Gauges

[cubcadetguy123]

Hello all! I have more questions about the 73's. I have always likes the idea of an anatomical tachometer, but those cant be found for a single cylinder that work on an electrical pulse. now, I'm weighing my options for something else inside the lines of gauges. I like the idea of an hour meter or an ampmeter. my question is, What gauges if any, were on the 73? Even if they didn't have them, what would you guys put on just for fun?

[J-Mech]

I've never seen an anatomical tach....
Is that the kind that has actual hands?

The 73 had an optional ammeter. That's about the only kind of gauge that makes any sense at all to add. Other than maybe an hour meter. What other gauge could you add to a non oil pressure lubed, air cooled engine anyway....

[olds45512]

not sure how practical it is but i've often thought about adding an oil temp gauge, i was just never sure where the best place to drill and tap the block.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by olds45512

not sure how practical it is but i've often thought about adding an oil temp gauge, i was just never sure where the best place to drill and tap the block.

You'd have to put it in the pan. If you have a deep pan (12HP and up) in the side would be best. If a shallow pan (7/8, 10hp) a spot not under the rod in the bottom would work.

[cubcadetguy123]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I've never seen an anatomical tach....
Is that the kind that has actual hands?

The 73 had an optional ammeter. That's about the only kind of gauge that makes any sense at all to add. Other than maybe an hour meter. What other gauge could you add to a non oil pressure lubed, air cooled engine anyway....

where about on the tower would that be mounted?

[J-Mech]

I don't know if IH had a place in mind where to mount it. I've seen them mounted in two different places. Either on the side of the tower, or on the lower portion of the tower. Lew (darkminion_17) would be the best person to ask about the proper location. He may even have a copy of the installation instructions. I only know that the ammeter was an option as listed in a book I have. I can't find any handy reference pics as to the intended mounting location.

[Yosemite Sam]

To each their own, but I'm not sure why anyone would want to punch holes in the dash tower of a surviving member of the 4th lowest production Cub Cadet.

[cubcadetguy123]

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam

To each their own, but I'm not sure why anyone would want to punch holes in the dash tower of a surviving member of the 4th lowest production Cub Cadet.

I was thinking about making a bank that would bolt onto the side of the tower so I wouldn't be putting unpatchable holes in a rare dash. That way I could put an oil temp, ampmeter and a hour meter and not ruin to much.

[J-Mech]

I'm going to give my opinion now.... as up till now I just stated facts.

You don't need any gauges on a 73!

It's likely an 8hp motor (may still have a 7hp) and there is no way you will work it hard enough to get it hot, put enough hours on it to need an hour meter, or really need an ammeter. You'll know if it isn't charging.... because it won't start after using it. I'd leave it alone like Y-Sam suggested. But.... like he says, it's your tractor.

Sorry, just my thoughts.

[cubcadetguy123]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I'm going to give my opinion now.... as up till now I just stated facts.

You don't need any gauges on a 73!

It's likely an 8hp motor (may still have a 7hp) and there is no way you will work it hard enough to get it hot, put enough hours on it to need an hour meter, or really need an ammeter. You'll know if it isn't charging.... because it won't start after using it. I'd leave it alone like Y-Sam suggested. But.... like he says, it's your tractor.

Sorry, just my thoughts.

I agree with that. It's been something I've been tossing around for a while while I havent been working on it. It's just one of those things. And like you said, I probably won't run it too too hard and too too often because of how much time (and money) I've put into the old girl. I honestly think the craziest thing I will do is some underglow under the hood for at shows.

Thanks for the honesty, I'm here for advice o how to make these things as cool as they can be, but also as original as possible.