correct combo gauge on a 1973 2.0? Options

[crxnug]

Im getting conflicting info on what is the correct combo gauge on a 1973 2.0 that came with the center console. if this the correct one pictured, the book "a restorers guide to authenticity " shows a different one. can someone clerify which is correct, any info would be much appreciated
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads/post-994-1248394660.jpg)

[Tom_T]

I just went thru the same process in researching mine - an early 73 2L (GA000424), which had the center console/gauges stripped out of it - probably by a dealer to put on another 9141.7L (along with the fog lights & Fuchs 2L wheels), when I bought it used in 12/75 (I'm 2nd owner). There are errors & inconsistencies in Johnson's book, as well as many of the others out there.

What I found out is the gauge you show above was used for 914-2Ls without the center console, those with have the Oil Temp Gauge in the console - so don't need the combo with the fuel. Apparently by 1973 MY & up thru 76 MY, they decided that it was necessary to include an oil temp. gauge in all 914s, so used that combo gauge for one's that didn't have one in the center console - although I'm not clear if this included 1.7/1.8 models too, but I think so.

What confuses the issue is where a dealer or PO has removed them, or a buyer requested a "option delete" to take them out, since some owners didn't like the room they took up, and dealers could take them out of a 2L & still charge full price, then resell at pure profit on another 914 - so they apparently did that alot, as with fog lights, various alloy wheels & anything else that wasn't "nailed down"! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

However, some put in that combo gauge in instead, so they could substitute an oil pressure gauge in the console as an aftermarket change (still usually VDO gauges).

The gauge for the 914s with consoles from the factory was the plain brake light where yous shows the temp gauge, with the "OIL" red light as an oil pressure warning light (red). Here's a pic of mine:


...excuse the dust & grime - she's been holding down blocks in my garage for 24+years waiting restoration! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Caution here - you'll need to verify how yours was equipped & in what part of the 73MY it came (by VIN & GA nos.) - in that 1973 had a few quirks & benefits.

For the 1973 MY, Porsche offered ALL 914-2.0 ("914S") models fully loaded with the Appearance & Performance Groups' options "included" in the relatively high (for then) $5299 base price - including: the AG's vinyl covered roll bar, chrome bumpers, fog lights, leather covered steering wheel & shifter boot, center console/gauges, loop pile carpet (sometimes called velour in Euro terminology); and the PG's F&R sway bars (stabilizer bars) & a full set of the new (in 73 MY) Fuchs 4-lug "special lightweight alloy wheels" ("2L Alloys") & there should've been 5 - NOT 4 wheels (although the wheels are sometimes listed in the AG).

This was true for at least for the first half of the 73 MY, and MAY have changed that later in the last part during Spring of 73 according to my recent telecon with Steve Gaglione here at 914world (with the sweeeet Sahara Beige 73 2L). Although I think that we both concluded that those 73 2L's without the full AG/PG of which he was aware, were either option deletes, dealer removed or just listed differently on the window sticker (e.g.: a lower base price with charges for the "included options" for 73 totaling to about what the higher "all in" base price was for the options when listed "N/C").

This included the center console/gauges of the AG, which has the Oil Temp Gauge as the middle gauge below the clock & above the voltmeter. However, the earlier OT gauge had a wider band of red (+/-1/2" vs. +/-1/8" on later ones), which change apparently happened for the 1974 MY 2Ls' consoles.

Here are some specs. & a 12/72 Porsche ad for the "914S" (914-2.0) - as they were initially trying to market the 73 2L until Porshe put the kabash on that terminology around Jan-Feb 73. These show the standard fitment of "included options" for the 73 MY 2Ls.




....cont. @ next post......