Auxiliary gauges question...
 

Hello all! I'm in need of some gauges for my the B20 in my Amazon and I have a couple of questions... I've pretty much given up on the idea of finding a Smiths tach, let alone a Volvo marked example, especially here in the States, but I feel the need for a tach so this is what I have in mind unless someone tells me otherwise.
The speedo is VDO and I have faith in their stuff from the olden days so I'm thinking of using their tach appropriately sized in a good quality dash pod. For under the dash in a steel sub panel I'd like to have coolant temp, oil pressure and voltage output. Due to the fact that this particular car almost burned because of a failed mechanical oil pressure guage sending line, I'm opting for electrical guages. A nylon hose snaked across the engine bay over the exhaust manifold doesn't seem like a good idea. I know you can use copper but that still leaves a pressurized oil line terminating in the cockpit, and I seem to remember somebody trashing their brand new carpet when one of these went wrong so forget that...
There's been a fair amount of discussion here and elsewhere about coolant sensors in B18/20 motors so I'd like to make sure an electric sensor will work with this engine, assuming I get the appropriate fitting for the block. It doesn't need to be crazy accurate but pretty close would be nice!
The voltmeter is partly because I'm trying to hang on to (for whatever reason!), my generator and I'd like to know what's going on with that. My question with that is mainly, is the gauge overkill and the standard issue light enough...

So that's the game plan and the reasons... Anybody want to talk me out of or into anything different? This car is just about to get registered and back on the road after about 7 years off with the PO and a year of me resurrecting it so I don't want to blow it now!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts...

Here is a good write-up on installing gauges: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=87042

I was also interested to install gauges until I found there aren't many good original mounting places. I am tall, so they can't be mounted under the dash on the driver's side. People have mentioned that if you still have the longer shifter, there is a tendency to hit your hand on them if you mount them below the dash in the center. I have decided not to add any for that reason.

I purchased an older Smiths RVI 1000/00 A tachometer for cheap in Sweden. I still need to convert it for electronic ignition, but it is a nice period tachometer. I made up some simple mounting to attach it to the metal windscreen trim.

If you wanted, you could get a restored tachometer like mine with moveable redline for $230. Or post in the classified section for a Smiths Mini Cooper gauge and you might get lucky.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/IMG_0971.JPG

One solution, made from 140 Rally gauge package pieces...

For PV without modification, or Amazon with easy dash modification.

From what I've seen (particularly on a driving video by emmpri on YouTube!) a triple gauge panel in the middle seems to clear okay... I'm 6'2" but I don't think my knees go there but will double check with shifter pattern to make sure that's not an issue. There was a 2 gauge panel there when I got the car and that seemed okay, except for the almost burning down the car thing!
North, I like the panel, but then I'd have to give up the ultra cool thermometer gauge, which still works. Thanks the input and that previous post Luke. Guess I missed that...

52mm tach will fit in the dash along with another one as per Alf ista. Larger ones available too.

http://www.minispares.com/product/Cl.../Gauges/Cables, pipes, etc/OA.aspx|Back to

Yes indeed, thanks Derek. A previous owner of my car filled in the ash tray and replaced it with a temp gauge and a cut off switch. Actually, the radio opening was butchered and there was at one time possibly four gauges in place. I found a nice period radio with a chrome plate that covers the carnage behind it. I replaced the temp gauge and switch with Smiths oil pressure and voltage gauges from ebay. There was a TIM tach on the dash but I didnt like the look of it. I found a Smiths tach on ebay with a pod and replaced it with that. Easy enough to find this side of the water I seem to remember. There was a big hole in my dashpad, so I had to do something! My proper temp gauge when I got the car didnt work so I replaced that with a new one from Brookhouse. Pic below...
Hugh.


http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...0569Medium.jpg

That's a big help,guys, thanks! Guess I need to shop across the pond more often. Someone mentioned needing to convert tach for use with electronic ignition. Would a Pertronix kit necessitate converting whatever needs converting or is it just a full electronic system? I have a kit that I'm planning on putting in, when I have the time to figure it out so thought I may as we'll ask while we're on the subject...

Allswede
 

I can't really give you an answer to your problems, but this is worth a look and it may solve your dilemma, it's worth a try.


http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/t/Catalogue

2" Electronic Tachometer/Rev Counter
Part Number: TACHO2

pc49

The conversion is only needed for older tachometers that were wired differently. Any tachometer 1975+ should work with electronic ignition.

Here is one I was referring to http://www.minispares.com/product/Cl...aspx|Back%20to

I see you have (had?) a '59...
Have you any need for a real nice original chrome blade handle headlight switch, à la pre-'62?
Been sitting on my shelf for 40 years, should be ready for a second life...

Let me know,
Michael