Dude, there's another popular thread here that will show you some $600 loafers to go with your voltmeter.
Never knew you could get a voltmeter for the cigarette lighter. After seeing it here I bought one for when I want to check on that system. I don't think I would want to change the originality of the car by taking out the clock. Can't wait to see how yours comes out.
I've had the voltmeter in the cigarette lighter for the last 8 years. Very useful, but would prefer the clock location. As far as originality, I don't see any risk with replacing the clock with a voltmeter. It comes in and out easy. Two screws on the 1980 and newer 308's gets you full access.
Ha. No worries. On the "voltmeter in the cig lighter" bit goes - I have the Pram Brico type lighter. It has a hole in the middle, and you push the outer black ring to heat the element (and then, when it is glowing - you shove your cig down there I guess). So - I don't have a way to run that type of lighter, unless I yank the original lighter. And, I don't plan on doing that. Still waiting to hear back from Hartmut. I'll let you guys know what I come up with.
Here's what I did years ago... see post #16 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/180336-custom-matching-volt-meter-308-a.html?highlight=volt+meter+clock
Hey Henry. Yeah - I saw your post, and I really thought you did a good job finding a gauge that matched pretty well. I'm hoping to one-up you.
Thinking out loud, what about a flashing led light display like on the battery tender or solar inverter if you have one? On my solar powered gate I have three lights for low, medium and high battery charge. They bright/dim for their relative charge of the 12v battery. The battery tender has a red/green light that flashes when it's 80%, then goes solid green when its fully charged. That is all I really want to know. If I could put just one light in the dash somewhere with a color change and/or dim/bright function you could tell what was going on with the system voltage without having anything too intrusive.
I wouldn't want a light. I look at voltage off a meter for electrical system health the same way that oil pressure is an indicator of the mechanical system health. Just another blinky light doesn't really do it for me.
I was thinking like this: 12V LED Battery Charge Alternator Level Indicator Monitor Warning Light Lamp E | eBay It has three colors. That will give you the same information as your analog guage. It does not blink, just has colors.
Interesting. But, this light only helps if your alternator is undercharging the battery, right? I can't see this helping if the voltage regulator fails, or your alt starts overcharging? I need to send Hartmut an e-mail and see if we've made progress.
Yes it does do those things. In fact, it will start blinking for over/undercharging conditions. Here is a 5mm hole version. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gammatronix-5mm-LED-12v-Battery-level-Alternator-Charge-monitor-indicator-K-/200634417104?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eb6be3fd0 I have been contemplating exactly what you have been but stuck on the fact there is not a good slip in veglia gauge for the clock. This 5mm light could be mounted in a lot of places in a non-invasive way and will provide at least as much info as a 12v analogue voltmeter gauge for a fraction of the price. I think I'm going to give it a try.
I just noticed you are in Houston and have the same car and your fist name is Ken like mine. Ok, that's a little creepy. Anyway, I 'm at the 290/99. Drop by for a beer anytime.
Ha. Fun stuff. Let me know how the light goes. I've sent Hartmut a note - we'll see if he's making progress.
This finally arrived. It's not a perfect match for the 328. It is close, but the lettering is a brighter orange and there's an orange cross-hatch pattern on the face. Still, it's close enough to use, and will be more useful than the clock. Knowing me, I probably won't get to this until the summer. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Update: Got an e-mail from Hartmut. He's got all the internals working. Sketch went out to the silkscreener - awaiting a proof prior to re-assembly.
Ha - got a proof tonight, and the face was labeled 10,,14,,12,,16 yeah - I think that's a problem......
I think Henry's gauge works great for a pre-1980 308 where the clock was on the left of the steering wheel. Post 1980 it's very visible in the center of the car where a small difference is very noticeable.
nah - I'm somewhat OCD. I'd notice it, and it would bother me. Here's what the "typo" proof looks like. Except for the number order being wrong, I really like everything else. Image Unavailable, Please Login
