Oil pressure guage installation

[TulsaSpider]

Hi guys! I would like to put in an oil guage in place of the old clock. There seems to be a lot of discussion on the subject, but it's all a bit confusing. Will an aftermarket unit (kit) work just like any other car?

[So Cal Mark]

as long as the kit includes metric adapters with the proper thread pitch

[Curly]

If you are going down that road, might I suggest a mechanical (capillary type) of gauge rather than an electrical unit. I usually find them to be more accurate.

[mbouse]

of course, if it is a stock Fiat Spider oil pressure gauge that you want, and you wish to sacrifice your analog clock...this is a common DIY conversion project.

http://flumichigan.italiancarclub.com/T ... egauge.pdf

gets you to my version of the step-by-step procedure. check with the following if you need the parts:
http://www.midwest124.com
http://www.fiatparts.com

[manoa matt]

When my oil pressure light came on I used a mechanical gauge to verify the actual oil pressure: http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList ... l+Pressure

I think the one I got was CP7977 it came with multiple fittings, both standard and metric threads.

Pretty cheap and locally available. I switched to the actual fiat electronic oil pressure gauge after a few weeks of watching and recording the reading of the mechanical gauge.

The mechanical gauge verified that the oil light came on because of a bad sending unit.

[TulsaSpider]

Thanks guys! I am going to go the mechanical aftermarket route. Does anyone know the diameter of the clock hole? Is it 2" that would prolly be too easy huh?? I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything unusual about installing one. Mike, I read that article. You mention the second hole there. Is there any reason that I can't simply tap into that hole and keep the existing dummy light intact and functional???
Thanks
Clark

[mbouse]

i believe 2 1/16" is the proper diameter.

be really careful making your connections with a mechanical gauge. you certainly don't wanna be leaking oil inside the dash.

best o luck.

I think the VDO gauges make a good match for our original veglia

the two threaded holes at the oil filter bracket are identical size threads. i merely used the forward taped and threaded hole for the idiot light sending unit, and the rear hole for the oil pressure sending unit. you might be able to insert a t-fitting and use just the rear hole for both the idiot light sender and the mechancial sender...depending on the size of the sender and the strength of the t-fitting. i personally know no one that has done this... let me know how yours turns out.

[pope]

Do your self a favor and just get a dash that has two gauge holes on the right side for the clock and oil gauge. I think the earlier Spiders were built this way. I made mine from my existing dash. Denise could even build you one if you ask nicely and bribe her with a little cash.