Underdash Voltmeter clean install, photos

[Rusty Heap]

With all the posts about bad alternaters, poor output, and not really having a clue what your voltage is in a 911, I decided to install a simple 2" voltmeter to monitor my alternator output.

Measured with a Fluke meter, my battery voltage with the engine off is 12.25, and with it running is about 13.3, which seems on the low side.

The cleanest sano spot to install the gauge was down by the lower left pocket, plus it was very easy to route the wires through and behind the carpet, up through the dash, and to my fuse block for voltage and ground pickup. I even wired it up to the dash lights too so it is illuminated at night.

$20 and a 1/2 hour later, I now can read out exact voltage on the sweep needle gauge, I've even found a different digital gauge version for $29, which would provide 1/10th volt resolution.

Picture is worth a 1000 words. Enjoy.

[Ron.G]

Here is my recent install. 1/8" lexan bonded to the original console insert and Painted satin black. I mounted the gage to the left so I could add something in the future.
Mine reads at 14.2 with the engine running.
The illumination comes from the back of the light switch, where the gages get there 12v's from. I also added a 3amp inline fuse for all the gage/dash lighting.

[gulf908]

My contribution.
I bought a clock blank from the local dealer and a VDO volt gauge.
Took the clock out - the radio tells me the time - and put the volt gauge in.
The wiring hooks up with ??? wire behind the dash to give a reading.
So far I have detected a regulator failure twice and saved the batteries from cooking.
A worthwile addition.

Cheers,
Dennis.

[Jim Richards]

in the tach

[GeorgeM]

Clean install. Nice work.

I like the "in the tach" install, but you ain't gonna get that one for $20.

Here was my solution from a couple of years ago.

Volts, Cyl Head Temp and OAT.

[bkreigsr]

me too
1 1/2 inch Stewart-Warner fits nice with the air controls and remote mike
Bill K

[euro911sc]

Originally posted by Jim Richards
in the tach

JIM! Brand and model for that tach? I'm going to get one Do you know if they double up the extra gages for a triple threat?

Best regards,

Michael

[Targa4now]

Given my recent alternator woes, I thinking seriously of installing a voltmeter. All nice installs my vote goes Jim's in-the-tach install!

Additional details would be great Jim.

Jeff

_________________
Targa4now 1981 911SC Targa

[Jim Richards]

Originally posted by euro911sc
JIM! Brand and model for that tach? I'm going to get one Do you know if they double up the extra gages for a triple threat?

Best regards,

Michael

Michael, contact North Hollywood Speedometer for that. I had them rotate the RPM range so red line was approx straight up, move the red line to 7300, and add the voltmeter. I don't recall how much I paid, but it wasn't too pricey.

If you don't want to permanently mount a voltmeter, try this. I bought one about 4 years ago, works great and it fits snug enough to stay in during autocross and time trials.

Go to www.jcwhitney.com and enter the part number.

PLUG-IN ELECTRONIC DIGITAL VOLTMETER p/n ZX813183T
Our Price: $52.99

Red LED display contrasts with black face—easy to read day or night!
Plugs into cigarette lighter socket and warns of engine problems before they get serious and expensive. Electronic digital precision—much more accurate than conventional voltmeters. Measures 8 to 18 volts in 0.1 increments. Approx. 2-1/16" diam. black bezel.

[Rusty Heap]

I was looking at the JC whitney unit, but don't think the glove box would be able to be openned in a 911 without always taking the volt meter in and out, thanks for the picture though!

[rw7810]

i'm thinking about one of these with the LED mounted in one of the guages.

http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Modules/HUVM.asp

[rnln]

I thought this is temporary before I can find a better place for it but it's been there a while now.