MBrianB

Is there an electric gauge available for a '72 that looks original?

DUB

I called him and asked him if he could build you one and he said he can.... because he has done it before.

https://www.redlineg.com/services-gallery

DUB

7T1vette

Since you already have a '72 gauge (that doesn't work), just buy an electric gauge (later C3 version) and sending unit, then swap over the dial face from the '72. The scaling is about right ('72 is 0-70 psi; later versions are 0-80 psi). I'm sure that's what the rebuilder would do.

DUB

No way in knowing what he would do unless a person calls and asks. I honestly do not think he is that sloppy.

DUB

0Willcox Corvette

Why not buy a 74 oil pressure gauge... https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette-oil-gauge-74-74

To do this conversion you'd need to change the gauge housing on the back of the center dash cluster...https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-used-original but the reproduction gauge will fit it perfectly. Then add a sending unit to the engine... Below I'll show you how to wire it. Here is how it installs... but if you get the reproduction gauge you'll not use the resistor, the resistance is built into the gauge on the reproduction gauges.




Then just run your wires... you'll need power, ground and ohms wires...

7T1vette

Looks like a good way to go.....

MBrianB

I'm glad I asked this question as it has been a learning experience.
I think I will go with the Willcox solution. Thanks for all the response.

DUB

I did not know that Willcox sells them.

I was more concerned about the patina of your gauge face still being like that of the other gauegs so it would nto stand out or possibly have a different color or font size to it.

DUB

MBrianB

Thanks DUB. My gauges have all been refurbished by the PO so a new one will probably match. Also sending you an email re hood adjustment.

C369GS

How does this affect the other gauges? I'm planning to do this change to my '69 while installing a GM Performance crate engine. It looks like that housing is so different from the other years that all of the gauges would need to be replaced.

tpfarm

I did the Wilcox conversion on my '73 and it worked out fine. Can't tell much difference in the patina from the other gauges . It would make a cleaner installation if you can mount the sender in the plug hole above the oil filter instead of around the distributor area it's kinda tight in that area. I could not get the plug out above the oil filter so had to mount the sender on top .

7T1vette

'68-71 gauges used lettering/numbers that had a slightly greenish tint; "72 and later used white. The font and graphics were similar through 1976 (I believe). Main thing is to buy the gauge and the mating sensor from the same supplier. If you buy a 1975 gauge, also purchase a 1975 sensor so they will work properly together.

0Willcox Corvette

Not so... If you change the gauge housing you'll be fine. The Battery, Clock, Fuel and temperature gauges all mount the same way and on a car with a mechanical oil pressure gauge there was a square hole in the housing...

The issue is the square hole for the oil pressure gauge.. I've never checked but you may be able to just drill the holes for the oil pressure gauge too.. So I'm looking at the pictures below and don't really see any reason you couldn't just drill the extra holes... I'll have to check this on Monday.

Willcox

Gauge housing 74-76


Gauge housing 68-71

Willcox

C369GS

Those pictures help tremendously. Thanks! The ones I was seeing when I searched for gauge housings on eBay looked completely different (6 equal holes).

Pmccooey

0Willcox Corvette

Actually, it's 18 gauge wire from the sender to the dash.

.Willcox

Website https://willcoxcorvette.com/
Tech Page http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/

Please bump our sale threads if you get a chance..

Pmccooey

0Willcox Corvette

It's pretty easy to do as long as you have the right backing plate... I'm not sure if we have the face rivets on the website, but I have them... so you cut the old face loose on both gauges, then rivet your face on. Once you do this it's pretty simple. I'm also not sure if you can modify the existing backing plate... I've never tried it.

Willcox

Website https://willcoxcorvette.com/
Tech Page http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/

Please bump our sale threads if you get a chance..

zwede

Won't look right on a 69. 68-71 have green numerals, 72-up are white so a 74 gauge will look off. And if you put a 69 face plate on a 74 gauge the reading will be wrong as the mechanical gauge was 0-70 PSI and electric 0-80 PSI.

Pmccooey