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Convert Analog oil pressure gauge to electric on 72?
Restoring my 72 coupe, SB. The 72 has an analog, run-an-oil-line-to-the-gauge system, but I have another gauge cluster from a 75 that has an electric gauge/sending unit setup.
Looks like the sending unit and extension fitting to go electric will run less than $100 and be pretty plug and play, so I'm wondering whether or not it's worth doing. The engineer in me never liked a pressurized oil line inside the car where it could leak all over lots of expensive stuff. But, it hasn't leaked in 40 plus years, either.
I have a '72 also. Years ago I heard stories of the oil line to gauge coming loose or bursting and seeping oil into the interior and making a mess.
I replaced the gauge with an aftermarket electric unit and have had no regrets.
I kept the original in tact in case I ever want to return.
I'm thinking that a gauge out of a 75 and a new sending unit that is supposed to work for a 75 is a pretty safe bet. Of course, this IS GM stuff...
Does anyone know where the sending unit goes on a 75? The 72 analog line comes from the rear of the block just behind the intake. IIRC the 75 had a sending unit on the side of the block on driver side?
But, I also see a short pipe in the catalogs that looks like it would raise the sending unit on the top of the block high enough to clear the intake.
I'm thinking that a gauge out of a 75 and a new sending unit that is supposed to work for a 75 is a pretty safe bet. Of course, this IS GM stuff...
Does anyone know where the sending unit goes on a 75? The 72 analog line comes from the rear of the block just behind the intake. IIRC the 75 had a sending unit on the side of the block on driver side?
But, I also see a short pipe in the catalogs that looks like it would raise the sending unit on the top of the block high enough to clear the intake.
The original plastic line, if that's what's in a 75 gets quite brittle, as did my 69 after some decades. Trust me, a broken line will pump a hell of a lot of oiling a very short time. I don't think you have to completely re-invent your instrumentation, just get a modern safe hose. You may have to source an adapter for the gauge connection, I remember the fitting at the gauge being a bit unusual.
Personally I prefer what are sometimes called "steam gauges" which are direct sensing in a loose interpretation of the term. No electricity needed.
Additional note, a newer gauge may have a different look, e.g. font and color. That may bother you
I've actually got both gauge clusters, my 72 analog and one electric from a 74 (not 75...brain fart.) The typefaces and colors are the same, but the 74 has a slightly different scale. 72 is 0 to 70 and 74 is 0 to 80
And, I already replaced the oil line with new. I think the Corvette sellers have them.
Convert Analog oil pressure gauge to electric on 72?
