Instrument Cluster From an old wooden Fence post

[Jonymoto]

My Tercel is the DLX model. So it isn't fitted with a tachometer and I always wanted one, but I couldn't find a proper mounting bracket off the shelf to mount it somewhere convenient where I can see it. So I decided to make my own cluster for 4 gauges out of an old wooden eucalyptus fencing post (that we call red gum here) that would've ended up as firewood. Attached are photos on how far I've got. It's going to be mounted on the dash board where the inclinometer is on the SR5 model. So far I've got rpm, oil pressure and vacuum gauges. I'm not sure what the 4th one will be. Has anybody got a good suggestion on a gauge that will be useful, please?

[jimcrazy]

go for water temp gauge

[Jonymoto]

Thanks Jim, I was thinking about that, but the Tercel already has a water temp gauge that gives you an indication of the temperature, although not the actual temperature in deg C or F. What would be the advantage of a more accurate temp gauge?

[Mark]

Battery voltage!

[Jonymoto]

Yes, I think that would be useful unless there are better suggestions. The other thing I was thinking of is a 2" warning light that will light up if the oil pressure is too low or the water temp is too high. Is there such a thing?

[4doorVIP]

inclinometer?

[Jonymoto]

The hole in the cluster is only 2" in dia. Is there a 2" inclinometer gauge available? If so that would be fun to have.

[Petros]

an altimeter would useful if you live in a mountainous area, there should be 2" altimeters available.

Another useful engine gauge in a race car is engine oil temp, which tends to rise with higher engine rpm. for most street driving it seldom gets very high, but if you do a lot of hill climbing you can watch the oil temp rises with sustained rpms.

You can also make it a simple "4wd" indicator, just for fun.

[Petros]

you should finish off the interior with a few other paces of that same wood such as on the door panels, or perhaps around the radio or ash tray, just to make the instrument cluster fit into the interior trim.

[Jonymoto]

Yes I do live in a mountainous area which is why I got into cycling. I'll check if a 2" altimeter gauge is available. If anybody else have any ideas, that would great. I will post a photo of the finished product in the car when I'm finished.

[timothygodden]

Exterior ambient temperature gauge, great for knowing when to keep an eye out for ice.
Analog clock would look sharp.
AFR gauge, useful for tunning.
Fuel pressure gauge.
Shift light.

No wait... Boost gauge for your turbo, hahahahahahaha

[Jonymoto]

Ext ambient temp and Fuel pressure gauge sound good. But I really like the AFR gauge idea. Thanks Tim. I'm going to look into this. Where would you install the sensor (on the inlet manifold?)?

[Jonymoto]

Oops, I meant exhaust manifold.

[BaileySims]

I think it runs off of its own o2 sensor. Not sure if the stock one is suitable?

[Jonymoto]

"Not sure if the stock one is suitable?"

Now some of your posts are starting to make sense to me. So the T4wd in the US/Canada are fitted with stock o2 sensors? What do they do? Modern cars have o2 sensors to adjust the fuel mixture by the cpu. But our Tercels don't have EFI, MAF and CPU which incidentally is why I love it (Toyota's equivalent but slightly more powerful 2CV).
My Tercel has no o2 sensor and no catalytic converter. It is pre unleaded petrol here in Australia. I will have to weld a bung in the exhaust to mount the o2 sensor. Where about is this bung located on the Tercels with o2 sensor?