Smiths Gauges

[Martyn-ak427]

Hi Guys,

Which style of Smiths gauges would give me the most authentic look for my AK. Additionally which gauges should I use, ie speedo, tacho, fuel etc, etc & should they be electrical or mechanical. (Dont know if you need this info but I will be putting a Ford Windsor engine in my AK.

Any help much appreciated.

Regards,

Martyn

[rich]

Martin,
The most authentic gauges are Smiths Cobra Gauges
http://www.speedycables.com/cobra2.htm
But the original bezel on them will be very hard to get through an SVA test.
However you can choose a different shape bezel when ordering.

THT
Rich

[Grease Monkey]

My personal choice was for all electrical gauges.

Two reasons, first it makes the dash simple to remove, and the engine plumbing easier

Reason two, my old Spitfire and Silent Partners Mini, both of which split the rubber section of the pressure hose going to the gauge. You find this fact out either when the 'you have no oil left' light comes on, the car behind disappears in a cloud of smoke or you get home to see a black line all the way down the road.

[tarmacscratcher]

Downloading the "cobra guideline" is useful for an authentic build.
http://www.cobraclub.com/forum/local...=links&catid=2

[Purple AK]

Hi Martyn.

As said the Smiths Cobra gauges are the most authentic. But they fail SVA on the bezels not being the correct radius. I got over this by making a tempory dash with the gauges recessed in for SVA. I passed it on to Dave Warne (Warney on the site) I'm sure he will let you have it once he's finished and passed

[Martyn-ak427]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the information; Chris thanks for the use of the alternative dashboard - I will give Warney a shout when I require the dash.

Regards,

Martyn:thumb:

[craggle]

Hi Martyn

Attached is a picture of my Dax fitted with the following Smiths Cobra gauges.

0-180mph reverse wind speedo (electrical to save the calibration hassles)
Rev counter
Mechanical oil pressure gauge
Mechanical oil temperature guage
Mechanical water temperature gauge
Electric fuel gauge
+ - 60 Amp meter.

I preferered the full sweep look of the mechanical gauges rather than the short sweep of the Electric gauges but the cappilary lines are a pain.

I made a padded surround for my gauges and stuck in place for the SVA. It was 2mm plastic sheet covered in 6mm foam then covered in blue vinyl. The double sided tape held it in place for the SVA and then it was removed after.

Craig.