How do I fit extra guages?

10 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 9:20 am

#530123

I would like to fit in a tacho, oil temp and pressure guages into my superbug, but not sure how to do it.

I have heard that there are pre-formed plates that already have various sized holes cut out that fit directly into the 'vent' spaces on either side of the speedo.

So the second question is, where can I get these plates?

Any help would be great.

Aircooled rules, but my MkV TDi is awesome :P

blutopless2 DAMSLO

2,457 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 4 Sep 2006, 11:38 am

#530203

most vw shops should have them i think... been a while since i have seen them tho.
They are pretty easy to make up yourself. i think the gauge holess are 52mm.

see.... air and water do mix 😉

1974 1300
1997 MK3 Golf GL
2003 NB Cabrio
2012 Golf VI GTI
2014 Audi A4 Quattro

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 4 Sep 2006, 11:55 am

#530207

Hi
I haven't seen them about for sale or i would have bought them...
I bought some from the US, but they are for left hand drive and not reverseable...
so, I made some out of aluminium...
I wouldn't say it was any easy job, but I don't usually go cutting up thin aluminium..
and I only had an angle grinder/drills and a jig saw...

Your dash will only be like this if you have a 1302S Super
with the flat dash...

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

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- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

ctefeh Wolfsburg Wizard

479 posts · joined Apr 2005 · 4 Sep 2006, 12:18 pm

#530218

Guys,
Flatfour made them for RHD cars. I am fairly certain I've seen them at VVDS in sydney. You can get about 2 or 3 options depending on what/how many guages you want to run.

Ctefeh

JP_Aircooled_TDi Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 1:31 pm

#530243

Thanks guys,

Got an 80mm tacho and looking to get 2 x 52mm oil guages for my 1302 Super.

I'll try FlatFour.

Aircooled rules, but my MkV TDi is awesome :P

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 4 Sep 2006, 4:34 pm

#530331

they would be made to fit the standard VDO Tacho and gauges..

which is 52mm which is probably a DIN specification size...

The Tachometer is probably 80mm

You could also use the original speaker grill parts and cut the holes and then cover the metal with vinyl etc..

the LHD ones I have actually fit into the original slotted holes.. so I presume the RHD ones would do the same..

oddly enough... the LHD grills are NOT an identical copy of the RHD ones and vice versa..
Both sides must have been designed idependently...

but then My 68 fuel flap is a different shape to that of the 1971 1302S superBug...

Lee

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 6:03 pm

#530384

like Lee said aluminium panel is very easy to make
just cut roughly to shape then tidy up with a file
i made one in my 74 L but its the padded dash so
heres the rather messy one in my 70 beetle
it needed heaps of gauges there was also a big tacho mounted to the top of the dash where the middle vent is
but there are beter ways of mounting them other than big ugly bolts
also that many gauges requires a bit of dash hacking
oh yeah and get electric oil gauges not mechanical
much easier to install and dont leave u stranded when they fail

-Joel

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JP_Aircooled_TDi Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:06 pm

#530463

I've got the 80mm tacho, and will get the 52mm temp and pressure oil guages.

How did you cut the holes out? Was it just a circular saw? (Not the disk type.)

Aircooled rules, but my MkV TDi is awesome :P

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:13 pm

#530467

i used a 2" hole saw couldnt find a 52mm
then gave it a slight tickle up with a half round bastard file
being aluminium it is easy as to file out

-Joel

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 4 Sep 2006, 9:26 pm

#530545

VINTAGE VW have them in stock, easier than trying to make them👍

ruckus Veteran Volks Folk

2,118 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 4 Sep 2006, 9:39 pm

#530560

I've got some flat four ones for rhd for $50? Never used.

[ Edited on 4-9-06 by ruckus ]

JP_Aircooled_TDi Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 6 Sep 2006, 1:29 pm

#531206

Ruckus, u2u sent.

Aircooled rules, but my MkV TDi is awesome :P

ruckus Veteran Volks Folk

2,118 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 6 Sep 2006, 3:23 pm

#531239

Here're some pics:

Little holes are 52mm, big one is 86mm.

JP_Aircooled_TDi Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 6 Sep 2006, 9:38 pm

#531418

I'm assuming the four smaller holes are the 52mm and the bigger hole is the 80mm?

Aircooled rules, but my MkV TDi is awesome :P

ruckus Veteran Volks Folk

2,118 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 6 Sep 2006, 10:23 pm

#531446

It's 86 I think. the others are right. You could just make a adapter ring to fit the tacho?

The good thing about these is that they have the tabs to slot into the speaker grill holes.