What are the pros/cons of full versus short sweep gauges?

[robroy]

Good morning!

While looking through gauges I've noticed that one main differentiation is between "short sweep" and "full sweep."

Here's a "short sweep," an Autometer 1538:



Here's a "full sweep," an Autometer 5554:



My natural inclination is to go with the "full sweep" style, since it looks like it could provide a more precise readout. But since they have both styles, I'm assuming that there are definite benefits to the "short sweep" style.

Does anybody know all the pros and cons of "short sweep" versus "full sweep" gauges?

Thanks very much!
Robroy

[fitzwell]

Short sweep, if selected in a range that you need are easier to read at a glance. Couple of times, i've mounted 'em where the "normal" reading was at 12:00. Looks odd at rest, but if things get...interesting, one quick look and if all the needles are straight up, life's good. One thing i've learned, get a gauge that reads where the motor will operate. No sense having a gauge that reads 50-280 for temp. What i'm interested in is 180, to about 225 on that particular gauge. Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.

as always....

[robroy]

Hey Fitzwell thanks for replying!

I see your point about the short sweep gauges, and about picking one out with a range that you'll use.

Thanks again!
Robroy

[seattle67]

Yup, it's all about resolution. You can get a more accurate reading off the full sweep gauge. Like Fitzwell suggested, I would just go with what pleases your eye.

[robroy]

Hey Dan! Thanks for the reply.

I'm trying to figure out what pleases my eye. The problem with gauges is that there are too many choices!

My favorite looking gauges are the ISSPROs, but when I found out that they were made in India, I just couldn't do it.

The search continues. Thanks Dan!
Robroy

[seattle67]

My favorite looking gauges are the ISSPROs, but when I found out that they were made in India, I just couldn't do it.

I know what you mean. I ordered a "Moon" tach and when it showed up it had a "made in China" sticker on it. Is nothing sacred anymore? Dean Moon would flip in his grave.

[Fordnatic]

For the longest time electric gauges couldn't be made in full sweep. It's a relatively new thing for elec gauges. The mechanical gauges were always full sweep I think. It seems some prefer the full sweep or they would not have bothered to invent the full sweep electrical! One thing some do not like about mechanical gauges is that you have to run the fluids into the cab (oil psi or fuel psi for ex.) and the temp probe is stiffer and more difficult to route than a wire. It's just me but I have always felt mechanicals were more accurate.

[robroy]

Hi Fordnatic and Seatle67, thanks for replying!

My favorite looking gauges are the ISSPROs, but when I found out that they were made in India, I just couldn't do it.

I know what you mean. I ordered a "Moon" tach and when it showed up it had a "made in China" sticker on it. Is nothing sacred anymore? Dean Moon would flip in his grave.

Exactly!!!

For the longest time electric gauges couldn't be made in full sweep. It's a relatively new thing for elec gauges. The mechanical gauges were always full sweep I think. It seems some prefer the full sweep or they would not have bothered to invent the full sweep electrical!

I've made this observation also in my journey for gauges. It seems that the full sweep electric gauges typically have expensive stepper motor drives.

One thing some do not like about mechanical gauges is that you have to run the fluids into the cab (oil psi or fuel psi for ex.) and the temp probe is stiffer and more difficult to route than a wire. It's just me but I have always felt mechanicals were more accurate.

Yeah you could be right about the accuracy!

I went with short sweep gauges in the end. That's just because I couldn't find any other USA made gauge that had looks that I really liked! I bought these Teleflex Premier Whites from Haneline for $455; they're made in Florida.



Thanks again for the super excellent replies!
Robroy

[70_F100]

I'll give you my point of view as an engineer.

Just pick out some that have the "normal" range at the top.

Full or short sweep gauges should have the same accuracy with today's technology.

Ergonomists design today's dash panels, and the correct ergonomic design is to have the "normal" range at the top, as I stated before.

The reason is that you only have to "glance" at your gauges to tell if everything is normal, without taking your eyes off the road to check the vehicle's vital statistics.

[robroy]

Hey 70_F100, I see your point! That's also what Fitzwell recommended earlier in this thread. He also said that once in a while, he'll mount a gauge rotated a funny angle to achieve the 90 degrees direction for the "normal" readout. I think that's a very smart idea!

Thanks 70_F100!
Robroy

[mrsnicks]

Hey 70_F100, I see your point! That's also what Fitzwell recommended earlier in this thread. He also said that once in a while, he'll mount a gauge rotated a funny angle to achieve the 90 degrees direction for the "normal" readout. I think that's a very smart idea!

Thanks 70_F100!
Robroy

A lot of race car drivers do that as they can only spare a half second to look away from the road/course. If everything is straight up it's okay... other than straight up you got a problem.

Patrick

[robroy]

Hey Patrick that's good to know, thanks for replying!

It makes sense, although I'm not sure if I can take the dashboard vanity hit of having "crooked" gauges for this benefit. I'll experiment with the idea though!

Robroy

[Fordnatic]

Those look nice. Are you using a truck (F600) style panel, or fabricating your own?

[robroy]

Hi Fordnatic, I'm actually using a brushed stainless panel made by Haneline.



I'll post better photos when it's all together!

Robroy