Source for round automotive gauge housing 1

[pcar]

I'd like to find a source for a quantity of standard 2" OD automotive gauge housings for a custom gauge I'm hoping to manufacture. This would be complete with a bezel and optionally with the standard stud-type hardware mounting bracket. Could be plastic or metal.

Does anyone have a source I can go to? The gauge manufacturers seem to be kinda tight on this item. Seems like the manufacturing source would be easier.

Thanks

 

[Ron07663]

I've worked for several automotive / heavy duty truck gauge manufacturers. All use housings, bezels, glass and gaskets that are custom designed and tooled. If external vendors supply theses parts, normally they cannot sell product to the public off tools that they do not own.
Also, internal mounting means and connector requirements would be unique to each application. Even housing depths, diameters and mounting means are not standard execept for some heavy duty and off-road applications.

 

[moodysjAUEE87]

Here ya go:

http://www.gaugepods.com/

HTH

 

[moodysjAUEE87]

Also here:

http://www.boostcontroller.com/index.php?maincat=47

 

[pcar]

Thanks gentlemen, but these links are for gauge pods. Like a panel, the entire gauge fits inside. I'm looking for the actual cup-like enclosure to house the guts of the instrument along with bezel and hardware. I guess I didn't clearly describe it.

I'm still looking. As Ron07663 mentions, many gauge manufacturers don't sell just their enclosures, bezels, mounting hardware, etc. I've contacted some overseas manufacturers too but can't seem to find a solid lead.

 

[Comcokid]

I used to work within that industry and they are very hesitant about selling the component parts. Many of the bezel shapes originate with a designer style and the companies want to control how that style is used. Once you've worked in the industry you can look at a gauge mounted in a vehicle and immediately recognize who made it - companies don't want to confuse their market identity. Finally, many of the companies were originally formed by a person or two who would take technical info and strike out on their own.

First, check with some of the companies who do custom dials and gauges for the marine and industrial vehicles- Datcon, Teleflex, Faria. Then check with the smaller outfits who work on some of the smaller nich applications - FW Murphy, Dixson, and Isspro. The landscape in this market probably has changed somewhat so other companies who years ago only did high volume may be more open - VDO or Steward Warner

Plastic bezels on plastic housing take design work and are a bit of an art to both compress the seal reilably and ultrasonically weld. You will do better with a metal bezel rolled on a plastic housing, or easier still - metal bezel rolled on a metal housing. In either application reliably sealing takes some knowledge along with the proper custom crimp/roll tooling and a press.

Lastly, you might research some of the mechanical pressure gauge manufacturers to see if you can locate a suitable enclosure, but many of these have changed to full digital or shut down due to offshore competition. Also, you might check out other 2" gauges made for other boat or car accessories to see if there is a independent gadget maker (i.e. depth sounder, hour meter, etc) who has an enclosure that would work.

 

[Spudinsky]

Did you find your source?