In a message dated 5/23/05 11:31:03 AM, kevindobrien@yahoo.com writes:
>
> Awhile back you mentioned you were designing a custom
> dash or "bank" for gauges. Did you ever build it?
> I'd really be interested in seeing it if you did...any
> pics?
>
> I designed/built one for around my Automatic shifter
> (in use with 4 gauges) and another for the dash (still
> not installed as I ran out of $ for the gauges and a
> Digitool!)
>
> Let me know how your project is going...or turned out.
>
> Cheers!
> Kevin O'Brien
>
Kevin,

Although I don't remember the time period in which we last communicated, my
dash projects are pretty well done. my current obsession is with my TDi
installation in the Vanagon. For this I fabricated a new dash holder 
(actually
modified the base vanagon unit extensively) to accept the 97 Passat TDi 
cluster with
the addition of a boost pressure gauge (0-30 psi) to the left and an EGT to
the right, all integrated with the Passat 3 dial cluster. Following Chris
Bell's lead on TDIClub.com, I added the MFA (multifunction analyzer gauge) 
from a
'95 (I think) 4 cyl. Passat GLi. Made a VSS sender for the road speed signal
from a Jetta cluster. Fuel gauge adapted perfectly because of VW parts
standardization.�� Water temp, oil pressure, oil temp, outside temp all work 
with the
Passat TDi sensors. Coolant level sensor as well. Over the years, I had 
modded
the dash (at the air control level) to contain two gauges (one to either side
of the steering wheel). Here I mount the VDO aftermarket oil temp and oil
pressure gauges. I made a 5 gauge mod of the cover over the front heater 
vents.
Here I have mounted two voltage gauges (one for the primary circuit and one 
for
the secondary camping battery circuit). I also have a VDO combo vac/boost (to
15 psi) gauge to monitor coolant circuit pressure, an analog VDO clock and a
remote sensing ammeter monitoring the current delivered by the alternator. I
have additional egt gauges, cylinder head temp gauges, trans oil temp gauges,
intercooler temp gauges as well as others, but no mounting room!

Pictures of my dash system and the gauges as mounted for the Turbo Audi
install are all on alistair's web site.

Frank Grunthaner