Autometer 5 Ultra-Lite In Das

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing a high-performance air-cooled engine to its limits, precision isn''t just a luxuryit''s a necessity. The AutoMeter 5-inch Ultra-Lite In-Dash Tachometer (ATM4499) is the gold standard for enthusiasts who demand split-second accuracy and a clean, professional aesthetic. Designed with a lightweight brushed aluminum face and high-contrast black increments, this gauge provides the ultimate in visibility whether you''re screaming down the drag strip in a Type 1 Beetle or navigating the dunes in a custom sand rail. The Ultra-Lite series has long been the favorite of serious racers because it eliminates glare and offers a rugged construction that withstands the high-vibration environment typical of modified Volkswagen powerplants. This isn''t just a gauge; it''s a vital piece of cockpit equipment that ensures you hit every shift point perfectly while protecting your investment from over-revving.

Beyond its iconic looks, the ATM4499 features AutoMeter''s legendary air-core meter movement. Unlike cheap electric gauges that suffer from lag or needle bounce, this unit provides smooth, rapid response that keeps pace with the quick-revving nature of a dual-carbureted stroker motor. The 5-inch diameter provides a massive, easy-to-read display that fills a standard dashboard cutout or a custom fiberglass dash pod with authority. Since it is designed for in-dash mounting, it offers a sleek, integrated look that avoids the cluttered appearance of pedestal-mounted "monster" tachs. Whether you are building a Pro-Street Ghia or a rugged Baja Bug, this tachometer delivers the race-proven reliability that has made AutoMeter the most trusted name in performance instrumentation for decades. It is compatible with most 4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines equipped with standard points, electronic ignitions, and most high-performance racing ignitions.

FITMENT

While this is a universal high-performance gauge, it is a staple in the following air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagen applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Custom dash or modified factory housing required).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Ideal for performance builds using custom gauge panels.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): Fits well in custom overhead consoles or modified dashboards.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Perfect for high-revving performance builds.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Rugged enough for off-road use in custom panels.
• Meyers Manx & Dune Buggies: The standard choice for fiberglass dash layouts.
• Sand Rails & Purpose-Built Race Cars: Designed for high-vibration environments.

SPECS

• Product Series: Ultra-Lite
• Gauge Type: Tachometer
• Size: 5-Inch (127mm)
• Range: 0-10,000 RPM
• Movement: High-Precision Air-Core
• Face Color: Brushed Aluminum
• Bezel Color: Silver
• Pointer Color: Fiery Orange
• Lighting: Perimeter Incandescent (Includes red and green bulb covers)
• Mounting: In-Dash (4.625-inch / 117.5mm hole required)
• Compatibility: 1 to 4 pulses per revolution (4, 6, and 8-cylinder engines)
• Hardware: Includes mounting bracket and necessary installation hardware

PRO TIPS

1. Ignition Compatibility and Tach Adapters

If you are running a high-output ignition system, such as an MSD 6AL or a Pertronix Digital HP box, you should connect the tachometer''s signal wire directly to the "Tach Output" port on the ignition box rather than the negative side of the coil. On many air-cooled VWs still using a standard Bosch Blue Coil or similar, you will connect to the Terminal 1 (negative) post. However, if you experience "needle flutter" or erratic readings at high RPM, you may need an AutoMeter 9117 Tach Adapter to clean up the square-wave signal. Always ensure your wiring is routed away from spark plug wires to prevent electromagnetic interference from distorting the RPM signal.

2. Perfecting the In-Dash Cutout

The ATM4499 requires a 4-5/8 inch (117.5mm) hole for a flush in-dash installation. When installing this into a classic VW steel dashboard, we highly recommend using a dedicated hole saw designed for metal or a chassis punch to ensure a perfectly circular opening. If you are mounting this into a fiberglass buggy dash, apply masking tape over the area before cutting to prevent the gel coat from splintering. Remember that once the hole is cut, there is no going back, so double-check the clearance behind the dash for the mounting studs and the depth of the gauge body before you pull the trigger on your drill.

3. Optimizing Night Visibility

The Ultra-Lite series comes standard with white incandescent lighting, but AutoMeter includes red and green "boots" or covers for the bulbs. For air-cooled VW owners, using the red covers is a pro move; red light preserves your night vision and reduces eye strain during long night drives or endurance races. Additionally, make sure you tie the gauge lighting circuit into your factory headlight switch dimmer. Because the aluminum face is highly reflective, being able to dim the gauge light ensures it won''t be overly distracting when you''re driving on dark canyon roads or unlit desert trails.