Gauges & Sending units ?

Hello all, first question around here. I will try and post an into tonight and some pics
but I need to ask a quick question. I am planning on replacing the gauges in my 62 pickup
(144) to some equus 1.5" gauges. What is the difference between the electric and manual
gauges? Second what sending units should I use? I'm guessing the stock ones are just for
dummy lights like I'm used to seeing on motorcycles so they won't work with gauges?
Thanks, Mike

I'm not familiar with the Equus stuff, but i fitted all new Autometer gauges in mine recently.
Each gauge came with the correct sender units, as well as adaptors to fit most engines, although i don't think i even needed to use any of the adaptors as they were the right size already.
I fitted an electric oil pressure gauge with sender unit. It works really well....

Oh, I don't want to mess with any tubes, guess I'll go electric. Thanks for clarifying that for me and thats a good idea about having an idiot light as well.
I looked at the auto meter guages, I could only find the short throw ones in 1 1/2". I'm curious to know which ones you used and how you mounted them. I want to retain the stock gauge cover, suggestions?

Ah, well i didn't use the stock gauge cover. I made another one similar to fit the new gauges....



Sy

thanks for the pics SY. Thats a pretty nice setup you have going there. Awhile back I saw a guy on ebay was making a gauge panel for 1.5" gauges but I can't find him now. Maybe he is a member here?

Normally, the mechanical gauges have a range that is larger (around the edge), while the electric gauges have a shorter range (usually ~90 degrees across the middle.)
The mechanical gauges require a tube to pass the info directly to the gauge, the electric ones use a sending unit to change resistance to ground, signalling the gauge.
Lights use a switch that is normally open until a temperature or pressure is reached, causing the circuit to be grounded, turning on the light.
There are digital gauges, liquid filled gauges, some made offshore and some made in the US. There are also companies that will silkscreen any color, font and design you want. A good set is usually over $250, so make sure you see all the choices before committing to the first one that catches your eye.

Is this what your looking for? Looks like it would let you keep your stock dash gauge panel but with new new 1.5" gauges. ~ Tim

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1961-1967-Ford-Econoline-Gauge-Holder-Brand-New-/320575783576?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4aa3ce4298

Abeblinkin wrote:thanks for the pics SY. Thats a pretty nice setup you have going there. Awhile back I saw a guy on ebay was making a gauge panel for 1.5" gauges but I can't find him now. Maybe he is a member here?

Abeblinkin, Dennis from Oregon makes a couple of different inserts and complete panels that go across a dash if it is hacked up. He is also the guy who does disc brake conversions, his email: dennis@dddiscbrakes.com; his phone # 541-760-2432. I`m having him make me an aluminum insert for 2" gauges and he has the signal arrows that are laser cut and his prices are very reasonable. Art

Yeah Linoman thats exactly what I was looking for but I found pictures of the ones Dennis makes and now I can't make up my mind.

You can always take a stock dash and elongate the holes slightly.....