The VDO gauges I have work on resistance of the sensors. My VDO oil
temp gauge will max out a zero resistance. You could install a
temporary potentiometer to calibrate the gauge then solder an
appropriate resistor to match resistance of the calibrated pot.

Or, like David said, follow the path of least resistance and get a WBX
clock. :-)

2009/10/20, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com>:
> Hi all.
>
> Thanks to Jim T's website, I just realized my air cooled ('81)
> cluster, has provisions for a WBX coolant temp gauge! But.....
>
> I'd like to keep the analogue clock. This would prohibit installing a
> WBX temp gauge. My aftermarket Hastings gauge worked fine with it's
> sensor, but removed that sensor. I'm now using the Jetta sensor to
> supply signal. The Hastings gauge now reads a little higher than
> before.
>
> If I ran a new wire from my aftermarket gauge, to + connection (post
> voltage stabilizer) where WBX temp gauge mounts in the cluster, would
> the stabilized (and lowered?) voltage help my Hastings gauge read more
> accurately?  Seems pretty straight ahead to do so.
>
> I do have an '85 cluster, but want to repair it, (i.e. carefully
> remove the dang Duct Tape PO put on it!) install tach, then install
> coolant low module. Figured in the meantime, this might work.
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
>

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"