The Autometer 3 gauge pillar came last week and now the question of what to put in it. (Got sidetracked by a certain Crutchfield sale. ) I would like full sweep gauges if possible.

Right now I'm inclined towards the Phantom series full sweep mechanical oil pressure and water temp, but I am still exploring possibilities.

I didn't see a full sweep Phantom tranny temp listed anywhere or for that matter a full set of *ANY* Autometer full sweep gauges, electrical or mechanical.

Plan B is to get the Cyberdyne digital tranny gauge which reads from 0* to 350*. Downside is that I don't know how good it would look along with 2 Phantom gauges in the pillar.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...56&prmenbr=361

Anybody had any experience with any of these gauges, especially the digital? I am wondering how well it would work in daylight and if it would be distracting at night? Will dash dimmer work on the digital gauge?

As of now the pillar is still black and my interior is still charcoal. Probably will paint the pillar to match.

Another question is what will it take to hook up the mechanical oil pressure and temp gauges? What adapters/fittings are needed and where is the best/most logical place to install senders?

Profound thoughts and casual observations?

 

ChiDiver,

Do a search on gauge installs. Neil has the mechanical gauges in the pillar but he had to drill the pillar to fit the lines. I steered clear of the pillar with my mechanical temp gauge. If I had to do over I would probably go with all electric gauges on the pillar. Some say mechanical is the most accurate but with a quality electric gauge like Auto Meter I can’t imagine it being way off. Also, I have heard the analogy “I’m not flying the space shuttle, I just want to monitor my engines vitals”. So, the difference between electric and mechanical quality gauges are probably marginal. Just my .02 and I am sure you will get a wide array of opinions.

 

Yes, the mechanical gauges are more accurate but, BIg Red2 is right. I would say your decision should come down to 'do you like the full sweep look of the mechanical or the look of the electrical'?? The mechanical is a little harder to install as far as running the tubing or pressure line (depending on your gauge) but IMO worth it. Like he said, everyone is going to have a different opinion so it depends on what you like.

Yes, both of mine are mechanical and it was a piece of cake to install them in the pillar. I have heard some people thought it was a pain in the a$$ but I can't imagine why. No drilling, cutting or anything on mine. Oh well. Guess I got lucky.

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I wound up ordering Autometer Phantom full sweep mechanical water temp and oil pressure gauges, as well as the Cyberdyne digital tranny temp gauge.

At the moment only the tranny gauge is in. The digital display( I ordered red but green is available) works well even in bright sunlight. When I start the truck it goes through a self test for a couple of seconds than goes to display. It's only been in 2 days and the highest trans temp I saw around town was 172* in 91* weather read off the overhead console. The display will read 0* to 350*, and it comes with a wire to hook up to the lighting circuit that dims it at night.

Only install snags so far is that I ordered the oil pressure gauge with a 6 foot line instead of the 12 foot and nobody local carries the Autometer #2263 3/8" NPT adapter for the water temp sender so I can use the pipe plug hole in the side of the block.

I am trying to find 3/16" hydraulic hose to use instead of the nylon tubing. It may be me but I just don't care for the nylon at all. Gotta try some shops Monday.

About 25 years ago I was driving my brothers 1967 Ford van through Kentucky when his aftermarket gauges mounted underdash shorted out. The ammeter started arcing and cooked the oil pressure tubing. Smoke, oil and a small fire filled the truck in about 5 seconds. I was on the highway doing 60 or so when it happened and I just barely had time to roll down the window to see well enough to pull over.

 

Galaxy,

That's a sweet lookin' pod who makes it, looks like charcol grey too, did you paint it?


ChiDriver,

We would be interested in your install experience once you get them in, please let us know.

What did you tap for a dimming light source for the gage?

 

Thanks. It's a Lo-Teck. Great fit and quality piece. Yes I had to paint it because it only comes in black or light grey (graphite as Ford calls it) and mine is the dark graphite. Lo-Teck caters to the Lightning world. Between the texture of the pillar and the color quality of the Ford paint, it's a dead on match to the interior. Literally looks like a factory piece. After seeing how good this paint is from Ford, I would not hesitate to have to paint something to match your interior.
http://www.gaugepods.com/

 

Galaxy,
Where did you get the dark graphite paint?

 

Ford dealer, over the counter. They will most likely have to order it so they will need the interior code from the sticker in the door jam. Don't remeber which letter it was. The parts guy look it up for me.

 

ChiDriver,



As of now I am using the light bulb in the back of the ash tray for a dimmer source. Seems to work OK. As a matter of fact the bulb was burned out and I never knew it as I don't smoke.

The digital gauge is plenty bright enough during the day and prolly too bright at night even when dimmed. The digital has an extra wire to operate a dimming circuit that ties to any switched light source like headlamps or parking lights. Gauge flickers when dimmed off of dash lights. Works OK if dimmer is on full bright though. I am going to call tech support to see if there is a way to throw a resistor on it to dim it a bit more at night.

Update...
The The brown truck stopped by this afternoon with the Autometer #2263 3/8"adapter needed to install the mechanical temp gauge sender in the pipe plug hole in the lower LH side of the block.
Works fine. I had made a zillion phone calls and made a zillion stops trying to find it local.

Now I am waiting on Paragon Performance to send me the 3/16" SS hose for the oil pressure line. Then I'll be done. With that. For now. I think.