2 Hole Gauge, 1 Tach Hole Panel, for 3-1/8 & 2-1/16

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, keeping a constant eye on your engine''s vitals isn''t just a luxuryit''s a necessity for engine survival. This EMPI 2-Hole Gauge and 1-Tach Hole Panel provides the perfect solution for organizing your instrumentation in a clean, professional manner that mimics the classic racing cockpits of the 1970s. Whether you are monitoring oil pressure, cylinder head temperature, or voltage, this panel allows you to centralize your data stream directly in your line of sight. Fabricated with precision to eliminate the cluttered look of individual mounting cups, this panel provides a rigid, unified housing that withstands the high-frequency vibrations of flat-four engines and the rugged terrain of off-road adventures. It is the gold standard for builders who demand a functional, race-ready aesthetic without the custom fabrication price tag.

The sleek black finish of this dash panel ensures it blends seamlessly with your interior, whether you''re restoring a vintage Beetle or building a custom sand rail from the ground up. Designed specifically to accommodate the industry-standard 2-1/16 inch (52mm) gauges and a large 3-1/8 inch (80mm) tachometer, it is the ideal companion for VDO, Autometer, or EMPI instrumentation. By grouping your tachometer with two critical secondary gauges, you create a focused performance cluster that allows for quick-glance monitoring during gear shifts and high-speed runs. This isn''t just a mounting bracket; it''s a structural upgrade for your dashboard that brings a level of sophistication and functional clarity to your VW''s cockpit. Its compact footprint makes it versatile enough for under-dash mounting or integration into custom fiberglass dashboards in dune buggies.

FITMENT

This gauge panel is designed as a universal mounting solution for air-cooled Volkswagens and custom kit cars. While it can be adapted to almost any flat surface, it is most commonly used in the following applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years and models, typically mounted under the dash or in place of the radio.
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: Ideal for custom center consoles or dashboard modifications.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: Excellent for overhead or under-dash mounting to monitor engine health.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fits Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback custom interior layouts.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Often used in performance builds where additional monitoring is required beyond the factory gauges.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Perfect for Meyer''s Manx, Berrien, and tube-chassis rails with fiberglass or metal dashes.
• Baja Bugs: Provides a secure mount for gauges that need to stay put during heavy off-road jarring.

SPECS

The technical specifications of this EMPI gauge panel ensure compatibility with the most popular instrumentation in the VW aftermarket scene:

• Manufacturer Part Number: 14-1003-0
• Construction Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel for maximum rigidity.
• Exterior Finish: Durable semi-gloss black protective coating to resist corrosion and glare.
• Main Cutout Diameter: 3-1/8 inches (approx. 80mm), standard for large tachometers.
• Secondary Cutout Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (approx. 52mm), standard for oil, temp, and volt gauges.
• Hole Configuration: One (1) Large center hole and Two (2) Small flanking holes.
• Product Weight: 0.26 lbs, lightweight yet strong enough to support heavy mechanical gauges.
• Mounting Type: Universal flange design for screw or bolt-on installation.
• Overall Dimensions: Engineered for a compact footprint to save valuable dashboard real estate.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Grounding Circuit

One of the most common issues with gauge installation in air-cooled Volkswagens is erratic needle movement or lighting failure due to poor grounding. Because this panel is coated in black paint, it can act as an insulator. When mounting your gauges, do not rely on the panel itself for the ground. Instead, run a dedicated ground wire from each gauge to a central grounding block or a clean, unpainted spot on the vehicle''s chassis. This ensures your tachometer signal remains steady and your oil pressure readings don''t dance around when you turn on your headlights.

2. Verify Clearance Before Drilling

Before you commit to a mounting location, especially under the dashboard of a stock Beetle, always check the "depth" of the gauges you intend to use. Mechanical oil pressure gauges and certain tachometers can be quite deep. Ensure that the gauges, once seated in the panel, will not interfere with the wiper motor, glove box, or existing wiring harness. It is often helpful to mock up the panel with the gauges installed using painters tape to verify that you have enough room for the wiring connectors and light bulb sockets before drilling your permanent mounting holes.