[83Silverado]

Not sure if this is the correct forum or not, so if it is not, please excuse my ignorance.

Well, my oil pressure gauge seems to have given up the ghost. It was the factory electric gauge in my 83 C-10. Since I don't want to replace it with another factory gauge, I'm looking into replacing all the gauges with in dash units, if I can do the fab. required.

Anyway, enough rambling. Which do you use / prefer, mechanical or electric gauges? I'm mainly talking about the oil pressure and coolant temp. gauges. I haven't made my mind up which one to go with. I like the look and readability of the mechanical gauges (full sweep face), but I like the idea of not having hot engine oil or coolant in the cab with me. If I did go mechanical, what would be the best line to use for the oil pressure gauge? Not too fond of the plastic line that comes with the gauge. Thanks.

[camaroman7d]

I prefer mechanical myself. One thing I never use that plastic/nylon tubing with my oil gauges. As far as your water temp gauge the coolant does not enter the cab. It has a capilary (a cooper sensor) it doesn't actually have coolant flow in to the gauge.

As with most things it is a matter of opinion/preference. If I was building a real clean street rod I would probably go with electric gauges to keep things clean. I have had sending units fail and that gets annoying.

Royce

[83Silverado]

camaroman7d,
What would/do you use for the oil pressure gauge? I noticed in the Summit catalog they had -4 braided stainless teel line kits. Would that work for an oil pressure gauge? Sorry if it is a stupid question.

I don't know where my mind was on the coolant temp gauge. I've run mechanical gauges before, I just didn't stop to think before I hit send.

Thanks.

[poncho62]

Use a copper line in place of the plastic. Just make sure that you coil it a bit to help reduce vibration.

[camaroman7d]

I have used both copper and braided lines for oil. Both work great use what you prefer. (just don't use the platic/nylon stuff). Yes, the -4 kit will work but, buy the autometer kit.

Royce