easiest way to convert 3 to 5 gauges

mnmike · 01-25-2007, 08:57 AM

my 912 has 3 gauges, how difficult would it be to add the other two (one is a clock I believe). I assume there would be a need to cut the dash as well. Are the early gauges expensive, haven't seen many for sale?

mnmike · 01-25-2007, 09:33 AM

would a 74 dash/gauges fit?

EarlyPorsche · 01-25-2007, 09:48 AM

I actually wanted the 3 guage. I wouldn't use a clock, nor do they usually operate correctly and whatever that other guage is I doubt I need. Tach, speedo and temp/fuel and I am ready to rock. I personally thought less was more.

DaveE · 01-25-2007, 10:13 AM

I don't think I'd want a street 911 with less than 4 gauges. Starting from the left on a standard 5 gauge dash you have the fuel gauge / oil level gauge. I could see going without the oil level gauge but since it's a combo gauge why not have it. I definitely would want a fuel gauge in a frequently driven car. The next gauge to the right is the oil temp / pressure gauge. I wouldn't want to go without it. The next two, the tach and speedo, then finally the clock. The clock you could skip for sure but the one in my '65 still works well and the clock in my SC actually keeps better time than my laptop.

mnmike · 01-25-2007, 10:29 AM

the weird thing is the left gauge i believe has oil temp, oil press and fuel level, so the only difference is with 5 gauges you get the clock and oil level. I just personally like the 5 gauge look on the older pcars

Mysterytrain · 01-25-2007, 10:59 AM

ooh, please don't cut a 66.

DaveE · 01-25-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mysterytrain
ooh, please don't cut a 66.

While I have to agree with that, since you have 'created' a 911 from a 912 probably the easiest way to convert to 5 gauges is to get a 5-hole pod from a scrap yard and cut out the 3-hole pod you have, weld in the 5-hole. I think it would be tough to cut / drill / bore out the holes properly in your 3-hole.

pwd72s · 01-25-2007, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EarlyPorsche
I actually wanted the 3 guage. I wouldn't use a clock, nor do they usually operate correctly and whatever that other guage is I doubt I need. Tach, speedo and temp/fuel and I am ready to rock. I personally thought less was more.

The clocks can work now. North Hollywood can convert an old clock to a modern quartz movement. Since the old clocks had no second hand, nobody can tell the difference without pulling the gauge...

bbaer6676 · 01-25-2007, 05:16 PM

I was actually thinking of a taking a 3 whole dash I have and putting it in my 911 track car I am making. I like the simplicity of the 3. Would you have interest in the 5 pod dash I will be removing?

brian

mnmike · 01-25-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbaer6676
I was actually thinking of a taking a 3 whole dash I have and putting it in my 911 track car I am making. I like the simplicity of the 3. Would you have interest in the 5 pod dash I will be removing?

brian

yeah i would

bbaer6676 · 01-25-2007, 05:37 PM

its going to take me atleast a few days to cut them out of there respective cars. are you in a huge hurry?

Grady Clay · 01-26-2007, 04:26 AM

Mile,

I will second “ ooh, please don't cut a 66.”

A good solution is to build a 3-segment combination instrument like the 914-6 guys do. Fuel level, oil pressure, oil temperature and just use he dip-stick for the oil level (better anyway).

Best,
Grady

Mysterytrain · 01-26-2007, 04:37 AM

Come to think of it..I'll bet North Hollywood can make you up a set of custom multi function gauges to drop into the 3 openings

EarlyPorsche · 01-26-2007, 04:52 AM

All this cutting and welding of a 66 makes me nervous. I too have a 912 converted to 911 but I have three guages. Poping in a six is only a conversion that will always be a plus, its not like slant noses or whale tails. However the three to five will rest on your mechanical ability so make sure its up there if you start cutting, you only get one chance.

lateapex911 · 01-26-2007, 04:58 AM

When I think of conversions, and non period correctnes, I often think in terms of reversibility. In other words, if you wanted to convert back to a 912, you might just unbolt the 6 and bolt in the 4, basically. But wehn you get the grinder out, and the torch, things get a little messier.

Of course, its your car, so have fun. BTW, I LOVE my clock...it keeps fine time, and the clicking when I sit in the car and the engines off is charming. I wouldn't change it! (I might addd avolt guage to it though...)

ChrisHoover · ChrisHoover's Garage

Has anyone out there added two gauges to a 3 gauge dash? Accurate cutting of a hole xan be done with care. Isn’t there a flange on the inside that supports the gauge?

lateapex911 · 10-25-2018, 08:20 PM

Wow, talk about a wayback machine!!! This thread is over 10 years old!!!!

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisHoover

Has anyone out there added two gauges to a 3 gauge dash? Accurate cutting of a hole xan be done with care. Isn’t there a flange on the inside that supports the gauge?

What would be the point? Converting to a 6?

JmuRiz · JmuRiz's Garage

Like the others said you could do a triple gauge and use a 930 tach and put either the fuel of volt-gauge in there, in addition to your speedo. That way you'd have 6 gauges in 3 pods.

ChrisHoover · ChrisHoover's Garage

The car is a six cylinder. The 3 gauge pod was drilled and two smaller, uglier gauges were added. The best course is to correct the PO’s handiwork and add the proper VDO gauges.

Still hoping someone has done this before and have some advice.