Want new gauges, confused about senders...

[chromecarz00]

Hi,

I have a kit car based off of a 69 beetle, it's currently wired for SWIII gauges with all the senders installed. If I wanted to change the gauges out, would I have to change out the senders? If so, how tough is it to do that? What should I look for in the gauges?

[DWP]

A general rule is to match the gauge and sender. If you can find and understand how each sender works you might be able to mix and match.
Take a look around here
http://www.egauges.com
http://www.egauges.com/Senders-s/23002.htm

DWP

[Wolfgangdieter]

Gauges will require senders with a specific ohm rating. Just need to match them for accurate readings. Tach, AMP, Volt require no senders so just oil pressure and oil temp are issue. Speedo could be too if not stock cable driven. VDO has gauges for near all tastes.
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CMC '57 Porsche Speedster Replica and Dolphin boat tailed full pan VW MOD-T Street Buggy

[chromecarz00]

Will take a look at those sites, thanks! How can I tell what the ohm range is for each sender?

[TheAmazingDave]

The easiest way will probably be to look up the SW senders on the internet for their operational ranges, and then compare that to the gauges you're interested in.

My guess is that they won't be compatible.

If you're going to go with VDO gauges, you'll probably want to spend the money on VDO senders. I use VDO. I wanted them specifically since VDO was the OEM for VWs, and I wanted them to look factory. I installed a variety of Cockpit-series gauges to match my VDO Porsche 914 tach. Not the best gauges you can buy, but they read fairly accurately, and most importantly, consistently.

My gauges: http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/theamazin...d8888y.jpg

Temp sender in relief plug:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/theamazin...232p1m.jpg

Pressure sender:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/theamazin...ktopua.jpg

The CHT gauge comes with a sender that installs under the sparkplug, sandwiched between the plug and head.

The fuel gauge works with the factory sender (if you get the correct VDO fuel gauge), and the volt meter just connects to my fuse box and reads voltage at the supply rail.
_________________
Just call me Big D. (formerly xBigDx408x)
TheAmazingDave.net
Deutschland Dubs 2015 at Presidio Trust

[chromecarz00]

I'm thinking I'm going to redo the senders and gauges. I emailed SW but they weren't quite very helpful.

From experience, are there many gauges that match the SW senders?

[chromecarz00]

Or, are the VDO senders plug & play?

[ps2375]