Date:         Tue, 3 Dec 2013 22:22:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: rising cost of Vanagon parts...
Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAHTkEuJssEYKP8B=fX4PzN5PJfyhU1bEyRxVq1h=Wn6GbnLnnQ@mail.gmail.com>
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I guess it’s time to adopt a Missouri accent and say “show me”

I don’t think it is easy at all. There are outstanding issues to deal with.

1. the brake/clutch fluid reservoir really constrains gauge placement. Frank G relocated his and used tube(s) to deliver fluid to m/c.
2. speedo - if electronic then you need some sort of device to make electronic signal from speedo cable. Those things are available, but again show me your suggestion as to what one works well in the vanagon
3. speedo - if using non electric then you need one that will interface with speedo cable and have the correct ratio 
4. stock wiring to new dash interface - there are options, a DB25 plug as Jarrett used or a custom connector board that David Marshall sells (very nice looking unit). Or make your own.
5. lighting and reflections - not sure if gauge lighting with a flush faced cluster would reflect annoyingly off windscreen
6. accommodation of stock switches - sure, rewire to toggles if you want the 1965 Monte Carlo rally look


I’m not a complete dolt when it comes to fabbing things, but I pause when it comes to the cluster rebuild. I really don’t want one that looks like as…. oops, i mean looks like donkey. You stare at the darned thing quite a bit when you are in the van :)

cheers

alistair




On Dec 3, 2013, at 10:01 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I know it sounds weird but you can
> easily make a very good instrument panel, one that has much better
> access to the wiring and connectors, one with accurate and dependable
> gauges that are arranged to YOUR liking..