Re : Aux. gauges in '84 Ur-q

[Dave Lawson <dlawson@digitalglobe.com>]

Jim,
>
Would really like a bit more info than just the stock fuel and boost gauge
gives me.  Would like to add at least a temp. gauge and a real Boost gauge,
would'nt mind oil pres. either.  Has any body done this in a nice clean
fashion that does not require drilling holes in the dash.  I know ABT has a
console but I was told that it will not work on the '84 and it also costs
$325.00 with out gauges.  I was thinking about using the cubby hole to the
left of the steering column but the gauges would not very easy to read there.
>

Adding aux gauges to the late model dashes, 84 included, takes some 
compromise. Without cutting up the original dash, you could do what
other have mentioned:
- add 3 gauges into the center vent location. I have fabed a plate for this
  and it worked fine, but I didn't like not having the fresh air available.
- add gauges into the drivers side cubby hole, should work, but would 
  need to look down to read gauges.
- relocate diff lock mechanism and add 3 gauges in center console. This
  works fine, but you will need to drill a hole somewhere for the diff lock
  plunger.
- Cut up diff lock panel and add 2 gauges on either side of the diff lock knob.
- add gauges in the passenger side glove box, lots of space but not close to
  the drivers line of vision.
- A pillar mounts for a gauge or 2, don't know anyone who has done this on 
  a quattro.

You are correct the Abt dash housing(euro taxi) only fits the 82/83 cars and
doesn't work with the later style dash.

On my ur-q, I basically went nuts and added a 5 gauge console which sits on
the top of the dash to the right of the speedo housing. Mind you this setup
is installed on the 1987 4000q dash/center console I have installed in my 83 
ur-q.  I bit the bullit and
drilled a 1 inch hole in the dash top along with other mounting holes for L
brackets. The front panel was some abs plastic I sourced from a local plastic
house, <$5. The top cover started life as the speedo/tach housing cover from
an 83 ur-q, but any early 4000 housing will work. I carved and cut the top housing
up with an dremel tool until it fit the contour of the dash. I then cut the front 
panel to match the curve of the cover. A 2in hole saw was used to cut the 
gauge holes for the VDO gauges. I covered the top with 1/8in thick foam and
then covered that with some black grained vinyl which matches 4000q black
dash. The end result is a pretty good looking addition, but you have to sacrifice
your dash to do it.

I now have the opportuninty to absorb the following info when I scan the gauges,
 speedo, tach, stock boost gauge, stock fuel gauge, in the 5 gauge housing, boost, 
cyberdyne air/fuel, EGT, oil pressure, water temp. The knock sensor light and
switch to dump the ECU fault codes are also located in this gauge panel. In the
center console I use the 4000q diff lock panel/switch which has the LED bargraphs
for voltage and oil temp.

There is a picture of my dash, partially installed on Chris Tuckers quat continuum.
It's integrated in with my 3 articles on my ur-q rebuild.

HTH
-
Dave Lawson