308 gauges: Out with Veglia, In with VDO

Arh good point. Tom Yang has done it though ... www.tomyang.net ... different model Ferrari though.

Pete

 

Hi Guys,
Slight diversion but somewhat related:

I have successfully opened and closed several speedometer housings. It requires a gentle touch and a small screw driver to remove the bezel (no bending of the bezel required ). I will try to post some 'how to' sequenced photos this weekend. If I don't, send me a kick via PM as a reminder.

My goal is to replace the internal speedometer electronics with something that is repairable/maintainable without having to send to outside companies. The original GT4 speedo has an unobtanium IC in it, the later units seems to have a different unobtanium IC.

Gerrit

 

Hi Dave,
no, it is not failing that often, only twice. It failied the first time by itself, the second time as a result of my own stupidity. But I do resent spending > cd$200 on repairs that result in something that doesn't work or stay working. There is a place in Toronto that Palo Alto supposedly sends some of their work to but the quality is inconsistent at best. The first time it was fixed, the speed read 10% low, not a good thing in a Ferrari. Another local owner had his unit returned with a non-working odometer.
Being north of the border makes sending units to the US a pain and costly. I won't be the last one to have issues so the effort might result in a second source for other owners as well.
The reason for replacing the internals is that the SAY115 IC is no longer available and neither is the RCA chip in the other style of speedometer. There are no similar replacements.

Lastly, I like the challenge of fixing it myself. Another joy of Ferrari ownership.

Gerrit

 

I have a 1980 308 gtsi, can you give me some advise on how to remove the clock.

thanks

 

If you have the unique-to-1980 vertically aligned console gauges (rather than the 1981 and up side-by-side console gauges), both are mounted onto a plate which is held in place with velcro. Simply place a thin putty knife at the edge of this plate and gently pry.

Should be nothing to it.

Cheers - DM

 

I think I would have used the original oil pressure gauge and just changed the needle to match. The Oil pressure gauge is pretty reliable.
Looks great though, I've thought about doing that myself.

 

I'm in the minority here, but having owned F355 308 328 512TR 330GT, it's my opinion the Veglia 308 gauages (the green edges, black center, white tip) are simply beautiful designs. Many a beautiful chronograph are anything but simple to read but they're appreciated for their craftsmanship and design. My BMW Z1 has efficient (boring) gaues. My 328 gauges look like something fiat supplied. The 308 QV Veglia gauages are beautiful. I'd recommend highly saving them for as 308s go up in value such VDO modifications will hurt the car. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

I'm definitely part of your minority.

 

Well, interest in this now almost 3 year old thread seems to have been revived.

All that I can add is that it has now been close to 3 years, and I haven't regretted the decision to replace the gauges for an instant. I really love the VDO's.

Re-read the first post in this thread where I mentioned my blue-green color blindness. I could hardly read the OEM Veglia gauges.

But yes, the point about the possibility of some future owner not sharing my enthusiasm is well intended. That's why all original gauges and sending units are carefully stored for posterity, with -full- documentation and information about this change.

Swapping back in the Veglia gauges would take me about an afternoon to do. Only problem would be the red needle for the speedo / tach, which would require disassembly to replace.

Cheers - DM

 

Oil Temperature Gauge??

Oil Pressure is a dash light, in my 1976- 77s......

I think you did a wonderful job of it.....VDO is a good line....

 

Got a private message asking me about a picture of my replacement of the Veglia clock on the console with a VDO Voltmeter.

Pictures enclosed.

Recall that the vertically aligned console gauges are specific only to the 1980 model year.

Enjoy - DM
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I missed the part about your blue-green color blindness so certainly I could understand much better what you've done even if it doesn't suit my taste. If I could get new guages for my 328 that were identical to the originals but in black/white rather than black/orange I'd do it in a heartbeat. The black/orange is not so easy to read, looks "Playskool-ish" and looks like crap when faded by UV rays.