aftermarket gauges?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1adam12 · 11-10-2010, 06:48 PM

I got a set of VDO gauges, what problems am I going to have to get these to work on my 61 with 305 V-6...I got a great deal all 6 gauges....thank you

Sixxer · 11-10-2010, 10:53 PM

Hmm you say a set of 6 gauges, I'm gonna guess... Temp, oil pressure, gas, volt, speedometer, tach??? If so I'll give this a shot.

Temp - The gauge should come with a sending unit and several adapter fittings so you can replace your existing temperature gauge, on the inline 6 it mounts in the thermostat to head housing, not sure on the v6. You will need to use the sending unit supplied with the gauge because it will be the correct ohm range for the gauge.
http://www.egauges.com/pdf/vdo/0-511-011-812.pdf

Oil Pressure - Pretty much the same deal as the temp gauge.

Gas - Here's where it get a little tricky, if your trucks original it has a 0-30 ohm gauge and sending unit in tank. I would bet that your gauge you bought is 0-90, which is more newer Chevy's use and much more common. By typing in the part number of the gauge online you should be able to figure out which ohm it is. Edit: after skimming the instruction it appears they have a specific sending unit they want you to use... but remember I just skimmed it.
http://www.usa.vdo.com/generator/www...entkits_en.pdf

Volt - All it needs is power

Speedo - Not sure. It will depend on your trans and speedo gears if it will read correctly if its mechanical. You will need to get a hall effect conversion sending unit to make an electric speedo work. If your speedo doesn't have a threaded drive gear on the back that means it's electrical. Auto Meter makes a very nice one I've used before. Auto Meter # 5291
Here's a link to some info about it.
http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq_an...x?sid=2&qid=43
I could only find the electrical speedo instructions..
http://www.gilmoredist.com/howto_gui...peedometer.pdf

Tach - http://www.egauges.com/pdf/vdo/0-515-012-044.pdf Weird... but it's in there.

iiizman · 11-10-2010, 11:35 PM

Nice call sign (user name) I getting ready to do the same thing let me know if u have any troubles

vin63 · 11-10-2010, 11:36 PM

Depending on your gauge types, they all should be pretty straight forward - electronic gauges will have sending units for pressure and temp outputs to the gauges. The fuel level gauge will most likely operate on a 0 ohm empty to 90 ohm full range. If you use the stock gas tank in the cab, you're covered: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=288717

If you go with an aftermarket tank or cell under the bed, etc., just be sure to specify a 0-90 ohm operating range for the sending unit.

11-10-2010, 06:48 PM	#1
1adam12 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Stockton ca Posts: 126	aftermarket gauges?? I got a set of VDO gauges, what problems am I going to have to get these to work on my 61 with 305 V-6...I got a great deal all 6 gauges....thank you

11-10-2010, 10:53 PM	#2
Sixxer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 70	Re: aftermarket gauges?? Hmm you say a set of 6 gauges, I'm gonna guess... Temp, oil pressure, gas, volt, speedometer, tach??? If so I'll give this a shot. Temp - The gauge should come with a sending unit and several adapter fittings so you can replace your existing temperature gauge, on the inline 6 it mounts in the thermostat to head housing, not sure on the v6. You will need to use the sending unit supplied with the gauge because it will be the correct ohm range for the gauge. http://www.egauges.com/pdf/vdo/0-511-011-812.pdf Oil Pressure - Pretty much the same deal as the temp gauge. Gas - Here's where it get a little tricky, if your trucks original it has a 0-30 ohm gauge and sending unit in tank. I would bet that your gauge you bought is 0-90, which is more newer Chevy's use and much more common. By typing in the part number of the gauge online you should be able to figure out which ohm it is. Edit: after skimming the instruction it appears they have a specific sending unit they want you to use... but remember I just skimmed it. http://www.usa.vdo.com/generator/www...entkits_en.pdf Volt - All it needs is power Speedo - Not sure. It will depend on your trans and speedo gears if it will read correctly if its mechanical. You will need to get a hall effect conversion sending unit to make an electric speedo work. If your speedo doesn't have a threaded drive gear on the back that means it's electrical. Auto Meter makes a very nice one I've used before. Auto Meter # 5291 Here's a link to some info about it. http://www.autometer.com/tech_faq_an...x?sid=2&qid=43 I could only find the electrical speedo instructions.. http://www.gilmoredist.com/howto_gui...peedometer.pdf Tach - http://www.egauges.com/pdf/vdo/0-515-012-044.pdf Weird... but it's in there.

11-10-2010, 11:35 PM	#3
iiizman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Houston Posts: 66	Re: aftermarket gauges?? Nice call sign (user name) I getting ready to do the same thing let me know if u have any troubles __________________ Bad Decisions usually make for Good Stories.

11-10-2010, 11:36 PM	#4
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: aftermarket gauges?? Depending on your gauge types, they all should be pretty straight forward - electronic gauges will have sending units for pressure and temp outputs to the gauges. The fuel level gauge will most likely operate on a 0 ohm empty to 90 ohm full range. If you use the stock gas tank in the cab, you're covered: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=288717 If you go with an aftermarket tank or cell under the bed, etc., just be sure to specify a 0-90 ohm operating range for the sending unit. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes



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