autometer, electric or mechanical

Robuilt

Founding Member
Sep 7, 2001
306
0
16
McAllen, TX
This may sound or ignorant, but i really don't know exactly how this would work. I will be using a painless wiring kit (18 circuit) to rewire my 82. Now I will be replacing the stock 82 dash with one off of a 93. I will not able to use the stock gauges so I wanted to use a custom autometer gauge set up. Now can I use electric autometer gauges (for fuel, oil press, water temp, battery, tranny temp) or do I have to use mechanical gauges. I just don't like the idea of having to run braided lines with fluid running inside the car.

What do I need?
 
Its really up to you. The electrics are easier to install too. I have manual in all my vehicles, but thats just what I prefer. Electric gas guage is the only way to go. You will need a sender thats calibrated for the guage in any case. I run a plastic capilary tube for oil pres. There is no braided stainless hose in my car. The manual temp is run off a capilary tube full of mercury, its basically a themometer. I like the accuracy and reliability of a manual guage, but others get by just fine with the easy install of the electrics.
 
Ok, so them even with a non-computer controlled car like my 82, with redone painless wiring (basically non stock set up) then I can run electric gauges? What is the missing link/part inbetween my oil pan and my electric oil pressure gauge. How does the fauge get accurate info for the readout.
 
Yes it has a special sending unit that comes with the guage. It varies the voltage delivered to the guage. Not really as accurate, and slower to respond to changes, but it gets the job done for most folks. Anything you buy new will come with instructions, if you want the easiest install, go with electric.
 
Jerry is right on. additionally, autometer has full sweep electric gauges, which is real nice for arguably better accuracy. (thats for standard gauges like used in pods. i dont know about the ready made assemblies for the cluster, if thats the route you are goin to go).
good luck.