[s-cars] Gauge face answers

[Dave Forgie]

Ian and S-gruppees:  Yes Mance and I (but mostly Mance) did work on the
VDO gauge face.

I had originally contacted VDO directly.  They would build a proper
gauge but only if I could guarantee 500 orders (they started out wanting
1000).  I canvassed Audiworld, S-cars, NeuS4 (I hadn't realized that
their gauges were dark dark grey), etc. and came up with may 40 people.
I then tried locally with commercial screen printers.  The minimum
preproduction cost was CDN$1000 just to get the art work, the screens,
the paint and the plastic (a GE lexan sheet) set up.  This is where
Mance came to the rescue.  I am not sure how many gauge faces he did.  I
have one - not installed - he probably had at least one or too more.  I
think he may sold his 395 hp S4.

I probably was less than supportive to Mance in my hyper-critical, too
picky, has to be perfect, engineering way (something like this weekends
Dilbert).  For that I have to apologize. Sorry Mance (if you are
listening).

I don't have Mance's email (I think it was Salinas202@??) but if
somebody does, maybe he can be convinced by massive amounts of email to
come out of "retirement" on the gauge face project.

On replacing the clock - it isn't that easy.  Its not three separate
gauges back there.  Its printed circuit boards, etc.  I think it could
be done (Bob Pastore had the far right hand gauge converted in his car)
but it would require lots and lots of work, e.g. the brass body of the
gauge mechnism may have to be shortened, tapped and a new 90deg. fitting
added because there are space limitations at the back of the IC.  I
decided that the clock position was behind my hand and not in my line of
sight (enough) to have the incentive to overcome these technical
difficulties. (i.e. I gave up.)

Good luck.

Dave F.

Ian Duff  wrote:

I am considering making a gauge face to replace the black with white
characters one on my VDO 150 121. I would like to find some amber or red

plastic sheet, then get a light grey face screened onto it, so it will
look
stock, day and night. Dave Forgie and Mance were working on it
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/s-car-list/files/Photos/Boost5.jpg,
but
found more rewarding pursuits.  I'll have to admit my Sgt Schulz
position
here, "I know NUSSINK!" I'd like to pick up where they left off.