triple gauge kit - any advice?

Hs1973 wrote:We have the same laws here in Denmark. But we go about it by making the mods or repairs look as close to factory as possible. The good thing is that here only few people know how us cars look underneath when they where new. So as long as it looks factory, no one askes questions at inspection. And If they do i just act stupid. That usually works just fine. Anyway i have had like 10 elcaminos and some chevelles. 10 73-77 and a 79 and all have had double humb crossmembers. Was that standart on export cars or was i just lucky?

Anyways i always go for things to look factory, so i would not mount any gauges unless i could make it look like it has always been there. Im sorry but to me the 3 gauge setup under the dash, kind of looks like the originals stopped working and i dident care enough to fix it right.

I could maybe live with them mounted where the clock used to go. But i would any day go for the original round setup and make it work like it did when new. Of course im not aware how hard it would be to find a complete round gauge setup. But i know its not that hard to change out. I did it in mine as i had a setup on the shelves. I did however switch the clock for a oil pressure Unit and the amp one for a volts. But it looks and works like it always has been there.

As for the crossmember, it would not be that hard to make one looking like a factory piece. But it would take some time. But that is satisfying to know you did it right and no one knows it was you.
Just my 2 cents. Of course it is your car and what ever makes you happy.

pila wrote:I used the little gauges, but checked the oil pressure gauge against a master calibrated unit, and the little gauge was around 3lbs off.  Close enough for the girls I date !!

Joe73 wrote:5 bucks ???  Cheap gauges but 1 1/2" would fit in that clock space nicely.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sun-cp8092/overview/

76malibu wrote:Here is a small update on the "gauge upgrade" project:
You may have trouble finding 1/8 NTP fittings (in copper), depending where you are.
For me auto parts stores and hydraulic shops are of no help. A samaritan told me to ask a truck shop (Freightliner in my case).
Here it is, they have everything you want, in stock!!!

They use it for air lines I guess. If you are like me, only truck shops can sell you this in town. Otherwise prepare for online purchases (5$ of hardware and 15$ of shipping  )

thatfnthing wrote:I guess we're lucky around here in that respect at least -- brass fittings like those (and many others) are just a quick jaunt to Lowes or Home Depot away.

Not sure you'd want them in copper anyway -- copper accelerates corrosion in ferrous metals.  That's why you have to use galvanized, coated or stainless fasteners for your pressure-treated deck.