Wiring new Gauges

colorado73 · #1 11-18-2007, 05:52 PM

I recently purchased a partially restored '73 bullnose and have been obsessively reading all old posts here. I've replaced the turn signal switch and have started to replace old gauges with new autometer guages. What is the proper way to wire three new guages...temp, oil pressure, and volt or fuel. My main concern is drawing power correctly from the ignition to all three gauges...eventually adding a new speedometer and tach. Do I splice from the accessory terminal on the back of the ign to all three guages or connect all the of the guages together and then run one wire to the ign. How do I go about wiring power for the bulbs for the guages...do I use the same terminal for power? I am still in the process of figuring out all the wiring on the back of the ingition. Any info is greatly appreciated. thanks

Jake · #2 11-20-2007, 06:48 PM

I'm curious, where did you get you turn signal switch? I think we need one of those too.

colorado73 · #3 11-20-2007, 08:13 PM

I picked up the turn signal switch from Napa. I guess it is a common Jeep part from '67-73. It was $80.00, I think plus shipping. Jeepsterman also carries the part. I forget where the part comes from but you may also be able to get it directly from the source. Turn Signals are a common thread here, but I've yet to use the search option successfully.

Randyzzz · #4 11-21-2007, 01:23 PM

I'm at work, so a quick reply. You can run all 3 gauges off of one feed from the acc. position. Just make sure it is a substantial size wire, I'd use 10-12 Gauge. For the lights, all grounds can go to the body or to 1 common wire and then to the body. The positive side should go to either the gauge lead from the headlamp switch, if it doesn't have one, use the parking light terminal on the switch. Again, you can hook all the short positive leads together and run one wire to the switch.

colorado73 · #5 11-26-2007, 02:44 PM

Thanks for the reply Randyzzz.

Can anyone tell me which Autometer speedometer is best. I am using ultralite II gauges. Still have original cable which seems to be working, will it work with the autometer mechanical gauges, or is the electric gauge best with the adapter/sending unit. Thanks again.

Randyzzz · #6 11-26-2007, 09:38 PM

The cable unit is the easiest to install if the cable is already there...but then you have to mess with gears in the transfer case or buy a ratio adapter to get the speed correct. An electronic speedo can be recalibrated at any time to compensate for tire or gearing changes. I prefer the electronic style. I looked at the Autometer website, it looks like the Ultralite II is available only in electronic, pn 4988- so it looks like the decision will be easy!