getting another astro ..

[SafariRob]

Will do, Roy.
I also wondered about the solder joints on the printed circuit board of the instrument panel. I've already had to resolder the solder joints around the temperature gauge as it had problems with flickering and unlit segments. After I pulled the panel, it was easy to see the bad solder joints there. I touched them up and then looked the rest of the board over. Didn't see anything obvious at that time, but things do change.

I've been driving the 88 Astro. Since it's insured and plated, it's legal. It also has about half a tank of fuel which I'd like to use rather than siphon out. My 89 Astro doesn't run 87 octane fuel well, its compression is too high for that even though I can adjust the spark timing from the dash, so the 88's remaining fuel doesn't do the 89 any good. I'm also a bit leery about what might come out of the tank along with the gasoline. As rusty as the rest of the van is, I just have to wonder about the inside of the tank.

[rlsllc]

That's cool, man.

It's always cool to roll a different ride for a while. I do look forward to familiar ground, though. I've been loving the 4x4 these last few weeks. It was a good purchase, as far as beaters go. I can't wait to get the v8 back on the road. wOOt.

[Rebel]

If I had the money, I'd replace the OEM dash with individual analog gauges (like Larry's done with his 89) from some manufacturer like Stewart Warner, but I don't think there's enough room in the gauge area for all the necessary gauges.

Not enough room for gauge hounds Rob,,sorry man.

[SafariRob]

Not enough room for gauge hounds Rob,,sorry man.

Why, Larry are you referring to moi?
I'm hurt, man. You cut me to the quick...
I've got a few gauges, sure, who doesn't? Lessee, I have added a tach, manifold vacuum gauge, A/F ratio meter, transmission temp gauge, and the van already had an aftermarket engine temp gauge mount low on the dash. I do have a transmission pressure gauge and a fuel pressure gauge both of which are waiting to be installed when the weather gets better... just the usual complement of gauges, eh?

But if were an electro-wizard, I'd make what I would call a 'ratiometer'; it would be a gauge that would monitor the the input versus the output RPM of the transmission (ie, the engine RPM and the driveshaft RPM) and display the ratio. I think it would be interesting to see how the torque converter, when unlocked, would affect the transmission ratio in a given gear. But I wouldn't stop there, nosiree. I'd also monitor the differential input RPM as compared to the axle RPM--maybe even compare the two axles' RPM against each other as the van cornered. Then, why not tie it all together--have a gauge that watches the wheel revolutions and factors that with the circumference of the tire and indicates the vehicle's speed. Oh, wait a minute, that's called a speedometer...already have that, I think.

Just think of it, if I had all of the above, I'd be the Lord Kahuna of the Steering Wheel and get all the wimmins!
AND THEN YOU"D BE ENVIOUS!

[Rockwerx]

Interesting ideas Rob. You may be able to tap into the ABS sensors for your ratio device. I don't see an oil pressure gauge on your list or does your factory gauge work properly? Did your A/F gauge help you in tuning your V8 combo?

[GEJ]

Gages huh.You know what would be cool.A computer screen in place of the space where the radio goes and a function key that you select which you want to see.Oil pressure,temp,trans temp,ect.All on one screen.Oh yeah,the function key on the steering wheel.Know the Indy type race cars have them,but there must be a cheaper version around somewhere.