Smiths gauges

xracerbob · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 05:51 AM

Hi Bob-

I have a car on order and am deciding on the gauges. I was leaning toward the SW gauges since I have experienced less than stellar reliability from Smiths mechanical gauges in the past. Now I see that Smiths has a line of electronic gauges. Do you have any experience with them? Also wondering if the wiring harness would need to be different to accomodate them. I also like the idea of a volt meter instead of an ammeter.

http://www.nisonger.com/cobra-electronic-gauges.htm

Thanks,
Bob

Chaplin · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 06:45 AM

Bob-
I used the autometer gauges and they are great.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...63911_-1_10339

mpanten · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 08:08 AM

I dont see what the fascination with smith gauges is. I know they are the original type but they are unreliable and impossible to see at night. I have an autometer tack and the rest are smiths. I would go with autometer.

speed220mph · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 08:26 AM

Interesting how things work . . . or doesn't work. I have Smiths gauges in my Cobra. No problems yet, but I did replace the plastic line running to the oil-pressure gauge with an AN hose as a safety precaution. However, I do have SW's in the GT40. Keep in mind that Murphy's Law always applies. The only problem I've had is a failed Stewart Warner water-temp gauge (mechanical) in the GT40. And what a bear it was to replace. This is because you can't just replace the gauge, but the entire capillary tube-and-gauge assembly. Being a mid-engine car, this required dissassembly of the interior of the car.

xracerbob · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 10:04 AM

I hadn't really looked at the Autometer's before. They look pretty nice. The SW's are made in Lancaster PA and I know a guy who works there. I think the Smiths do look the best, but I had 2 go bad on the FFR almost immediately. One was the oil pressure gauge and it filled up with oil and leaked all over.

emberglo66 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 10:15 AM

I switched to Autometer... Now I can see them at night.

WarrenG · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 05:05 PM

5 years and about 70,000 miles on the smith gauges in my MGB and I never had a problem with them.

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 05:21 PM

22 years with Smiths and they are still running strong!

cobred · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 06:56 PM

I ordered my ERA with autometer gauges from ERA. Reverse speedo and a voltmeter, they look great and work perfect for 3 years so far.