Well I did bit the bullet today, went out to the supplier and picked up a new SW
oil temp gauge with 72" of cable to the bulb. This is the mechanical Deluxe version which is part number 82327-72. The suffix 72 stands for 72" of tube length, which by the way, is perfect for the 427-8 FE engine in the ERA.
Tested the new unit in a hot cup of water with a very accurate kitchen thermometer. It read right on at 150 degrees so it is accurate for now. This unit needs no electricity to provide a reading at all. Nice.
Removal of the gauge was easy from the dashboard, simply two nuts and lockwashers and a ground wire and the bulb for nightime illumination. Basically did this by feel.
Routed the new tube to the pan. Down along the back of the engine and along the
oil pan upper. Two plastic keepers attached the the
oil pan nuts hold it in place. Put the front end up on jackstands and spannered out the old bulb and installed the new.
Took her out for a ride and viola' the engine achieved 150 to 180 in pulses, probably accounting for use, the cold temps outside and the gate opening and closing from the sandwich adapter oil thermostat.
Another item off the checklist.
Fun Stuff.