Aftermarket Gauge Install

I was looking to upgrade to some different (better quality) gauges. I also wanted something with a broader range. My diesel runs at a higher temps and much higher oil pressure. It will run 100+ Psi when its cold. I also wanted to switch to a voltmeter. After countless hours of searching and watching ebay auctions I settled on these. Stewart Warner and Auto-meter. I like the look and I can stomach the price. Much more than the cheap repros I had but not too outrageous. After a few hours of being a contortionist I was able to get them installed. I removed the speedo to help and give it a lube and cleaning. Everything is back together now and working great. Over all Im happy with the look and function. Hopefully they hold up well for a long time! For now Im keeping the repro fuel gauge.... It works well enough





Sneaky USA made Boost gauge tucked in the column shift cutout



Here are the parts numbers of anyone else is interested in these gauges.







So far I am really happy with this upgrade. The gauges still have that vintage look but I trust them much more. They also have a better range for the diesel.

 

Upgrading my gauges is on my to-do list, so thanks for the info! Those look awesome!

 

I installed all steward warner gauges. I have been happy with mine. They were a bit more than I wanted to pay, but the quality is there. Seems that they aren't made in USA anymore though, oh well.

 

Interesting... The ones I got say "made in Chicago Illinois" Right on the gauge. One was New old stock. The other one appeared to be modern. The auto meter gauge says made in the usa right on the gauge face. Doesnt mean all the parts came from China! haha!

 

I am not actually sure where mine came from, the SW brand is owned by a global conglomerate and I was told they are manufactured overseas. Still work and look great in my 2a dash

 

Put Stewart Warner gauges in my 2A 39 years ago. Had to replace the temp gauge once. It was mechanical and the tube started leaking. Otherwise great gauges.

 

Had very good service from AUTO-METER gauges on a couple different rigs. Great selection

 

They look great in the dash. Good choices. I've been pondering gauges for another vehicle for a while. Its been a long time since I bought any. Auto Meter used to be the budget brand but it seems that their quality is much improved since 1990ish.

Thanks for the good thread with pictures and part numbers. Well done.

 

Nice install!
FWIW: everyone probably already knows this, but stay away from the Equus gauges... I guess I had to learn the hard way. Mine worked fine at first and now they either don’t work, don’t work correctly or aren’t accurate. So I’ll invest in higher quality ones at some point.

 

I installed all SW's in my 3B 40 something years back and nary a single failure. About 15 years back, I did swap out the amp gauge for a voltmeter and also swapped the fuel pressure unit for a higher range unit when the EFI went in. No problems there either.

 

For oil and temp, I've always liked 270 degree sweep gauges that I find easier to monitor at a glance. You get used to where the needle points normally, and if its pointing somewhere else, you see it quicker. A lot of mechanical (capilary style) temperature gauges are wide sweep.
-Donny

 

Does your voltmeter easy to fix? What is the need? What difference with Ampmeter ? Advantage ?
I have Willys gauge, oil pressur is direct to engine, hoping to have no leak. Water temp is direct on the water system but I don't know how it works. It has been installed by a Willys tech, same as on WWII Willys, the collector model.
MANOMETRE PRESSION HUILE US JEEP - JEEPEST

 

Ammeter measures current flow. Voltmeter of course measures voltage. I like voltmeters as a better indicator of battery condition. Here’s a good article.
Ammeter vs. Voltmeter: Which is Better?

 

I just prefer the voltmeter especially with my alternator and engine swap. Im running an ECU and some other electronics now so the voltmeter just makes more sense for my setup.

 

The gauge housing is black, but the model numbers only list chrome. Did you paint the housings?

 

Yes, I painted them... no one had black bezels with white needles.

 

SW has been made in Mexico since 1989 it was owned by a British co at the time couple owners later they are based in Lancaster PA but still made in Mexico. I have used SW gauges for decades and never had one fail.



I also have a Dixco 0-6000rpm tach and a Autogage 2 5/8" Vacuum gauge in a cluster on the steering column



Really wanted a SW vacuum gauge and a Volt gauge without the colors for morons on it. but you get what they offer. The Autogag was pretty close.

The hard one to find was the 80mph speedo NOS and I had to settle for a stain finish bezel. Maybe one day I will find a Chrome Bezel.