Gauges: Nisonger or Speedhut or What?

[pcww]

Getting ready to purchase my gauges and had planned all along to just go with the Speedhut package. I am now a little concerned about reliability issues. Some have posted, and I have emails from respected gurus, that they have had failed Speedhut gauges. Questions are:
1. What is the deal on Speedhut reliability? Was it a bad batch or a continuing thing?
2. I would like comments on the Nisonger Smiths. THey have two models, traditional and electronic. Electronic is nice but does not look original.
3. any other comments on gauges? I would like to keep an original look.
Thanks.

Henry

[edwardb]

I personally haven't had a problems with the Speedhut gauges in my Mk4 build. Holding my breath I guess, based on what a couple others have said... My Mk3, now sold, had Classic Instrument gauges. Definitely more old school looking. Never had any issues over 3+ seasons. They're quite well known in the hot rod/performance car industry. You could give them a call. http://www.classicinstruments.com/

[pcww]

Edward,
Thanks. I really like your car now that it is back from the painter. Waiting for the "final". Henry

[Gumball]

Henry,

If you want traditional, then Smiths are the way to go. I bought mine from Nisonger. I replaced the ammeter with a voltmeter and a red idiot charge light.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/RevisedFullCockpit_zps290658c5.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/RevisedFullCockpit_zps290658c5.jpg.html)

[christenfreedman]

Go with Nisonger...Great guy to work with and look the best as period correct.

[pcww]

Guys,
I am definitely leaning to Nisonger but do not understand the difference between the "originals" and the electronic version. Chris you seem to have both. I like the originals since the pointer goes almost 270 degrees a not just about 180. What do you both think?

[Gumball]

The mechanical gauges (oil pressure, oil temp, and coolant temp) all have the 270* sweep while the electric gauges (voltmeter and fuel level) are the shorter sweep. The tach is also electric, of course, and the speedo is mechanical. The anti-clockwise rotation of the speedometer requires a "reverser," that attaches to the rear of the gauge and exits at a 90* angle. I took advantage of that and pointed it right at the fake dash tube - which now acts as a conduit for the speedo cable for a super clean installation.

[pcww]

Thanks Chris

[edwardb]

With all due respect to other opinions and posters, and while I love the 60's vintage cars (that's why we're doing this, right?), I can't imagine going back to mechanical and/or cable driven gauges. Kind of right up there with actually getting out of your car to open the garage door or looking for a phone booth. I've spent way too much time greasing squeaky speedo cables, changing gears, being happy with the speed being off when tires are changed, etc. to ever want to go back to those days. There are lots of good options for electronic gauges, including GPS if you want to go that way. Even the old school and pretty old tech Classic Instruments gauges I mentioned are electronic, getting a signal from the transmission VSS.

[Bob Cowan]

I have two Speedhut gauges; tach and speedo. The speedo failed after a few weeks and had to be replaced. The tach is not very accurate and tends to jump a bit at higher rpm's. The LED turn indicaters inside the speedo failed on the new one. I was going to replace all of the gauges with Speedhut, but now I don't think I will.

I'm going back to Autometer.

I'm with Edward. Why go back to all that mechanical stuff? The "new" electronic stuff looks exactly the same and works better. Easier to install, too. Especially the GPS speedometers. Although they are more expensive.

[Speedhut Jory]

Getting ready to purchase my gauges and had planned all along to just go with the Speedhut package. I am now a little concerned about reliability issues. Some have posted, and I have emails from respected gurus, that they have had failed Speedhut gauges. Questions are:
1. What is the deal on Speedhut reliability? Was it a bad batch or a continuing thing?
2. I would like comments on the Nisonger Smiths. THey have two models, traditional and electronic. Electronic is nice but does not look original.
3. any other comments on gauges? I would like to keep an original look.
Thanks.

Henry

This is Jory from Speedhut and I'm one of their technicians. We haven't had a bad batch of gauges and rarely have gauge issues. If there is a gauge issue, we stand by our product and will make sure the problem is fixed. We are wondering where you are getting this information about the gauge problems because we would like to help any of our customers with problems they have had. We are always improving our product. If you have any questions about our gauges, you can call me directly at 801-221-1460 or email me at tech@speedhut.com

[Jeff Kleiner]

...If there is a gauge issue, we stand by our product and will make sure the problem is fixed...

I can say from personal experience that this statement is true. Read whatever you like into that...

Jeff

[Gumball]

With all due respect to other opinions and posters, and while I love the 60's vintage cars (that's why we're doing this, right?), I can't imagine going back to mechanical and/or cable driven gauges. Kind of right up there with actually getting out of your car to open the garage door or looking for a phone booth. I've spent way too much time greasing squeaky speedo cables, changing gears, being happy with the speed being off when tires are changed, etc. to ever want to go back to those days. There are lots of good options for electronic gauges, including GPS if you want to go that way. Even the old school and pretty old tech Classic Instruments gauges I mentioned are electronic, getting a signal from the transmission VSS.

I'm an anolog guy in a digital world... the old stuff or new stuff that is still built the old way appeals to me. Afterall, I used a carb, even.

[christenfreedman]

I guess in the end it's going to be a personal preference based on what you are looking for...Both had their +/- so it may be a draw... I am personally looking for an authentic experience with my roadster and will proceed according such as authentic mechanical gauges, carb, no a/c, no ps, 15" wheels, etc. Do what works for your desires..:o

[rmiller64]

I guess in the end it's going to be a personal preference based on what you are looking for...Both had their +/- so it may be a draw... I am personally looking for an authentic experience with my roadster and will proceed according such as authentic mechanical gauges, carb, no a/c, no ps, 15" wheels, etc. Do what works for your desires..:o

Amen....