Best location for new ATF temp gauge??

[robert213]

I am adding an aftermarket ATF temp gauge to my current cluster of factory gauges. Guys, where are all of you mounting your additional gauges?

I have 1982 GMC 4x4 with...
Large Speedo and Fuel in the center, and
Small Voltmeter, Coolant Temp, and Oil Pressure to the left.

#1 Use area where parking brake red warning light is located.

#2 Drill screw holes in A-pillar and fabricate mounting plate for gauge.

#3 Use area in plastic trim along face of dashboard between Ashtray and Glove Box.

#4 Use a better location that I didn't think of

[benoit454]

Well what if you brakes got out then you won't have a warning light? There's been alot of time I was thankful mine came on, luckily it was ALWAYS right before I was getting ready for a ride down the road.

Alot of people mount them in a pod under the metal part of the dash, it works but harder to see.

I see alot of people put them in the autometer cups and mount them on top the dash right in front of you. I never cared for that.

A pillar is ok if you can hide the lines and all that.

Some put them outside on the wiper cowl like a fuel guage on a race car lol.

The dash trim would be ok, but if you are like me you end up removing that trim more then should be after putting something in it. I had my cb and xm radio mounted on them in the 86 k10 and now the 84 c10 and it's just more stuf to unhook and more PITA when you do remove it.

On the other hand almost anywhere besides the lower dash makes you have to remove it or at least take it loose to get something out.

Plus if you have no real reason in site to remove it, like let's say for me, I just installed a dash cap on the 84, so now I should have NO reason to remove it for along time hopefully.

Now a couple others, I had the oil pressure guage on the 86 mounted on the metal under dash beside the ash try, between it and the glovebox, and had it pointing towards the driver's side, easy for passenger to read at any time, and a quick glance from the driver could see it easy also.

I later relocated it when I got a temp guage. I then mounted them where the a/c vent is over the heater controls, I made a plate that bolted on using the vent bolt holes, and it looked great, fit great, and appeared stock. it was no harder to see then the stock guages so it was a nice install.

I however love the installs where people put the aftermarket guages in the factory places, thoose look great. I'd relocate the brake light though for sure to keep it.

[robert213]

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[Ivan D.]

Originally Posted by benoit454

Well what if you brakes got out then you won't have a warning light? There's been alot of time I was thankful mine came on, luckily it was ALWAYS right before I was getting ready for a ride down the road.

The brake warning light runs off the proportioning valve, which only moves when there's pressure applied from the master cylinder - if there's a certain difference between front and rear brake circuits prop valve moves too much and engages a switch that triggers the red light on the dash. Said pressure difference is also very easily felt at the brake pedal, so if y'all know yer trucks fairly well y'all won't need no waring lights to figure something ain't right with them brakes.

[ElGracho]

To get back to the tranny temp gauge question, I put mine in place of the ashtray cup in the ashtray. Its there when I want it and disappears when I don't...

[Pyrotechnic]

My 78 had a clock where the brake light would usually be, and the brake light was at the bottom of the either the speedometer or fuel level gauge. There's also some unused indicator lights, such as one that says "4 Wheel Lock" which i'm guessing is something for a 4x4.