If you are building a vintage aircooled ‘Porsche’ inspired car, be it 356 or 550 or whatever based, instruments are not a problem. There is no need to skimp on the dials. Beck produces a beautiful set, complete with GPS receiver so that even the speedometer cable becomes unnecessary. They cost a fair amount but it really completes the package.
Despite originally planning on using Beck dials, I had at my disposal a complete set of original 1969 911E dials. Not period correct per se but still very cool. Still very ‘Resin Racer!’ To me there is nothing cooler than an oversized red-needled centre-mounted tachometer. The odometer was busted, so I had it overhauled and reset to zero for the new application. My only real reservation was that they lacked a bit of chrome. Many of the aftermarket metal bezels are a bit fat for my taste. I managed to find quite slim ones in the UK that seat on the inside without enlarging the overall diameter of the gauge. They are applied in the most careful and reversible manner I could manage.
The other obvious issue is the fact that I’m merging a 6 cylinder tacho to a 4 cylinder engine. It is an obstacle that is fairly simple to overcome with an electronic adapter.
Lastly the redline is naturally way too optimistic. I’m not changing the faces of rare original VDOs in good condition, so perhaps a tiny red decal on the glass will suffice later. I’ll still think about that a bit.
Many replica 356s have 914 gauges. I think these will stand out a bit to the anorak (homebuilt car anoraks?! Doubt it!)… okay these will stand out to me because the oil pressure and temperature gauges are horizontally opposed, in contrast to vertical in the 914. Makes it a little different.
Using 50 year old genuine 911 VDOs in a fibreglass car is bonkers. But fear not, the set remains complete. I will tuck the smaller fuel gauge and clock away safely.
The only missing items were the small incandescent bulb holders at the back. They are still available from the specialist VW shops, but I figured I would try make my own LED type ones.
I used 9.5mm soft copper tubing cut with a pipe cutter, 12v LEDs and some spade connectors. Finished off with some dental acrylic in the back, they slotted right in with a satisfying click! Herewith some steps in the process –
I think they came out alright! Now if I could only get the body back so I can fit them!
