TheSamba.com :: View topic - Gauges

Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:24 am

Yet another. I STILL HAVE NOT FOUND THE ONE I AM LOOKING FOR!~!!!!

Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:43 am

To answer the questions about alternatives to cross-threading a 1/8npt fitting into a metric hole...

I think a lot of 1/8npt fittings are screwed into VW cases.
The 1/8npt thread size is very close to 10mmX1.
...but "close" only counts in horse-shoes & hand-grenades!

I was very reluctant to basically cross-thread a fitting into my crank case!!
...there's no going back after you do that.

So... (Ace Hardware)
I bought a short piece of pipe that was already threaded on both ends with 1/8npt. ($1)
A die set for 10mmX1 ($9)
A 10mmX1 nut to form a base to seal against the crank case. ($.50)
And a hard-rubber neoprene washer for under the nut, against the case. ($.50)

Since the threads are close, the die will start threading straight onto the npt pipe end.
I put the pipe in my drill press and the die in a vise-set to keep them straight and turned it by hand to re-thread one end to 10mmX1. You could easily do it without a drill press if you're careful.

I cut the new metric threads far enough down to allow for the nut and still have the same length of threads going into the case as the original pressure switch. Easy-peasy!

I assembled it with some high-temp, copper silicone (orange stuff) ..no leaks!

Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:51 am

The other end of the line...

I made a small steel mount for the pressure switch and the pressure sender. It is bolted to the existing hole on the transaxle-bracket that holds the clutch slave-cylinder. A couple of hose clamps hold the manifold to the bracket.

The capillary line from the case is fitted to the bottom of the manifold(behind the CV boot in this photo)
Original pressure switch on the side and the pressure sender on top...

Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:59 am

Coolant sensor...

I mounted it in the cross-tube that connects the distribution-unit to the thermostat housing.

You can also see the pressure sender again in this photo from the engine compartment.

Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:02 am

Amplifiers...

I mounted them both to the inside of the center air-duct cover...

Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:15 am

Well worth every effort... peace of mind back-up systems!!!

Mon Oct 02, 2006 11:29 am

aviatorjames wrote:
I must say, this is absolutely the nicest pod I've seen!!!
Wonder if it's home-made or what?
Beautiful...

$69 from http://www.fastwrx.com/52cegapod.html

Also, go look around http://www.vwrx.com is neat too....Vanagon WRX!!!

Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:06 pm

That is a nice pod, is that a SA steering wheel?

Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:13 pm

Bill W wrote: That is a nice pod, is that a SA steering wheel?
Think so.

Go to http://www.vwrx.com for all the craziness around sticking wrx engines in a Vanagon. I just don't think I could squeak one past the smog nazis here in So Cali....sigh....

Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:59 pm

A bit blurry but you get the idea. I like it because it provides a direct view but does not obstruct....

Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:59 pm

These are my oil pressure and volt gauge. I'm not really liking the mounting that much, I may move them up higher onto the dash or on top of the gague cluster, on top of the tach.

Here is the oil pressure sender and remote hose I got from 42 draft designs. I haven't installed it yet and now I'm a little freaked out to use the brass "adapter" that goes from metric to NPT

Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:25 pm

Kevin,
Here's my "adapter" that gave me a real scare!!
But looking at your photo, yours seems different.
The male end looks longer.
Maybe it's a better design???
!!! Be careful !!!

Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:10 am

Yeah mine does look a little different and longer. I'm thinking I will put some tef tape on it and go for it [-o< I'll try and get to it this weekend and I'll post my results, thanks for all the imput!
Been to half moon bay many times, beautiful place!

Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:24 am

Quote: I mounted them both to the inside of the center air-duct cover...

James-

How in Hades did you get the heater vent cover off? That has eluded me since I've owned the van...

-Jared

Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:38 am

aviatorjames wrote: Kevin,
Here's my "adapter" that gave me a real scare!!
But looking at your photo, yours seems different.
The male end looks longer.
Maybe it's a better design???
!!! Be careful !!!

Must be cheap Chinese crap.....That just scares the you know what out of me! I will now go look at the one I got from them...

Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:11 pm

Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:42 pm

WOW !!!

"Knobs and switches and dials and levers...
...the likes of which you have never seen before!!"

Is that a Driver-Seat-Reclination-Angle-Indicator?!?!

Thu Oct 12, 2006 8:09 pm

r39o wrote:

a BOOST meter! AAWEEESOOMMMEEE

Add separate throttle controls for each cylinder and you've got yourself a regular battlestar galactica!

I wonder what the cow one is for?

Fri Oct 13, 2006 12:21 pm

tsombrero1 wrote: r39o wrote:

I wonder what the cow one is for?

...to alert you if you ain't GOT MILK?

Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:57 pm

backcountrymedic wrote: Quote: I mounted them both to the inside of the center air-duct cover...

James-

How in Hades did you get the heater vent cover off? That has eluded me since I've owned the van...

-Jared

I'll second that. I'm hoping to install a couple of cupholders there for the Mrs. and I, and would rather drill holes with the cover removed...

Anyone?