and see what you think. http://www.dolphingauges.com/ you could always buy some mounting cups and mount'em under the dash. i have some in this location myself right now but i in the process of moving them all to the dash bezel.(edit) sorry that link didn't work,will somebody clue me in on how to make it work. (another edit) i figured it out thanks anyway.

[td]

i know these aren't the style you after but it will give you an idea what they would look like placed here.also mine are 2 5/8 im sure you would want to go with somthing a little smaller.

[robroy]

Good morning Td!

Thanks very much for the excellent link! I checked it out and believe they do have what I'm looking for. I just wish the photos on their web site were twenty times as large and detailed--it's pretty hard to see the nitty gritty there. I think I'll mail them to see if they have better photos somewhere.

Thanks also for posting the photo of your interior; I might wind up mounting mine there!

-Robroy

[td]

they do have a cool product, deffrent color faces,and trim rings. i haven't used any myself but have seen them in person, they have great classic looks. and you can get the speedo in manual or electric versions.

[robroy]

Hi Td! Thanks for the info. A chap there responded to my mail already and said that they don't have any vacuum gauges.

Do you happen to know of anything similar for a vacuum gauge?

Thanks again,
-Robroy

[td]

im sorry i over looked the vacuum gauge part of your initial post, my bad. no i don't have any knowledge of vacuum gauge manufacturers. good luck finding them thou. have you tried googling (vacuum gauges) and see what comes up?

[robroy]

Good evening Td! Hey no problem; I'm grateful for the excellent lead for the tach'.

I haven't searched the web for it quite yet. Sometimes I like to ask before searching when I figured another Ford guy might have just what I'm looking for on their truck.

Thanks for your help Td!
-Robroy

[td]

no problem!

[DuckRyder]

You may find what you want at:

http://www.stewartwarner.com/Products/prod1.html

http://www.vdo.com/products_solutions/s ... mentation/

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugeop.aspx?sid=52

Although the USA built part is likely to be difficult...

There is a thread from a while back with some Tach mounting solutions...

http://www.fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5162

but I think we lost some of the attachments...

[robroy]

Thank you for the links Robert!

I heard from my engine builder (Proformanceunlimited) today that I should be looking for mechanical, oil filled gauges. Steve recommended the Autometer models. So my search is on again now that the engine will arrive on Friday!

I'll be sure to post pics of whatever I pick up and install.

Thanks again Robert!
-Robroy

[mljjones67]

I like the auto meter gauges. They look good and built well.

[robroy]

After looking around at the manufacturer web sites, I'm failing to understand why mechanical gauges are more desirable than electric ones. It seems a little wild to have actual engine oil coming up in to a little box a foot away from my face!

Why do folks prefer mechanical gauges for performance applications?

Thanks!
-Robroy

[mljjones67]

I think they are more accurate. It acually reads the presure of the oil pumping through the gauge. That would be my guess anyway. I dont see why an electric one wont be sufficient .

[theskytoucher]

The main reason is mechanical gauges react faster to changes!! Electric gauges have a lag in them which can be the death of a motor!!!