www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,
I am starting a gauge replacement project to get rid of the auto style VDO cluster.
I already bought a Teleflex set of 6 gauges. Now I want a depth gauge and would like to reuse the existing thru hull transducer rather than mount a new one on the transom.
Does anyone know the original manufacturer? That way I can get a compatible gauge.
Thanks Rob

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Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180

I don't know specifically what's in the 2001 but I have some info about my '97 that might help.

I don't have the VDO brand gage assembly but mine is a one piece auto style dash. My depthfinder has a separate module under the dash that the cable to the sounder plugs into and then there are wires from that module to the gage assy. The module has a Lowrance sticker on it.

Hope that helps a little.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

Well, simple 2in depth finders with new thru-hull senders are cheap from Faria. $100. Just pick a style that matches your Teleflex the best. If you got black gauges with a black ring, the Faria Euro Black one will be pretty much spot on.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Rob,
Sorry I don't know the answer to your question.
I was going to replace my VDO mess. ANy chance you could give me a breakdown what you did when you get that far? Any tips, dash removal, etc?

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Blue Baron
258 Vista 1999
Great Sacandaga NY

The engine sensors are usually generic, you would need to get a wiring diagram of the plugs for the VDO cluster, unclip the connectors, extend the wires to accommodate the standard gauges and build a flat panel to mount the gauges that fits in the hole cleanly.

Even if you don't have a wiring diagram it would still be easy to trace everything:
Take out cluster, use a multimeter to verify power wires.
Use a tone generator at each sensor to find the matching wire at the cluster plug (oil pressure, water temp, tach, trim, fuel).

It's not a big deal really. Quite easy. The hardest part will be making a nice panel to fill the hole. Don't use stained wood, I've seen it done on the iboats forums and it looks really cheesy. I love carbon fiber for example http://dragonplate.com

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I already bought a set of 6 gauges from Teleflex. They are the Amega Series.
Here is a link http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/ ... ion/amega/
It comes with the following and is about $199 depending where you get them.
3-3/8 Speedo with pitot tube sensor
3-3/8 Tachometer
2-1/16 Fuel, Voltage, Oil Press, and Water Temp

I am ordering the Faria digital depth and water temp gauge about $179.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... rchID=4005

It will be located where the current switch panel is at the upper right corner of the dash area. The Set and Mode switches are there right now and will not be needed once I get rid of the old gauge panel.

I already bought some 1/8 inch furniture grade veneer board to fabricate the panel and the correct diameter hole saws. I am looking now for a brushed stainless steel faux laminate the cover the veneer board. I plan on re-laminating the other small areas of wood look laminate to the same. I will take photos and post as I start the work this week.
Rob

_________________
Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Overdoing
2001 Horizon 180

brushed stainless? that's easy. Just google brushed stainless sheet. You might even make it cheaper by browsing the craigslist for a broken fridge/dishwasher and "borrow" the stainless from the door.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Thanks Rob. I can't wait to see your progress! I can't stand the VDO.

_________________
Blue Baron
258 Vista 1999
Great Sacandaga NY