Temperature gauge thoughts

bluedog

bluedog

Member
I am looking at installing a temperature gauge on my 1930 Phaeton and am after some thoughts on the two temperature pipes being offered. One is painted steel and one is stainless steel. Many seem to opt for the black painted one. Is there any drawback in going for the stainless steel one?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Greg
 
bluedog said:
I am looking at installing a temperature gauge on my 1930 Phaeton and am after some thoughts on the two temperature pipes being offered. One is painted steel and one is stainless steel. Many seem to opt for the black painted one. Is there any drawback in going for the stainless steel one?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Greg
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Nope.

The black ones tend to blend in with the background and the shinny ones stick out.
 
There also seems to be a difference in opinion around my parts as to whether you should install one. As mine is more a driver than a show car I think it maybe a wise addition.
 
And remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money for the gauge, got this one at speedway for around $20, comes with everything you need except the bracket, tube and 6v bulb.
I went with the black tube, to much chrome just looks tacky.

And don't forget the thermostat
 

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I have to say this is a nice looking gage, and I liked the temperature layout on the face so bought one. Both my cousin and I have had trouble with a couple of them not working right out of the box. We have both moved on to another gage.
Just an FYI.
 
FWIW: Just a few thoughts on Model A temperature gauges:

1. Unlike brand new engines, eighty (80 +) year old engines and radiators are not much different from (80+) year old seniors with artery blockage, corrosion, high blood pressure, and leaks.

2. A temperature gauge can monitor (80+) year old harmful circulatory blockage, coolant passage pressure, and leaks to avoid harmful strokes and heart attacks requiring hospitalization and expensive organ transplants.

3. Stainless steel combined with water is best for resisting corrosion.

4. For an easy aesthetic fix which may be easy on a Model A Judge's eyes ..... is to wrap the SS tube in black wire loom sold by Model A parts suppliers ..... let the Model A Judge's guess if it is a mechanical or electrical accessory ..... and don't let them know the real answer.

Just temperature gauge thoughts.
 
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I like stainless steel and have a stainless steel lower pipe. I beadblasted it to roughen it and painted it black. It will not rust out like the last one did. You could do the same with the top pipe for the guage sender.
 
Planning on having a new probe put on one of my vintage SW gauge. Black faced with SS bezel. Will look right at home next to the vintage NuRex oil pressure gauge. Rod
 
I went with this unit from NAPA. I like the old school SW gauge.
 

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Don't know if it is an optical illusion, but the gauges from the vendors look like they have a shorter probe than the Speedway types.
 
I can say that the Speedway version has a way smaller tube running from the probe to the gage... Easy to work with and based on two of these not working, (one right out of the box) possible why they didn't work. Tube breakage ? I don't know.
 
Will N said:
When steam comes out, it's too hot. No steam, it's ok.
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By installing any type of water gauge would be a big distraction. I'll be staring at them all of the time instead of the road ! I would rather look at the people pulling out in front of me!!
 
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