Re: Want period looking (1940s) vacuum gauge

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2024/1/1 10:11:52

I don't use nor recommend a vacuum gauge inside (nor prone to leak mechanical oil pressure.) I keep a 1" plumbed up in the engine compartment for carbed/vacuum actuated vehicles. Only need for troubleshooting/tuning - won't tell you much while driving, you'll most likely just get confused. They're inexpensive, < $25, oil filled, and only require a vacuum tee and a few inches of tubing, zip tie. I think you be happier with that approach, if you're flexible.
It's a 'figment' of the past thinking. Lots oof old myths have been dispelled in he automotive realm. That's why they no longer use it as an engine monitor.
My usual preventative maintenance schedule is replace all vacuum tubing every 5 years, like most rubber parts; belts, hoses.

If you want gauge to go inside you either have to drill a larger hole/grommet to feed the vacuum tube inside or install a transducer and run wiring. Response time will go down with a long tubing and more places for vacuum leaks. Response time is why they got away from pneumatic instruments in favor of electronic except for some special needs. You'll need a bezel for mounting or a gauge hole cutter. All that will raise the price to several hundreds which cost seems to be an issue.
Stewart Warner would be the period gauge du jour, they make a 2 5/8 dial series(auto) but the light is 12 vdc,(not req'd to work) since 6VDC was passe late '50s. So you'd have some "engineering" to do to make it 6V. The transducer is 12 V too. You can get a 6 to 12 convertor/more wiring. Lots of moving parts for something not adding value, but to each his own.