cowtown

I went ahead and put an Autometer voltage gauge in today, after pondering for a month on where to mount it without it looking totally out of place. There just aren't that many spots. I haven't seen a gauge put in this spot before and maybe someone will be interested. I like how it came out:

Pictures:
1 & 2: Finished
3: Remove console trim top so that the upper console can be removed
4: This is what's right under the console were the gauge will go. Tight fit.
5: Relocate the console wiring harness a few inches for clearance.
6 & 7: The upper console pre- and post- surgery.
8: First trial fit.
9: Finished.

I tapped into the switched power at the sunroof switch, which is a nice high-amp line. I got backlight power from the bulbs that illuminate the graphics by the console switches, so it goes on with the headlights like all the other das gauges.

Not a very hard project, as long as measurements are done carefully. There's not a whole lot of space so placement is important. Took about 3 hours total.

Colin

94rsa

Looks great to me. Thanks for the info. Now I have to find a 993!

Novice

Wrap some soft foam around the wires; otherwise, you will get some annoying rattle over time from engine vibration, and even get a short from rubbing against metal edges.

I use window sinsulation tape, just peel the backing-n-apply.

4X4SCHE

Why do you need a voltmeter? What do you expect to learn from this?
Car manufacturers used to provide more valuable information in the form of an charge/discharge ammeter, but this was a more expensive installation so it went out of fashion. A non-digital Voltmeter is not a substitute, since it tells you very little about the capacity of your charging system or state of your battery. Not worth cutting a hole in the car in my opinion.
John

cowtown

I disagree - it tells you a great deal about the state of the charging system - voltage regulator, alternator, battery. As for "cutting a hole in the car" - it's a small, easily-replaced plastic/fiber piece on the center console, but I suppose the purists get twisted off over stuff like this.

Novice - good point. The pictures don't show it, but the wires are all tie-wrapped to the harness so there aren't any "unforeseen events."

993_Pilot

Now you just need to find a small aluminum ring, so it will match the other gauges !

FotoVeloce

Just what I was thinking. I like the install, needs a ring.

I use the voltage meter funtion of my Escort radar detector. It's valuable info IMHO. About those damn gauge rings... curses to you mate.. now I'm drawn to buying some myself. Will the $$$$$ ever end??

PS. Thanks for taking the time to put together that post!

Thaddeus

Good idea. I've grumbled more than once about having 3 gauges having to do with oil (one of which tells me nothing useful anyway) and no gauge regarding the state of the electrical system.

AOW162435

Colin,
Great write-up!

I've always considered something like this from North Hollywood Speedometer (but with a regular black face):





Andreas

Thaddeus

Colin, quick question: the gauge looks off-center, mounted slightly to the right. Is there a reason you placed it there? Is there a reason one could not install it exactly on-center?

I am seriously considering adding one, but I'd like to center it.

Thanks

Thaddeus

cowtown

If you look at the 4th picture down, the silver metal beam is in the way of a center mount. It's kind of hard to tell from the picture angle, but the location of the gauge is as far left as it will go on the car.

ZombiePorsche44

Very nice installation, but I have to ask. "Why did you think you needed a voltmeter anyway?"

And "didn't VDO have a voltmeter that would look more factory?"

ZP44

epj993

I've talked to NHS about this setup. Unfortunately, they tell me that there is no room inside a 993 tach to install a voltmeter.

cowtown

Alright, for you guys who don't like voltmeters, here's a story.

10 years ago, I was driving my '88 Targa and noticed a sulpher smell. I was blocks from home, so I parked it and started doing diagnosis. 18 volts when running. I'll leave it to the reader to determine:

1) What was damaged
2) How much it cost in parts
3) How much less it would have cost if I'd had a voltmeter to detect the problem weeks/days/hours before I did via the "smell test." It takes a while for battery acid to boil....

Finally, my '95 has an RS pulley and it's a commute car. I like having the information to verify the battery's doing fine.
Black face...check.
White lettering...check.
Orange needle...check.

I like Autometer because they're cheap, reliable, and available, and it blends in well, IMO. But it's probably not for everyone.

brucec59

This is why God created the Bat Phone Console! I have not done it yet, but when I upgrade my stereo, I'm planning on doing a few things with the Bat Phone Console, and a volt meter is a good idea!