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Topic: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004 (Read 1062 times) previous topic - next topic

Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

(also see topic VDO Guage Repair)

My 2004 295 has white faced guages which are difficult to read at night - the dash lighting could have been designed better.  I don't know if these guages were used in any other years, but I would love to replace the speedo if not all of them with more readable gauges.  And yes, the SilverLeaf products are options but I'd rather replace the guages if possible.

Has anyone looked into replacing them?  What is the brand of guages used?  Can I direct replace them with a VDO or similar?
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #1 –
I have the full guage set that came out of John Christman's '02 320. All black VDO, all electronic. I think it might have been a 1 year dash. If it will work for you, you're welcome to it.
I haven't heard from John since we transitioned over to the new forum. He could be cantankerous, but he was good hearted.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #2 –
John, cantankerous? How could you say such a thing? ;o)

Still is good hearted, by the way...

(Plan to stop by and see you again in the Fall, John)


best, paul


Quote
I haven't heard from John since we transitioned over to the new forum. He could be cantankerous, but he was good hearted.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #3 –
I sent him an email. His latest blog entry on line is nearly 2 years old.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #4 –
He posted on THIS Forum 8/4/10. I emailed him, too.


best, paul


Quote
I sent him an email. His latest blog entry on line is nearly 2 years old.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #5 –
CANTANKEROUS...eh? Dave, I've been called lots of things, but you caught my eye with that one!  Sorry you haven't heard from me in quite a long time.  The reason is that I never enjoy sitting around with someone who has nothing to talk about but their aches and pains--and so I figure the rest of you are the same way.  Thus the reason you haven't heard from me.  I won't go into the details, but two days ago, the Doc changed some of my meds, made a world of difference.  Now you two "clodhoppers" (Dave & Paul) can expect a PM by Sunday afternoon (tomorrow).  Thanks, though for rattling my cage!

Larry, I doubt very much that gauge set will work as there was someone else (can't remember who now) that had made the same enquiry.  It would be best to send Dave (cantankerous) Head a photo of your dash panel to verify shape and also send measurements.  Whatever you do, don't even consider pulling out the gauges themselves.  I think it was Gary Bouland who can tell you what can happen with that idea!
John Christman

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #6 –
John, You must have me confused with someone else, I have yet to touch a gauge in my FT, but when I do I'll check it out with you first.  Good to hear you are still kicking.  ;)

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the non-cantankerous comments and thoughts --- Dave and I live less than 2 hours from each other so I plan to see the guages for myself and then cautiously determine if there is any value in trying to fit them.
Larry
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #8 –
Gary,
My apologies...I couldn't remember but come to think of it, I now believe it was "careless fingers" Dave M, but then don't quote me!! Argh, how I hate "short-term" memory loss!

Yeah, the past two days I've been doing GREAT. My Doc got a couple meds straightened out and today (in the rain) I was out walking again...1st time in nearly a month. If I can keep up that pace, I think I'll be around for quite awhile--just so I can see if I can find someway to keep you guys on the straight and narrow--yeah RIGHT. And who's calling the kettle black?

John Christman

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry Rubin –
Thanks for the non-cantankerous comments and thoughts --- Dave and I live less than 2 hours from each other so I plan to see the guages for myself and then cautiously determine if there is any value in trying to fit them.
Larry

Larry,

Aren't you THE Lucky one!  I think I live just about as far from Dave as anyone in this group.  I've tried on three occasions (unsuccessfully--sorry to say) to cross paths with him & Starr!  Maybe someday--I keep saying to myself anyway.

Anyway, the entire panel has to be kept intact--fwiw, Dave agreed to not sell it for more than the cost of shipping (plus storage :-)
John
John Christman

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #10 –
John

It's nice to hear from you again.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #11 –
John  - any special reason that the entire panel has to be kept intact?    Also - just curious - how come the panel isn't still in the coach?  Was it replaced with a silverleaf?
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #12 –
John will give you full details. These are all electronic VDO gauges including air. I believe they connected to a centralized computer system in 02 coaches.
And yes, John went to Silverleaf on his coach.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Larry Rubin –
John  - any special reason that the entire panel has to be kept intact?    Also - just curious - how come the panel isn't still in the coach?  Was it replaced with a silverleaf?

Larry, It looks as if Dave (the early bird) has answered your questions quite well except I replaced the dash panel with the ULTIMATE GLASS DASH from Silverleaf.  While the bank account took quite a hit at the time, I haven't regretted making the switch for one second.  So, if you have about $10K laying around--this IS the way to go, otherwise I sincerely hope my old dash panel will serve you well.  Should you ever be thinking about contacting Silverleaf for any of their products, I suggest you contact me first with a PM.
John Christman

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #14 –
John - couldn't agree more that the glass dash is the way to go --- if you have an extra $10K you don't need, I'd be glad to do you the favor of using it to put a glass dash on my coach and even put a little plaque on the door with your name!

I've asked FOT about changing the dials out for a different model year but was told it wasn't possible - I'm there now so I will do some more digging - meanwhile I had thought I'd try to see if any of your old gauges would work on my '04.  If only the speedo and tach would work it would be an improvement.
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #15 –
Larry,


I have to say, you flattered me with your brilliant offer.  However, I think I would be safe in saying that if anyone (not me) ever were to give you the $10K, you probably would justify (in your own mind) to settle for the VMS-440 and buy new tires or something with the difference.


Now I'm certainly not the authority on this, but it sounds like you may be thinking about embarking on a VERY WRONG path here with your alternate plan.  Just think for a moment, before you do.  Are you willing to take the chance of completely DESTROYING both panels?  You're making making me real thankful that I no longer hold title to that panel, as I'd be feeling rather uncomfortable about now seeing two perfectly good dash panels going P-O-O-F in a heartbeat!  If you convince Dave to give it to you, please don't come back here crying about how something got messed up.  At least you do have one option available in case everything doesn't go according to the Rubin plan--I see a brand new Glass Dash in Larry's future!!! ;D ;D ;D
John Christman

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #16 –
Quote
At least you do have one option available in case everything doesn't go according to the Rubin plan--I see a brand new Glass Dash in Larry's future!!!

Sounds like a plan to me. You go John!

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #17 –
John - I guess I'll just take a good look at your old panel and then take your advice.  Isn't it great we have these marvelous electronic thing-a-do-dats on our coaches?
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee
 

Re: Replace White Faced Guages on 2004

Reply #18 –
The LUCKY ones are the folks who don't have all those "electronic" booby traps.  I think two of the biggest "jokes" ever designed for our coaches was the "idiot" that invented electric waste dump valves and the electric toilet flush. 


Just imagine to your HORROR when you go to dump your full holding tanks that the only thing between YOU and an "open" tank (because that little electric switch is in the stuck OPEN position) is that little sewer cap.  Or how about those electric toilet's?  Good luck finding a replacement motor that used to sell for $350 from the original manufacturer.  They stopped making them three years ago--wonder how much one costs now--if you can even find one?


Paul, looks like you've figured me out!
John Christman