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Posted by: johnpierre Mar 14 2013, 11:06 AM

i have a couple of quick questions for you all. the center console that houses the 3 gauges-was it the same for all years. meaning did it change from one year to another or were there two different types/styles, etc. or was it the same for all years?

and two is it relatively simple to i wire up the three gauges to my 73 that didn't come with the console originally?

there is one for sale and i want to move on it asap?

i read in my new 914 book (thanks porsche dreamer) that in 73 you could of had it as an option. well i want to add it as an option now (only 40 years late, no big) ha ha. jp

Posted by: 7TPorsh Mar 14 2013, 11:15 AM

I think there were two versions from 1973 on. For with and without air conditioning.

Posted by: Kaduku Mar 14 2013, 11:39 AM

I was thinking about doing the same thing, but I think I already have the wiring setup underneath the dash. If you don't, check out this eBay listing which supposedly takes out the guess work and makes it a 5 minute job.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-914-Center-Console-Gauge-Wiring-Harness-NEW-Reproduction-/171006174382?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3APorsche%7CModel%3A914&hash=item27d0c324ae&vxp=mtr

Posted by: johnpierre Mar 14 2013, 12:02 PM

QUOTE(Kaduku @ Mar 14 2013, 10:39 AM)

Posted by: 76-914 Mar 14 2013, 01:03 PM

The wiring is already in the tunnel. You will need the gage harness or make your own. Either way it is quick n easy

Posted by: doug_b_928 Mar 14 2013, 01:17 PM

QUOTE(76-914 @ Mar 14 2013, 02:03 PM)

Posted by: reharvey Mar 14 2013, 01:26 PM

QUOTE(doug_b_928 @ Mar 14 2013, 03:17 PM)

QUOTE(76-914 @ Mar 14 2013, 02:03 PM)

The wiring is already in the tunnel. You will need the gage harness or make your own. Either way it is quick n easy

Did all 914s come from the factory with the wiring for the additional gauges?

Posted by: johnpierre Mar 14 2013, 02:48 PM

QUOTE(76-914 @ Mar 14 2013, 12:03 PM)

Posted by: doug_b_928 Mar 14 2013, 02:51 PM

@reharvey: cool, thanks for that info.
@ johnpierre: I'd be interested in doing this too. It would be great if you could do a 'how to' write-up so we could see what is involved.

Posted by: Tom_T Mar 14 2013, 03:49 PM

jp - there was only 1 style non-AC console & 2 AC styles for VPC & DPD AC dealer options. There is some good equipment by MY info at p914.com

PS edit - there were 2 different OT gauges used - 73 with a wider red band & 74-76 with a narrow one, & IIRC they used different senders at the engine too.

IIRC the dealers cut your console sides & used either the VPC or DPD supplied short 3-gauge face. The other 2 would only matter if you have AC (see pix below if your do).

Your 914 isn't in the data base, so I can't tell which MY you have, but ray harvey & the others above are correct that 73-76 had the harness leads & quick-connect clip for the harness.

If not, you'll need to get the wiring diagram & some help to figure out which to cut into for the harness & hard wired them in using a quick-connect & short pig-tail, so you can easily disconnect it again for any interior or tunnel work, etc. (& not have to cut wires).

If the one you buy doesn't have the console's sub-harness, then I think Jeff Bowlsby makes them or can do so.

DPD AC short console w/ inline angled gauges & AC controls above inline w/ console below -



.

VPC AC short console w/ triangular pattern flat gauges & AC gauges above offset to right of console below -



.

Good Luck!

Posted by: johnpierre Mar 14 2013, 05:26 PM

man i am always amazed at the genuine love that all the members have for each other (maybe that is why we are somehow always on this site). thanks for all the info and i just confirmed everything you said via my 914 book by Dr. B Johnson. this console looks like it is in great shape although i not seen the condition of the gauges yet (i have asked for pics), if the gauges check out i am going to move on this today and install it with my new carpet kit from auto inter along with the new thresholds that i got from a member already.

ps i will register the 14 in the next week or so...

Posted by: type47 Mar 15 2013, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Tom_T @ Mar 14 2013, 01:49 PM)

Posted by: Chris H. Mar 15 2013, 07:29 AM

Yes the '73 gauge caused a lot of undue concern...peopl thought their cars were overheating because the red zone was too wide.

Posted by: malcolm2 Mar 15 2013, 07:32 AM

Not a wiring comment.....But a question about the console itself. I remember driving a 914 w/console that seemed a bit tight around the gas pedal. That is my shoe just barely fit between the console and the brake. I started looking closer and noticed that most pictures I see have the console flared in at the foot well. Did they change the style, or did I drive a car with a home-made console?

I would also like to add one, but if my foot doesn't fit and all the consoles are flared, I am not adding one.

Also remember that the defrost lever is different for a console car. So you will need one that came from a console car. I guess they are longer, since the console makes the tunnel a bit taller all the way back.

Posted by: Chris H. Mar 15 2013, 07:37 AM

The console comes to somewhat of a "point" at the far end to give you some foot pedal room...yours might have come apart and is separated or it could be a homemade deal.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 15 2013, 09:18 AM

I agree re the foot issue. A stock console comes to a point by the pedals and I believe, unless you wear size 18 shoes, will allow plenty of foot room.

Posted by: malcolm2 Mar 20 2013, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Cairo94507 @ Mar 15 2013, 10:18 AM)

Posted by: tod914 Mar 20 2013, 09:03 AM

Not that anyone would notice, but the 75-76 model year consoles use a different vinyl.

Posted by: johnpierre Mar 20 2013, 03:52 PM

man you guys are so helpful. as it turns out the guy selling the console never got back to me. maybe he sold it to someone else. as of today his add is still up on CL. man i want to buy it this console now. W.E. but it is good to know i have this thread and when another comes around i know which console was the correct one offered and how to install it.

Posted by: Chris H. Mar 20 2013, 07:57 PM

QUOTE(tod914 @ Mar 20 2013, 10:03 AM)

Posted by: SKL1 Mar 20 2013, 08:32 PM

I'm thinking of having N Hollywood redo my temp gauge in the '73 I'm restoring with numbers so I can actually tell the temp of the oil and avoid the big red zone. Wondering about adding an oil pressure gauge as well. VDO made a two gauge holder in black vinyl/rubber than fits the ashtray opening perfectly- I did that on my '71 way back in the 70's and it still almost looks factory. If I could find one of those I'd use it on the '73.