I’m considering changing out the 4 original gauges in my 72 Pre L. Looking for suggestions on which gauges have worked good for others, including information on gas gauge sender issues? Tks.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I take it you don't desire to stay original. Do you want the original look though?
Accuracy issues with originals. Would like to stay close to original look, no digital display.
You can have the original Gauges retrofitted with modern internals, but the gauges simply read inputs, so may not resolve your problem. Accuracy can be corrected, if it's the fuel gauge more likely the sender. Coolant temp can be corrected with a diode or may have wrong sender. Many locate a mechanical oil pressure gauge in the engine compartment that can be seen in the rear view mirror as a backup.
Aftermarket I think VDO is popular and a quality gauge, but very little available that matches to the speedo and tach for needle and digit colors etc.
Wilkinson sells a set of 6 (or 8) Autometer gauges for the Pantera. The tach and speedo have DeTomaso logos like the originals and he supplies matching sending units where applicable. I believe the speedo is electronic, driven by a VSS or GPS. The Autometer fuel gauge he supplies is calibrated to work with the Pantera’s sending unit. If you want matching, accurate gauges, this is a good way to go but they don’t look even close to OEM.
I went with VDO cockpit series. Mechanical Oil Pressure gauge. Amp meter and Temperature. Fuel gauge required resistors to make it read correctly but a different post on the forum suggests VDO makes the correct gauge resistance. All are highly more accurate than stock, but I realize many want the stock look. I followed what Gary Hall did and advertised.