Aftermarket Dash Gauges

Doing a little research on the use of aftermarket dash gauges (speedo, tach, etc.) and what might be involved in their use in a B. Have seen multiple uses by some of the board members and curious as to sources, wiring mods, etc.
Inquiring minds would really like to know.
Thanks for any insights.

I have a VDO voltmeter. Looks a lot like the original Smith meters but costs a lot less. I was looking at the Autometer gauges with the fancy LED backlit numbers, but they are very expensive.

I have Autometer boost and volt meters in the GT. They are pretty close to the Smiths ones - chrome bezel, black face with white numbers, but they have flourescent red needles. I had planned on taking them apart and painting the needles white - but I can't figure out how to get them apart!

Here's a link to one line of VDO gauges.
http://www.siemensvdo.com/products_solutions/special-oem-solutions/instrumentation/vdo-cockpit-international/cockpit-international.htm

Instruction manuals for installation are available at the same website. Take a look at them.

Someone on the board at http://www.mgcars.org.uk/ installed VDO gauges in his B. He was having problems with the power fluctuating. It didn't sound like he had to make any non-reversible modifications. The gauges he chose didn't use the stock voltage stabilizer so all he had to do was bypass it.

Depending on what year car you are doing, if the 72' Auto Meter has the old style that fit in that type of dash. They have black background with white numbers or white background with black numbers. Check them out. By the way the lights are very bright. The speedo has 2 models manual or electronic. I used the electronic on a v6 conversion, so I don't know if the manual has the same thread as the smith guage.
Ken

I/m considering adding digital guages on my next MG just to be different

Simon Wrote:

I purchased all my VDO gauges from egauges.com. I have information on each guage and pictures with them installed:

http://www.treasureislandjewelers.com/1977mgbSupercharger.htm

Regards, Ray

You can see nice large, clear photos of all types/brands/models of non-standard gauges installed in MGB dashboards by surfing this photo gallery: http://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm

Usually photos of dashboards and interior trim are displayed after photos of mechanical stuff (like engines or suspension-mods).

Incidentally, I think we passed the "4100 photos" milestone earlier today when I added this amazing MGB: http://www.britishv8.org/MG/LeRoyBarton.htm

The V6/V8 message board is a good place to get advice since most people replace at least one or two gauges when they swap engines.

I used Classic Instruments guages in my v6 BGT for the speedo and Tach. Most people do not notice that they are not stock.
Classic Instruments in on the web somewhere.

Steve

GatorBrit - Ive run similar to that in race cars in the past. IN fatc the last one was built into the QD steering wheel..

I installed a VDO Tach and Electronic Speedo in my 71 B. Haven't had any problems and I installed them back in 2000.

I like Autometer gauges, and they made a bunch of different styles, from very classic looking designs to the more mordern stuff used in today's race cars. I've used them for years in the race cars and highly recommend them.