Thoughts/Opinions on this combo gauge set...

[ventureforth]

Looking to upgrade the gauges in my '82 1.6NA Rabbit 2-Door.  At first, I was just going to use a triple-VDO set I snagged off a Cabby, but then I got to thinking I'd like to update all of the gauges (just sold some parts that have been laying around from other projects and thought I'd treat the myself...er...the Rabbit).  Wanting to keep things minimalist and visible, I came across this Autometer set: http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto-Meter/105/1204/10002/-1?parentProductId=963695

A bit pricey, but very cool as far as my eye is concerned.

Would any or all of these gauges work in a 1.6NA application?

1. Will the Tach read off the alternator (assuming I have an alternator with a "W" terminal)?

2. Will the Oil Pressure read off the oil filter?

3. I'm assuming the Voltmeter is a no-brainer (just hook it up to a connection that gets power when the key is turned)?

4. I'm assuming the Water temp will read just fine as I already have a water temp gauge in the stock gauge cluster and would just swap.

5. How about the fuel level?  Will it just read off the connection that's going to the stock fuel level needle?

6. Will the speedo cable just hook up no problem whatsoever.

There's also this one without the tach, if the tach is not an option (I can live without if I have to), for quite a bit less: http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto-Meter/105/1201/10002/-1?parentProductId=963695

Sorry for what must be noob questions.  This is the first project vehicle I'm tackling all by myself, and I've never done gauges before.  Maintenance and light mechanical stuff I've done.  Hooked up a stereo system or two.  Am building up the courage to do a timing belt and IP advance (once I get my pump back from Giles).

The second part of the question would be if there are any similar gauges (4 in 1 style to replace the single large space that now has a clock/fuel level/water temp set) and a combo Speedo/Tach (assuming the tach is even workable in this application) of reputable quality for less money?

Thanks.

[RadoTD]

I'll have a crack at this, not totally sure though.

1. Should work, although I've never tried it on a generic tach.

2. Filter - yes, but you'll need to install a sender or run a line to the back of the gauge. If it's an electronic sender, it'll probably be a 1/8" male NPT thread, but the bung on your oil filter is M10x1.0. It'll kinda thread in and will even seal with a wrap of teflon tape, but damage stuff along the way. If you buy an M10x1.0 die, you can rethread a 1/8" NPT and that'll work. I'd use an adapter instead of cutting threads on your sender, but either way will work. If it's mechanical (less likely I'm thinking), buy some copper tubing, compression fittings and a cheap flaring kit. You'll need to make a line all the way to the back of the gauge. I wouldn't trust vynil tubing.

3. There will be instructions, I think it's supposed to be pulled off of the battery, but any decent circuit will work.

4. Stock one should work... if not, you might have to plumb one in somewhere

5. This one could be tricky. VW's fuel level senders are 350-50ohm, that runs off of 240-33ohm. Someone else will probably have to chime in with some workaround for this.

6. You probably need to run a VSS ($) or a signal adapter ($$). I don't know if a VSS is a drop in replacement for your transmission, but for my O2A it was. So if your speedo cable is the same as a MK2, that should work.


That should give you an idea, but hopefully someone can correct my mistakes and fill in the blanks for you!

[VWCaddy]

1. Will the Tach read off the alternator (assuming I have an alternator with a "W" terminal)?
2. Will the Oil Pressure read off the oil filter?
3. I'm assuming the Voltmeter is a no-brainer (just hook it up to a connection that gets power when the key is turned)?
4. I'm assuming the Water temp will read just fine as I already have a water temp gauge in the stock gauge cluster and would just swap.
5. How about the fuel level?  Will it just read off the connection that's going to the stock fuel level needle?
6. Will the speedo cable just hook up no problem whatsoever.

1. Likely not directly, W terminal signal off the tach is a much higher frequency signal than an ignition based signal that most tachs are designed to work with:
- http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/Tachometer/index.shtml#OEMInstall

2. Would need to see if the VW (VDO) sender is the same pressure and resistance range as that gauge is designed for.

3. Yep, I hooked my volt meter to the fuel cutoff solenoid wire on the inj. pump. 

4. Same on the temp. sender range and resistance as #2.

5. Same as #2 and #4

6. Likely not, think metric vs. SAE on the threaded end of the cable.