Quality Vacuum Gauge

[toolboxchev]

So I have added a good ole Sun Tach to my truck and am looking to complement it with a Vac Gauge. There is literally thousands of choices out there and I wish not to be a experiment for the manufacturing industry, especially aftermarket.

I see they do make some with a liquid filled feature and am looking for insight and some info on what some of you guys and (girls) of course think is quality.

I did find a couple by Auto Meter on Summit's website: https://www.summitracing.com/search?...vacuum%20gauge

Have yet to look elsewhere. Do not mind spending the extra money but is it worth it?

Thanks in advance!

[Shinysideup]

Why would you possibly need liquid filled? Maybe on a helicopter lol.
I dig types like these or the stock vac gauge, especially in these vintage rides.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sww-82175/overview/

[Gromit]

Were you gonna put it in the gauge panel stock location? 'Cause the Autometer 2-5/8 size that you linked to in Summit may be (I think) too big to fit the gauge panel.. so Shinysideups's suggestion of the 2-1/16th size should be better if that was the plan.

And the Stewart-Warner Motor Minder is $30 cheeper than Autometer. Though I think Autometer does make a 2-1/16 diameter line. I think it is called Autogauge

Then LMC has a fairly new vintage USA gauge line in 2-1/8

Though I am no expert.. just taking notes to do your same project someday..

[BugzC10]

I installed this one...accurate and easy install. Most sites carry it....Amazon

[Gromit]

Originally Posted by Gromit

Then LMC has a fairly new vintage USA gauge line in 2-1/8

Oops - I meant 2-1/16th.. sorry

[LongBox]

A vacuum gauge is a pretty simple device, quality is probably not all that important a criterion in making the choice. Have you priced out the one that fits in the instrument panel on your truck--there was an option when these trucks were new. I would bet that one of the suppliers like LMC would have a repro that would look good.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a Moon Eyes manifold vacuum gauge. Sadly, they no longer make a vacuum gauge. I just checked their site. Bought it so long ago, I can't recall. Eighties, most likely.
Still works well. Although my idle manifold pressure now reads at 16.5"Hg, not 17"Hg. Can't be sure if it's a performance problem or an old gauge getting less accurate.

A vacuum gauge is a very important performance indicator. Not too many people understand it's use and application, but it's saved me a couple of times when valve springs broke in street use. I knew instantly I'd lost a cylinder. Good for tune ups and best for economy on road trips.

Mine are set up in a 3-gauge* ''shin-scraper'' bracket since I didn't want to mess with modifying a standard [not deluxe] dash panel. Choices then were not as varied as today.
[*Stewart-Warner Oil Pressure, Moon Vac, AutoMeter Mech Water Temp.]

Quality is essential.

Funny, some guys would rather have an analog 12-hour clock. Go figure.