Installing Oil Pressure, Volts, and Water Temp Gauges

[krazzz]

I am looking at installing a set of "triple gauges" for my '64 305E. I would like to keep the factory gauges/idiot lights in place. Is there a way to run both? I can only find one spot for a coolant temp sensor, does anyone know of an alternate location? I don't suppose it's possible to run two gauges off of one sending unit. For the oil pressure, I am guessing it is underneath by the oil filter but I have not found it yet. Need to get it up on a lift. Is there a second port somewhere that I could tap into?

[LEWISMATKIN]

yes there is a way to run both. You will need a couple of pipe tee's, 1- 1/2" npt tee, and 1-1/8" pipe tee. For the water, you have two choices--either you can tee off of the water temp port, by manifolding eith a run tee installing the electric unit @ the 90* position, and the manual at the top position, or using the heater port by using the same run tee, installing the manual temp unit at the 90* position, and reinstalling the heater core supply fitting in the top position. personally, i think this is the best choice because flowing water comes across the sensor bulb, due to heater core supply. the oil can be accessed on the top of the oil filter head. this is where you will find oil pressure sender. simply remove the unit and install a 1/8" run tee in its place, then screw the electric unit in the top of the run tee. then install the gauge fitting at the 90* position, making sure to loop enough line to keep it away from the l/h exhaust manifold. i hope this helps you in your gang gauge installation.

[Funky61]

Just as Lewis suggested (oil Pressure) ...

[Clarke]

Originally Posted by krazzz

I am looking at installing a set of "triple gauges" for my '64 305E. I would like to keep the factory gauges/idiot lights in place. Is there a way to run both? I can only find one spot for a coolant temp sensor, does anyone know of an alternate location? I don't suppose it's possible to run two gauges off of one sending unit. For the oil pressure, I am guessing it is underneath by the oil filter but I have not found it yet. Need to get it up on a lift. Is there a second port somewhere that I could tap into?

I believe I did a write up on here somewhere when I did mine years ago, but for now I took a few photos this morning to share.

I built the triple gauge bracket using 16 ga sheet metal and used the same hole spacing as the above dash knobs. Bought the three gauges (coolant/vacuum/oil pressure) off eBay and I found a couple of period correct gauges (batt & tach) at a swap meet for the original dash cluster. For the batt and tach gauges I had to cut the plastic blanks out of the dash insert using a hole saw.

(Not sure why my two interior photos uploaded upside down?)

[jerrspud]

nice... is this the "write up"? https://6066gmcclub.com/showpost.php...38&postcount=7

is that a spacer on the temp sender in the block? Will both ports on top of the oil filter have the same pressure?

thanx
Jerr

[Clarke]

Originally Posted by jerrspud

nice... is this the "write up"? https://6066gmcclub.com/showpost.php...38&postcount=7

is that a spacer on the temp sender in the block? Will both ports on top of the oil filter have the same pressure?

thanx
Jerr

Thanks Jerr! Yes, that’s the write up on the triple gauge installation I did, and I believe I did another write up on adding the two period correct batt and tach gauges. Unfortunately, I just realized I should have included a full list of part numbers to assist with follow-on questions.

In ref to your temp sensor question, I’m rusty on the details, as I did this almost ten years ago. I believe the existing threads in the engine block are NPT (pipe threads) and the sensor threads may be standard or tubing? So instead of a spacer, I believe it’s simply a fitting to get the proper thread mating/engagement. Then I double nutted the wire connector onto the sensor stem.

In ref to your oil pressure question, I believe the pressure would be the same at both ports, but I would double check to see if those ports share the same internal cavity. There may be an integrated cast stiffening rib on the under side between the two ports, but it may or may not act as a divider? Perhaps someone has one laying around they can post a photo of to validate.

[jerrspud]

Those two gauges are really nice for sure. That would be the only time I cut into the original cluster.

[Fullmsrp]

Gauges you say? Wish I could help you technically but I am still in the investigation phase tracing it all around. Three gas tanks and switching also need some study time.

[AZKen]

1. Two gauges on the same sender will not defeat your paranoia. If the sender fails, no back up.
2. Pressure related sensing depends on if gauge is mechanical or electrical digital/analog or idiot light. Different electrical sender for each.... and no sender for mechanical.
3. Heat related sensing will need different "senders". Two locations in water jacket. Same issue with mechanical and electrical and digital, analog, idiot light.
4. An "idiot" light/indicator is sufficient. Easily noticed and has a key-on bulb check mode usually. No gauge to malfunction.
5. Worrying can casue health issues. These motors just need some oil and some water. Hang down hot rod gauges is old school and not original looking. We did that when gauges went bad so we didn't have to pay for an original AT THE DEALER or dig into the dash. We also saw the cool dragster guys do it.

A GMC V6 ain't no hot rod. It was designed and built specifically for torque and SUPER reliability. 200,000-300,000 miles IN THE 1960's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Clarke]

Originally Posted by Fullmsrp

Gauges you say? Wish I could help you technically but I am still in the investigation phase tracing it all around. Three gas tanks and switching also need some study time.

Wow! Starting to look like a cockpit in an airplane.

Do you have departing checklist?