Thanks for looking at my post. I have a ‘73 IH Scout II that I’m going to get going through the winter to enjoy next year. One thing that I’m gonna do is replace the factory gauges with some aftermarket ones. I’ve got a few questions that I’m hoping y’all can help with. 1st, what brands should I consider and what should I avoid? I’m thinking AutoMeter, VDO, Stewart & Warner and Classic Insturments are all pretty good brands. I don’t need the vey best that a race car would need but I don’t want junk And I certainly don’t wanna replace them after a few years. 2nd, I’m leaning towards a fuel gauge, oil pressure, volts/amps, temperature And of course a speedometer. Any ideas for or against this? 3rd, should I go with a tach? The Scout is a 4speed 345V8. Just a good ole, reliable workhorse, Not a hot rod. But part of me just thinks I outta have a tach. I will be modifying the dash for whatever gauges I go with. I don’t want any mounted under the dash, on the dash pad, on the steering column or on the A pillar. So I need to know from the start what route I’m going with cause I can’t come back later and just add another. As far as size of gauges goes I seriously doubt I’ll have room for 5”. So looks like the speedometer will probably be a 3 3/8”. Others may be the same, 3 1/8” or even 2 1/16”. I’ve seen gauges that had the temp, oil, fuel & volts all in the same one. What about those? TOO crowded or a great use of space?? I know I’ve said & asked a lot here but I really need some feedback and perspectives that I may be over looking. And if anyone has anything for sale let me know. Although I don’t really want a smorgasbord of mixed and matched gauges I’ll always consider my options. Thank Guys!! Mark
I used Dakota Digital gauges on a custom panel in the Electra and I think they look good and work well. Dakota Digital has a host of offerings including direct replacements for many stock panels. Gauges come in many sizes including multi gauge clusters. http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm Bob
Thanks for the plug on Dakota Digital Bob, I'll check them out. Bill, also thanks for your reply. I'm not sure which route I'll go as far as the gauges are concerned, mechanical or electrical. I'm open to input as far as the pros and cons of each route. I would rather go the route of whats best in the long run. I'm not a "take a short cut now and hope for the best" kind of guy. If one is clearly better than the other than that's what I'd prefer to do.. I've heard that the supply line to the mechanical oil pressure gauges can break/leak and spill oil in the interior. I've also read steps to prevent or decrease this possibility. What is the ideal water temp range for an engine? I'm sure there are many different ones depending on what engine it is. What would it be for a 73 Scout II with a 345 V8 AND also what would it be for a 70 GS 455? AND, same question about oil pressure for the Scout 345 and GS455? THANKS AGAIN! Mark
An engine regardless of brand should generally run somewhere between 180 and 220 depending on a different variables. But somewhere in that area. The rule of thumb for oil pressure is 10lbs per 1000 rpm. As an example, my beater idles around 28 at idle and around 55 at cruise which is around 2500-2800 rpm. YMMV. I only install oil pressure and water temp gauges in my cars. Too many gauges and you tend to take your eyes off the road too long trying to read them all. I like rotating them so all the needles all point straight up. That way, as long as the needles are straight up, your good to go. That way, all you need to do is glance at them rather than trying to read them all. IMO, if your not racing the truck, I don't see the point of a fuel pressure gauge. Any name brand gauge should be good. I like the 2 5/8" size. Autometer's "Autogauge" brand which has the chrome bezel is cool looking.
Thanks for the feedback Jason. I should have been more clear in my original post. I am wanting a gauge for fuel Level in the tank, not to read fuel Pressure. As you mentioned, My Scout will not a gauge for Fuel Pressure. Mark
Thanks for reposting that Larry. I had come across that a while back and had even made it a thread that I “watch”’. Mark
Check out speed hut gauges, they’re made in Utah and are semi custom for a very reasonable price. They also have great wiring kits (I think you get some free stuff when you do 5 gauges) that daisy chain together to aid in wiring cleanliness. They also have great support.
