Date:         Thu, 21 May 2009 05:03:10 -0500
Reply-To:     Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Subject:      Re: Custom VDO/Sunpro or other brand Guages for Oil Temp,
              Water Temp, Volt Meter
Comments: To: Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <4BA1F4BB-512A-4916-BEAB-E9CFCD0CB857@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

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