gauges

[rr41mag]

I have several combinations of gauges and am wondering what to go with. I have stock, aftermarket, in dash, below dash.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Aftermarket, Autometer gauges I think are the best. Autometer makes brackets for under dash, but most all are for in dash.

 

[BusaDave9]

I agree with Purple, Autometer makes great gauges.

One thing I don't like about CJ gauges is the way they built the fuel and temp gauges into the speedometer. You can replace them with after-market but then you still have the inoperative gauges in the speedometer. Then you can't replace the speedometer because I don't think anyone makes one that big.

 

[3QuarterTon CJ]

Just buy the replacement dash panel that has the cut-outs for everything but the gauges. Then you can get all autometer gauges put them where and how you want them, and it'll look proper.

 

[BusaDave9]

Just buy the replacement dash panel that has the cut-outs for everything but the gauges. Then you can get all autometer gauges put them where and how you want them, and it'll look proper.

I have seriously considered it. It would be nice to have a professional looking dash with Autometer gauges. But that's a lot of work and expense. I think I am just going to keep my speedometer with inoperative gauges and a couple aftermarket gages under the dash.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Nordeskog and Dakota digital make replacement speedos ($$$$$). I do run a Nordskog but have had issues with the fuel guage portion. 3QuatertonCJ has a good idea!

 

[BusaDave9]

Nordeskog and Dakota digital make replacement speedos

... that will fit into the same size hole as the OEM speedo?

 

[Purple77CJ7]

Yes exactly the same size and gauge setup. Just expensive! And you can calibrate for any tire size or axle comb. Uses electric pulse for speed with the adapter that comes with it.

 

[BusaDave9]

Thanks, I'll have to look them up.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

4 Wheeldrive Hardware used to have them. Haven't checked lately.

 

[81laredo]

Personally I like the analog style gauges. The Dakota digital that I found on eBay looks too modern for my taste. Sorry I am an old fart that wants his CJ to be a CJ.

 

[Total Chaos]

My 79's speedo gear had broken teeth. I couldn't find another(steel) to match, so I simply purchased an inexpesive GPS and mounted it. Quick fix and it's functionable. Plus, your never lost out in the elements, as long as you have satelite recep. If anyone does this, make sure you get the power cords for hook up to vehicle battery, they eat disposable batteries quickly.
One thing is for sure, I purchased an autometer fuel gauge w/ the proper sender(ohms) and have nothing but problems. It never reads the gas level correctly. It's reads full most of time until it gets under 1/2 tank(actual) then it works until it gets to 1/4 and stays there for a while, then starts to move to empty as I approach it. It sure sounds like the wrong sender, but I was assured it was the correct one.

 

[DHugg]

2X on gauge troubles! Wiring runs of cloth-wrapped insulation can't last 30 years (I have an /80 CJ7 304CID).

I'm building a replacement gauge system using an inexpensive ($29 bucks) digital data collector called "ARDUINO UNO". When (IF) I'm successful, the Jeep will pick off readings from fuel, temp, oil, rpm and display on both a vertical panel of LED lights and a 4X40 liquid crystal display. First tests show feasible, and a lot easier than nursing along the old crippled stuff.

'Course, it ain't original, but neither are the MT 35's, the F/R bumpers, the plastic "fenders", the radio (WTF? A RADIO?). My goal is to never have to work on gauges again, and to see how much gas I have left and how hot she's running.

And it is fun to try out breadboard designs and test sensors. Once I get something to talk about, I'll post it in case anyone else is tired of pulling the fuel tank and dropping the dash.

 

[Kane]

I love the look and style of the stock layout on the CJ. I bought the white face vinyl sticker kit for my gauges and made them look modern but still classic. I have had the set up on my CJ5 for about 6 years and I bought another kit for the CJ8 build. The only guage missing that I would want on the dash would be a vacuum guage.