Date: Sat, 6 Dec 1997 12:43:28 -0400
Reply-To: mark keller <kelphoto@BRIGHT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From: mark keller <kelphoto@BRIGHT.NET>
Subject: VDO Vacuum Guage Installation 91 Carat
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
INSTALLATION
GUAGE LOCATION-
Well this was tough one. I really hate having gauges which look out of
place. Seems the dash panel is pretty much spoken for by VW, or is it.
Well I wanted it in the dash, and I considered some things like lose the
clock and do a fancny reconstruction to match the idiot light section above
it. OR Just take a small juice can, paint it black, and attach it along
side of the instrument pod. I painted the can and the guage fits perfectly
inside it, but was hoping I could find a convenient "dash" spot to stick
the thing in.
I decided to go with the left side dash area just above the headlight
switch. A concern for me is the glare that lighted guages sometimes have
at night on the windshield your trying to see though. No problems with my
location on that.
I mounted it in the space I created above the headlight switch, when I
removed the "Brake/Seatbelt" warning light. Yes I'm aware that the brake
light has a duel function of warniing of low brake pressure as well as
Emergency brake on. I'll get back to you on where I reloctated this space
eating box to or overcome by putting bulbs in the afformentioned idiot pod.
Helpful replys appreciated on that.
Sheese, 2" x 2" x 4" box just to put two light bulbs in the dash. That's
fair. Why didn't VW engineers consider putting those two bulbs in the
cluster with the other four? Probably too busy playing footsie with the
accountants, and figuring out how to engineer everything so that only VW
could supply the parts. See my GRIPE message
THE GUAGE-
I found a VDO guadge 2 1/16" which has the identical green and orange areas
of the later model tachometers, I got it from SUMMIT RACING, a mail order,
place in Tallmage OH area 330-630-0250. The Part NO."VDO 150042" @ $36.95.
If you have one already, mine indicates about 7 inchs at a 100' Above sea
level on flat ground and cruise speed of 4000 RPM, 72 MPH. Idle is 13
inches.
VACUUM HOOKUP-
Finding a Vacuum source. I decided on using a "tee" in the vacuum line
that supplies the fuel pressure regulator. This gizmo is by the
distibutor, the source is just below the brake vaccum line and is really
kinda hidden. Just follow the vacuum line from the pressure regulator.
I used a friends lift to hoist the van up since I had to thread a 25'
lenght of 7/32' vacumm tube to the engine.
The basic path. I started just behind the gas tank, going forward
through that big hole where Syncro drives shafts go. I fished the hose
along side the a/c hoses then up to the electic fan harness, behind the
drive headlamps. there was an unused plastic plug where all of the wires go
to the dash, so I removed the plastic plug, drill a hole in it, pushed all
of the extra hose into the hole, replaced the grommet.
Going backwards, I attached the hose along the frame railing inside
using wire ties along the way, at the transmission I headed up to the top
of the engine compartment, securing to a whatever what close, and then
there is a hole where the brake vacuum line goes into the engine
compartment, and a convenient hole is right beside it and then I just
followed that hose to the manifold tap.
ELECTRIALCAL HOOKUP- I attached one bulb lead to the headlight/instrument
light dimmer plug. A gray wire with a blue lead. The other lead goes to
ground, the brown wire, there is one on the Brake/seat belt plug. I spliced
both with those snap type dealys.
Sincerely Mark
91 Carat WE
"Lazarus"
