Because most Autometer gauges are cheap junk. I've used them before and have been less than impressed. I have a set of Isspro gauges and they are in a whole other class. The DiPricol Optix gauges are a tie with Isspros for best gauges. These 2 gauges are very close to a factory match with the gauge cluster.


If you want to be specific the problems with the Autometers I had was needles sticking on 2 different gauges (had the first one warrantied). The trans temp is only a 90* swing, while the DiPricol and Isspro trans temp gauges are a 270* swing. This means that the needle spins 90* or 270*. This means you can accurately look at the trans temp when its cold outside. My Autometers were useless in the winter because they'd hardly move. I like to see exactly where the temp is at. The Autometers use a cheap *** lighting method. The light reflects around the outside of the of the gauges and lights it up. They flat out suck *** in the dark because you have "hot" and "cold" spots. The Isspro and Dipricol gauges are like factory and the needle and the digits light up and the backlight color can be changed easily.

 

...Autometer qauges are not junk. The dirt track machines out here race in EXTREME environments. As mentioned alot of pros use them. Don't know about the other gauges, but 90% of the top racers out here use Autometer. They also race at night (albiet stadium lights). The lighting may not be to your liking, but it's never been a problem for them. Also, your problems with Autometer in the winter are interesting. The Pro-Comps in my Mustang work just fine when I take it out on a cold (maybe 16 degrees F) and dry day. Curious...What 'style' Autometer gauges did you have which had the 'problem'? I'll believe ya that Isspro and Dipricol may be good gauges as you do seem to know some good info ~ but, you need to update your knowledge before you slam a product line.

Obviously you were you using the cheaper line of Autometer (maybe Autogage?) - the ones below are one of their top of the line and DON'T have a 90 degree sweep you complained about (also look at the 'illumintion' tab in the link as you can change the bulb color or even to an LED):

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...earch&gid=2724

These below are LED backlight with illuminated pointers(look at the 'illumination' tab):

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...earch&gid=3871

These below have a white face during day and black at night (look at 'view nighttime' ):

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...id=3509&sid=59

and for the 'digital' age drivers:

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...earch&gid=3671

Here's an overall video:

http://www.autometer.com/media_popup...ommercial&id=4

 

Another drawback to stacks is that they look like crap. Its not a tractor or a semi, its a pickup. They look terrible. Just my $.02

 

So you assume that I did not do my homework before I bought gauges the last time around, how estute of you. On the contrary I did plenty of homework piror to buying my gauge set the last time around, however you are correct that I didn't do my homework before I bought my Autometers.

I began looking at gauges about 6 months before I got mine and I looked at most of the Autometer gauges, DiPricol, Isspro, and a few others. Most of the Autometer gauges were lit via reflected light around the dial, just as the first one you showed. My original Phantom series ones were like that as well and had hotspots in the lighting. Its a very very poor way to do illuminate gauges. They also did not have any full swing gauges at the time when I bought mine, but I see they do make some now which is a good step.

As for me calling them junk, they are plain and simple. I didn't do my homework before I got gauges the first time around and like you thought that Autometer gauges were good. The illumination sucked and the gauges would stick. I replaced my trans temp under warranty for this and the new one did it again. I can see getting one dud, but 2, and the rest sticking intermittantly? I gave my supporting info on WHY they are junk, but all I'm hearing as a rebuttal is that "dirt track and dragstrip guys use them". Just because people who race use something doesn't mean its necessarily a good product.

 

That sucks. Best thing would be to weld a screen a couple inches down where it's not visible, but will keep stuff out and easy to reach.

 

You write: "So you assume that I did not do my homework before I bought gauges the last time around, how estute of you." Really, did I 'assume'?? where in my post did I say that? Thanks for putting words in my mouth..plus, my rebuttal is real world fact to your one-time 'fact'

Regarding the rest of your post:

Okay... yeah, they are 'junk' so that's why professional / amateur racers (even NASCAR and CORR) and the like use and depend on them to 'win' and / or bring in income to support their families ... if they weren't a good product why would one continue to put them in their vehicles every time they upgraded or replaced a vehicle. I have used them for over twenty years without a problem and so have many many others. I have alot experience on the dragstrip with Autometer and your bad experience with them is the first I've heard...whatever...it just sounds like BS ~ but, hey, your entitled to your opinion and experiences.

...and I am giving my supporting information why they are NOT 'junk', and hearing a rebuttal of 'one' bad experience with them along with a general statement that they are 'junk...plain and simple'....hmmmm

I guess we just better agree to disagree....

 

I guess your memory must be failing you, because the following quote infers lack of research.








Pretty much. I know that all the Autometer products I have used have either been faulty or were not up to my standards of what good gauges should be. Some people may want to use them, but I know I will never own another gauge from them.

 

Good for you...

You write: "I guess your memory must be failing you, because the following quote infers lack of research." It is in response to you not knowing Autometer product...duh! It was no 'inference' to you not doing your homework on other gauges or product lines!!...incredible the BS words you put in my mouth.

and again you write: "I know that all the Autometer products I have used have either been faulty or were not up to my standards of what good gauges should be. Some people may want to use them, but I know I will never own another gauge from them."...what?...isn't the trans temp gauge what you base you generalized opinion on??...what other Autometer gauge have you used that's been a 'problem'?... Regarding [your standards]...The folks that use and depend on them probably have a much higher standard than you (or me) and they seem to work fine for them - interesting

Just more BS...oh well

Sorry to get off topic pards!