Date:         Thu, 21 May 2009 16:27:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Custom VDO/Sunpro or other brand Guages for Oil Temp,
              Water Temp, Volt Meter
In-Reply-To:  <20090521100447.2FE0B23324F@pop4.cfu.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Check out these Gauge set ups:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=193593&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

*Great idea to get them from a Jetta or Golf as there is pick and pull
place near me. But to to just save energy I might order them from
Busdepot or get them locally.


Now, I am no mechanic so I need to figure out exactly what to order so
the real mechanic can install them properly. One Question I assume
this is easier to do when the engine is not in the Van? or does it
make a difference?


 From what you wrote Max, I gather it is as follows:?

1 Voltmeter (with toggle switch)
2 Wiring Relays for the batteries to send the Volt info to the Gauge.

1 Temp Gauge (with toggle switch)
2 Wiring Relays for the Water and Oil to send the Temp info to the
Gauge.

1 Oil Pressure Gauge (with toggle switch)
2 Wiring Relays for the Oil and Fuel to send the Pressure info to the
Gauge.

Now my other question:
What size do I need if I want to mount it in the dash of the automatic
behind the shifter and under the stereo or if I want them to go to the
right of the stereo?

Is there a special type of toggle that might be needed?

What is the most important things to be watching on the van?
Oil temp,
Water temp,
Oil Pressure?

Just not sure why I would need to know the pressure of the oil or fuel?
If it's is low and I can see that what would I do to prevent it?
Change the oil viscosity or filter?
Wouldn't the buzzer on the standard sensor alert me to the same issue?

Sorry for all the newbie questions but when it comes to this I have no
idea what is going on. Trying learn.

Thanks,
Robert
NY


On May 21, 2009, at 6:03 AM, Max Wellhouse wrote:

> Why not do the toggle thing with your temp gauge like you suggest
> with the dual batteries and the volt meter.  I'd be having an oil
> pressure gauge in there as well and a vacuum gauge too.  Use two of
> the  2-gauge cockpit style housings from ebay and install on top of
> the speedo housing or do the A pillar thing.  I'd only use VDO
> gauges, but then I'm a german made freak.  Add a third toggle switch
> for the pressure gauge so you can check fuel pressure as well.  If
> money is a reason to be looking for FLAPS gauges, then check out
> ebay for the used VDO's or look in the junkyards for the Jetta's
> aond Golf's as they frequently have temp and voltmeter etc.  I've
> seen volt. press, and temp gauges go for $30 for the set.  I've seen
> new vacuum gauges for $30 and sometimes you can get sending units as
> well, but having them new isn't a bad idea.  The OP sender unit
> works well for fuel pressure too, but you still need two to do the
> dual readout job function..   I can't imagine a situation where
> you'd need to know oil/fuel pressure, water/oil temp, or both
> batteries' voltage simultaneously. Good luck shopping
>
>
> DM&FS
>
> I'll let others chime in on where to put the senders, I gotta get to
> work.At 01:42 AM 5/21/2009, Robert Stewart wrote:
>> What are the key Extra Guages a Vanagon Automatic Watercooled should
>> have?
>>
>> Can anyone instruct me on what is needed to install an Oil Temp
>> Gauge,
>> Water Temp Gauge and Volt Meter.
>>
>> I was thinking that it might be a good idea to know how hot the
>> engine
>> is getting while driving on my cross country trip out west.
>>
>> Additionally I have 2 batteries in the van and wanted to install a
>> single volt meter with a toggle switch which would allow me to
>> monitor
>> the health of each battery.
>>
>> Anyone recommend using any other gauges other the VDO?
>>
>> Anyone every use Sunpro Gauges?
>> - they have them at Advance and AutoZone.
>>
>> Ideas, places where I can get the parts? comments?
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Robert
>> NY
>