PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Jeremy5848 · #6 10-06-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorebilly

I have also had the thought of replacing my ashtray with 3 gages....Boost #, Exhaust Temp, and Vacuum (Pressure at Vacuum Supply Hose to Brake Booster).......what 3 points are you planning to install gages for (besides Boost)......if I may ask, where did you get the Zebrawood......and where did you find small gages????? I am considering a digital display, however I would prefer to find analog gages that look similar to the original MB dash gages.....Thanx, SB

My 3 gauges are Exhaust Gas Temp, Turbo Boost, and Voltmeter. They are VDO "Vision" series gauges, 2-1/16 inch. They look nice, are similar to the factory gauges, are easy to read and have excellent nighttime illumination, which is great for us old farts and our weak eyes. I got the gauges from egauges.com. They are a tight fit, you have to work carefully but you can get them in. You have to remove the ashtray and its mounting bracket (two Phillips screws). The power line for the ashtray can be 'recycled' to provide power for the voltmeter and the EGT gauge.

I got a piece of zebrawood from a local store called 'Woodcraft.' I know little about wood working and am not very skilled; I can make firewood out of almost anything.

In the attached photo, the zebrawood is not yet stained and finished -- everything is sitting there, held together by gravity. I found a mahogany stain that makes the wood look very much like the factory color. In the meantime, the gauges are in the car on an aluminum panel. When the wood is finished, I'll sandwich the wood and aluminum together for extra strength.

I also have a vacuum gauge, actually a pair of them, so I can monitor the vacuum system but they are not in the cabin. One is in the engine compartment, so I can check on the vacuum system while working on the engine. The other is in the trunk so I can check the vacuum reservoir. Turns out the reservoir sits at about 15 inches and drops a couple every time you lock and unlock the car. Interesting to watch.

Jeremy