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I am about to install a volt gauge in my NB. I hope someone can assist with directions as to the best way/easiest way and where to wire it up to. I know the wires will have to be joined into the wiring system somewhere "BUT WHERE!"
Hope someone can help.

Any 12v supply right?
Cigarette lighter is fairly accessible.

straight to the battery if you want an accurate reflection of the amount of voltage in your electrical system.

Thanks for the info Jeo and AJ. The c/lighter may be the closest option as it is a long way to the battery and a bit of stuffing around to get the wires there.

Which brand of guage are you planning to use? and where are you thinking about putting it mate?


Ive been thinking about doing this too

Hi there RawSouth I am thinking of either a Stewart Warner or a VDO gauge. I am also planning on a oil temp and a vacuum gauges. The holder I can get from Mazda parts in the UK for about $40 delivered and it fits the DIN space under the radio. You can get either a 3 gauge one or a 2 gauge holder.

Check out www.mx5parts.co.uk for the gauge panel plus other good bits

Robbo wrote:Hi there RawSouth I am thinking of either a Stewart Warner or a VDO gauge. I am also planning on a oil temp and a vacuum gauges. The holder I can get from Mazda parts in the UK for about $40 delivered and it fits the DIN space under the radio. You can get either a 3 gauge one or a 2 gauge holder.

Hey robbo, does this holder fit underneath the OEM standard radio?

The space underneath it doesnt seem big enough, but im happy to be corrected

Id like to put in Volts, oil temp and proper coolant temp guages.

Hi Raw South, I have a 10ae and it appears from what info I have obtained this gauge mount that I can get from the UK replaces the box (DIN) space under the standard radio.

Thanks for the info Jeo and AJ. The c/lighter may be the closest option as it is a long way to the battery and a bit of stuffing around to get the wires there.

Needs to be connected to the battery so you get a true reading. Cig lighter will be going thru a fuse and everything.

Is it possible to fit gauges in here?


Josh

I'm sure its possible, but as to whether a total novice could get them in there cleanly, I'd say not.

Hmmm. It appears your console setup is different to mine. Mine will be easy but yours may need a professional approach. All I have is the radio then cubby hole box then the heater etc controls.

This is the gauge holder

The holder you've indicated is for a standard Single-DIN slot (eg. most head units conform to the single-DIN standard and simply slide into this slot; some use a Double-DIN slot like your OEM head unit and many DVD/GPS head units). This holder will NOT simply fit where you've indicated since that slot is a custom slot for the MX-5 (possibly other Mazdas too), it's NOT a Single-DIN slot. Looks like you'll need to manufacture your own holder to fill that slot.