Engine and Transmission Tech

Anyone have a good source for decent quality inexpensive gauges? Specifically looking for an illuminated air pressure gauge, about 150 psi. Doesn't have to be all that accurate, appearance is probably more important.

JB

Jim, there should be loads of 2" gauges from heavy duty truck brake systems available in that pressure range - try a wrecking yard.(IH/Navistar, Mack, KW, Freightshaker, etc)
One example from ebay....
[cgi.ebay.com]

EDIT: Another inexpensive gauge on ebay
[cgi.ebay.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2011 11:02PM by ex-tyke.

Thanks, that last one is exactly what I'm looking for except for it being an oil pressure gauge. I sent the seller a message asking if he could get them without the oil pressure label. I plan to include one of these with the front air spring kit. I have everything else, and have one extra kit made up except for some minor assembly. It will be complete, with 1/8" air lines, fittings, compressor, bleed valve and gauge. The installer will have to come up with a momentary contact switch to add pressure. The lower fitting on the spring is a compact 90 degree fitting and all connections (except possibly the gauge) are push-in fittings. A few small holes (about 1/4") will need to be drilled for the line which is routed through the lower control arm and cross member. I expect to complete the kit install on my car next week sometime and will take photos then.

JB

Jim, I looked around a bit when I was installing my Accusump for pressure gauges. Here's a good quality gauge at a reasonable price. [www.egauges.com]
I went with a non-illuminated gauge for my application that had a plastic face and ring, but looked pretty good installed and only ran around $20. I got that from McMaster Carr. I only needed one that went to around 60psi, but they go higher to meet your requirments.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/14/2011 10:22AM by Bill Young.

Good point Bill, it doesn't need to be illuminated. How often are you going to check or adjust your ride height anyway? Just one more distraction you don't need to be looking at while driving.

JB

Compensated, for mountainous motoring ?

Four wheelin' too.

I s'pose it would be useful for driveways and speed bumps.

JB

Well, no luck so far, but I've narrowed it down a little. Plenty of under $15 ones if I'll take a while dial and no backlight. Under $10 in fact. But what I want is a 2", black face, 270* sweep, U-mount, 150 to 200 psi, black or chrome bezel, white or red pointer, prefer illuminated. Not so much to ask, right? Obviously I'd like to buy that for $15 or less. I don't think much over $25 is justified as it will run up the kit price.

If any of you can help out on this I'd sure appreciate it, Graham you were real close with that oil pressure gauge but I don't think our friends who might install this are going to like that very much and there's no way to cover it up.

JB

Quote:

Graham you were real close with that oil pressure gauge...

I'm confused - it was clearly identified as an air pressure application.
[cgi.ebay.com]

Jim, the least expensive gauges for automotive use that I've found are made by Equus. These are sold by O'Reilly auto parts among others. I didn't see an air pressure gauge on their website, but I suggest you might contact them and see if they have such an item. Don't know about the cost, but I recently bought an electric tach to use as a calibration gauge for the tach in my car after I modified it for 6 cylinder use and it was under $30 which I thought was a pretty good price. Considering that you are sourcing for a kit they might even make a run for you in a small quantity. [www.iequus.com]