Technical Instrument Cluster - Part Two

[Pete145]

Hi all,

I started a similar thread about a year ago, but thought I'd start again as I have a bunch of new questions related to the same subject.

One of the final things that I'd like to do to complete my car's transformation this spring is to install an Abarth Style instrument cluster.

To be honest I'm not a great fan of the complete instrument panels that I've seen so far that you can buy from the usual sources, mainly as most (all) seem to have KpH speedos and I'd really like to have a MpH version. I'd like to build one myself and perhaps get a little help from a local garage to install it.

Here are my questions:

ONE:

I already have a 'mechanical' MpH Smiths Speedometer which I'd like to use. I'm assured that it's in working order, but will most likely send it to Caerbont Automotive (makers of Smiths Gauges under licence) in Swansea to have the glass and bezel replaced and also ask them to give it a check over. It's a mechanical speedo, and I assume that the current set up in a Lusso dash is cable driven? This could save me over £150 if it is fit for purpose.

TWO:

Assuming that the speedo I have is indeed in working order, and suitable for use, I plan to match it with a Smiths tacho. Off the shelf versions seem to be 'switchable' between 4/6/8 cylinders, but I can't find an option that's listed for sale as being suitable for 2 cylinder engines. The technical data on the Smiths Instruments website (see below) states that they gauge is suitable for 1 to 12 cylinder engines, so I guess I need to just specify that it's for a 2 cylinder engine from wherever I buy it from and they'll provide the correct sender and set up the gauge accordingly?

http://www.smiths-instruments.co.uk/classic

THREE:

Given that I'm sourcing the gauges and senders myself, I also need to source the unit in which to house the gauges (and lights). Does anyone know where to source a unit that houses 2x100mm and 2x52mm and 14mm slots for the lights (for indicators and oil pressure warning light I assume). I can find plenty like the below, for 2x80mm and 2x52mm, but is the 100mm version not common?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370955997812?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

FOUR:

I'm looking at the Smiths 'classic' fuel gauge (52mm), which is driven by a 10 volt regulated supply. I assume that the existing sender will not work and I need to pair this with a new sender?

FIVE:

A subjective question. I already have VDO oil pressure and oil temperature gauges set in a bespoke mount under the centre of the dashboard, which I plan to keep. If I use the Smiths Speedo, source a Smiths tacho and fuel gauge, I'll have a spare 52mm space. What's the consensus on the most useful additional gauge? My initial thought is a voltmeter?

Sorry for all the questions, many of which I'm sure are pretty basic!

 

[AndrewHarvey]

I've built a custom aluminium five gauge pod myself - using Veglia Borletti gauges.
Speedo, Rev counter, fuel gauge, oil pressure and oil temperature.

The speedo is cable driven but be aware there are several different connection sizes / types.

There is a UK based company I used to re calibrate my rev counter to two cylinders for £85

There are several French and Italian suppliers of pods. I bought mine specifically as it was aluminium not GRP. Mine was for a Fiat 600 but was straight forward to adapt - cost £70.
Try Italian eBay.

i would try the fuel gauge before buying anything extra. The sender is resistive type - as are most gauges.

I would add a voltmeter/ ammeter. Ammeter wiring is a faff but all done now.

The wiring is complex - but possible if competent with electrical works

i can forward pictures of my pod and details of the purchases if it helps...some images are on my thread "canterbury 695"

 

[the hobbler]

Morning Peter;
With regard to your instrument housing---Nanni Ricambi--part No. ART 0705---bare housing, designed for 2x100mm instruments +2x 52mm gauges. If you look a bit further down the page (instrumentation) you will see a fully assembled one to show you what it will look like.
The speedo---Caerbont will need to know quite bit about the car in order that they can calibrate it correctly for you. The chances of it being accurate 'as-is' is slim---mighty slim! They will probably need to know speed-cable ratio, rolling circumference of tyres and gear ratios (including diff ratio).
I would agree with you--it looks like ALL their electronic tachos can be calibrated for 2 cyl engines---I would stick to the 7,000 tacho as the 500/126 engine red-lines at 6,000 (ABSOLUTE maximum, 6,500rpm).
How about a clock (time type) in you spare orifice? That way ALL your require instruments are in your instrument panel.
Discus your fuel gauge problem with Caerbont--they may be able to supply a solution to your query.

 

[Pete145]

I've built a custom aluminium five gauge pod myself - using Veglia Borletti gauges.

Speedo, Rev counter, fuel gauge, oil pressure and oil temperature.



There are several French and Italian suppliers of pods. I bought mine specifically as it was aluminium not GRP. Mine was for a Fiat 600 but was straight forward to adapt - cost £70.

Try Italian eBay..



The wiring is complex - but possible if competent with electrical works



i can forward pictures of my pod and details of the purchases if it helps...some images are on my thread "canterbury 695"

Hi Andrew, any images that you have would be handy. If it's the 'pod' that I'm thinking of I prefer it to the Abarth 595/695 pod, and if it requires just a little bit of feeling I'm up for that.

The complexity of the wiring will probably discount me from doing this myself, and I'll engage someone locally who knows what they're doing. I'm more confident with mechanicals than I am wiring and electrics to be honest!

I'd like to hand over the actual pod though, and just ask them to do the clever bit!! (Built, of course, and with the right gauges and sensors).

 

[Pete145]

That should read FETTLING, not feeling!

 

[Pete145]

Something like this, if it can be persuaded to fit, would be ideal. Only three gauge pods, so it solves my 'spare' issue.

http://www.ebay.it/itm/Cruscotto-in...hash=item415bfde6ca:m:m0wy1BD7Eb98YT8ODA0yB6w

I've always liked this instrument cluster more than the square Abarth version.

 

[AndrewHarvey]

The pod you show will be fun to fit if your car is left hand drive as the fixings will be behind the wiper motor. Its ok as a one off job - but make sure it all works before re-fitting the motor assembly!

 

[AndrewHarvey]

http://www.autobelle.it/annunci/vendo_cruscotto_abarth_5_strumenti_per_la_600_bolzano_192344.php
This is the item i bought without gauges

 

[AndrewHarvey]

something for everyone here.....

 

[Pete145]

Thanks Andrew. Love it! Yours looks amazing.

I think I'm going to at least investigate the 3 gauge version and take my chances with the wiper motor. I think it looks nice and compact, and solves my issue of already having two perfectly good oil gauges mounted elsewhere (and not having to get another gauge just to fill a blank hole).

Although I guess it might look odd having an 80mm fuel gauge, that's if I can even find one that is.

Hmmm, the plot thickens!

I assume the gauge sizes are 100mm and 80mm, as the two gauges on the flank look too large to be 52mm.

I'll also put the speedo in the centre, not the tacho.

 

[AndrewHarvey]

My gauges are 80 mm and 52 mm allowing period gauges rather than the new shiny ones....
I drilled four holes and installed LED warning lights.

The wiring inside the pod was "complex" as i have kept the original two connectors in the loom that pressed into the Lusso binnacle.

I would say that the pod was 10 hours + of wiring to allow it to plug into existing loom.

i created my own mounts - two around the column using rivnuts and one stud that protrudes through the bulkhead.

Are you keeping the black plastic dash covering? If so (as I have) you will have to cut away some of it.....(brave pills as try and find a replacement...)