Gauging interest, Quad gauge, an fuel gauge in updated Tach Options

[914forme]

Okay, for my project I have been working on a concept to build a custom set of gauges to keep every thing in the dash. And I am thinking about building some kits so you can build a set yourself.

First off is a Tach with a fuel gauge at the bottom, in reality it could be anything with a 90 degree sweep. So Turbo boast ala 930, but my is getting a fuel gauge. It is setup to use the Sun Tach update and the mounts have been moved to make it work. It will look something like this when its done. The tach needle will be the proper length once done, I need some pin drills.



It was setup to use a VDO fuel gauge, but the stock unit will also work though the face would need to be redone.

The quad gauges I setup for Oil pressure and temp, water temp, and volts.



I need to clean up some of the line widths on this one call it an alfa as I used it to prototype with. Even though CAD said it would work, and it did, I liked hold a down and dirty physical version in my hands. Nothing like a laser printer and a few pieces of cardboard.

$ lights are for generator, oil pressure, brake, and a check engine for us OBDI or II groups.

This is the prototype with the gauges I had, the oil temp needle is from a different line in the VDO gauges, so its hight and needle are different.

In case you need to know, I did the original metal work nd plating for the triple gauge sets from way back when that Pelican sold. I did all the back and front machine work, laser cut. And the silver CAD plating on the rears. I don't know if I will make these together but if the interest is there, I'll do a run to help my project along.

So would people be interested in these, once I get the final setup done
I have no idea on pricing just yet, I still need to get costs on face printing, and finalizing the design, and the costs for all the machine work and metal. Of course I will show the progress I make once I get into metal prototypes, instructions, printing faces and all that stuff.

[r_towle]

If you could think about the fonts and see if the could be made to match, it might draw more interest.
There certainly is a market for a quad gauge, but it would need to look period correct.

[914forme]

If you could think about the fonts and see if the could be made to match, it might draw more interest.
There certainly is a market for a quad gauge, but it would need to look period correct.

Okay if you can tell me the font, I will use that font. Its not a big deal, takes seconds to change it. I am not a calligrapher, so I have no idea. I tried the "914" Font, it is for the emblems draws the letters and numbers out. Does not look correct on a gauge.

For the prototype I did it in multiple fonts, and also line weights. To see what looked best to my eye. It will be my gauge after all. I am also a minimalist. So the extra face ( cover) what ever to make it look period correct is extra weight, more time for tooling etc..... It drives up cost etc...

Example: the original set was built for a $150 1993 dollar price point. We lost money on that run. In todays dollars thats $245. Advantage is today these can be produced at a higher quality and keep at the same price. Look at John's kit. It is a copy of our kit, and I have no problem with that. The idea has no patent on it, he made it better the world continues to go around.


As far as printing, I'll be using sign maker technology. You can lay these up now on a piece of printed vinyl and do what ever you want. Same technology used for car / truck wraps. Since they are under glass, they will last for my lifetime. I figure 25+ years with ease. Thats longer than the gauges will stay in my car. Since 1996 this car has had 5 different combination of gauges and dash styles. It lived its first 22 years with just one.


VDO is using a printed gauge faces on some of their products. The last set of vision gauges I got where printed and then places onto a plexiglass face. Thats why the oil temp gauge is higher. Make up for the thickness of the plex. The older cockpit style gauges use a piece of Aluminum about 24 ga. Easily press and formed. These faces are laid up, in silkscreen or printed on fashion. My plan is to use AL, and then lay a piece of vinyl over the face, and backs. Even the insides you can lay white vinyl in there to get a consistent reflective surface. It is easier than painting everything.