VDO or Autometer Ultra-Lites????

[Tom Tom Turbo]

I'm gonna set me up with a few gauges for the ol' T-Type. Which do you guys think looks better?? My dad says VDO is better (more accurate????) but the Ultra-Lites look sweet and they just look cleaner than the VDOs. Anybody have any pics of either gagues in the center console pod infront of the shifter?????

 

[Boston GN]

I prefer the ultralites, but I don't have any pics. I have them in my car. I think they look better at night, easier to read and really set off the interior, but, this is all opinoion

 

[Black Box]

I like the Auto-Meter Ultra Lites, I have 'em in my car:
http://community.webshots.com/album/38339638DLqDzW

Steve

 

[Weazel]

What do you want to get for gauges? I know Kirban sells a gauge package, electric oil pressure and water temp gauges, as well as the center console pod, for pretty cheap. I was happy with my purchase. They seem to be really accurate, and really go well with the car since the pod is the same color as all the rest of the package. It keeps the wires hidden well too.
Good luck and let me know if you need any help with the instal!

 

[Outpost]

Check sig for gauge preference. Ours are mechanical.

 

[tom h]

I may be in a minority , but I think the Ultralites draw TOO much attention to themselves. I just don't want the guages being the focal point of my car.

re visibility, I spent some time looking at photos of aircraft and especially military aircraft -- on the assumption that they have done a lot of research into what is most 'ergonomic', easiest to read, least distracting, etc -- and found that most of their guages are white-ish numbering on black or dark backgrounds.

the newer commercial aircraft from Boeing & Airbus rely more on LCDs and *judicious*, *subdued* use of color, but their primary goal is still visibility without attention-grabbing distraction.

I just think that most white-face gauges, and especially Ultralite, are too distracting.

maybe I need to get a flame-suit on !

 

[6=8]

No Flames here! He is asking for opinions, and I like your thinking!

But, I prefer the UltraLites. Autometers, I believe, are made in the states. The VDO's are not. German? Don't really know, but I've used both makes, and just like the Autometers better.

Besides that, in the location you are planning to put the gauges, (Below the radio/Top of console, right?) I would prefer them to demand attention! If they were in your face, maybe something a little more low-key would be better. Them being so low in the cockpit, maybe they NEED to be a little more flashy!

Autometer makes a wide range of gauges though... Ultra-lites are only a small sample of what is available, and not all the units were "Race" inspired.

That new Merauder has the Ultra-lites too! Sorry to bring that up, but I like to see NEW Rear Drive cars too, even if it isn't a Buick!

 

[JRGN]

I myself have the ultra-lites in my wifes 87, but I decided to go with new lunar in my 86. the Ultra-lites are easy to read and at nite they are brite and again easy to see. hth. Jr.

 

[OneQuikV6]

Check my AutoMeter's out on my site. Navigate to the Mods page and then the Turbo/Intercooler Install page. Pics are there. I ditched the VDO's which were ancient and replaced them with Pro Comp Silver faced ones. Mucho better

 

[salvageV6]

The VDO gauges used to be made in Winchester, VA. Now they are probably made in Mexico.

I wouldn't buy another one. I did buy a big 5" tach. that sits on top of my monitor with my employee discount and special offer.

I bought a couple of other gauges too when they were US made.

Every VDO boost gauge I have tested, well okay 2 of them, have both read 1.5-2 psi. low with a good calibrated Omega gauge.

In salvageV6 I use the Autometer Ultralight gauges in 2 5/8" size excepting the 4 in the A pillar and under the console.

Mechanical and US made.

Superior to the VDO now for sure, there still may be some US made VDO's in the pipeline.

PS: German engineering isn't really all it's built up to be.