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Aux System Gauge(s) Install/Upgrade
My bus since new has never had an Aux system pressure gauge. IMO, a bus needs an aux system gauge(or two), so I installed 2, one in the dash, and another in the front left steer compartment.
I installed a new 2″ VDO mechanical dual needle gauge in the dash that I got online for
In one end of the manifold I installed a generic 1.7″ unit that screws directly in where I tapped it(1/8″npt). At the other end of the manifold I tapped it for the aux system dash gauge fitting/plumbing(1/8″npt).VDO gauge link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/311338264919?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
plumbing kit link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/301470810310?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
New dual and original singles
Steer compartment 8 port
Finished
Sorry the last pic is sideways?????????
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7 Replies
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Excellent post and idea for those without an aux gauge.
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Nice job Don looks great
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If you want to stick to the original “Datcon” brand and look it will cost a little more
On my bus the boost, tach, & speedometer are “VDO” brand. The others are “Datcon”
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How is the new gauge lit? Internally?
I have an auxiliary gauge in the bay under the driver (apparently installed by Liberty) but like you NO gauge on the dash. I thought that was kinda weird.
Never realized there are “dual needle” gauges for this application. We had a number of dual needle gauges in the 1943 Beech 18 I crewed on and flew right seat in.
Is it easy to remove the dash, pull it up and get access to everything underneath it? I’ve been reluctant to dig into that part of the coach.
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Both the old “Datcon” and the new “VDO” have sockets w/miniature bulbs in them that stab/push into the back of the gauge. I believe all Prevost have 28v dash gauge lighting, even my “Classic(12v)”.
The new VDO I installed came w/12v mini wedge bulb, W2.1×9.5d, so I had to find a 28v equivalent. I came up with only two #s, GE #400 @ 3watts-Grainger#2F566, & GE #464 @ 5 watts-Grainger#1C536.
The old Datcon, and probably the other dash gauges, has a different type socket/bulb. It is a mini bayonet 1/4″ BA9s. I’ve used with success GE # 1864-Grainger#6VF96. Its 28v, 5 watt. Others good 28v #s are: # 1820 – 3w, # 1819 – 1w, 1843 – 1w. There is a 24v, #1819 – 4w
Download the Grainger catalog and look at pages 643 & 644.
On my bus there are only 6 phillip head screws that hold the dash in. Prevost/Liberty left enough slack in all the wires/etc to work on the backside.
It’s easy the run the new pressure line down the driverside A pillar into the steer compartment along w/the existing Cruisair plumbing etc
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On the left is the BA9s=GE#1864 etc, and the on the right is w2.1×9.5d=GE464
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Behind my dash
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