Used the following adapter from repco - seems to have done the job. $50 plus freight.

All in all it went ok. I personally thought the colours would be a lot closer to the Ford dash (pictures don't show differences), but I can live with it. I just wanted to ask a couple of questions:

1) The instructions say that during the start up process, the gauges will calibrate, but I have found that since the gauges are connected to the +12v cigarette supply, during start up the supply is broken and interrupts the calibration (I assume this is the same problem when the radio cuts out when changing from accessories to turning the engine on). SO, is there an easily obtained power supply that stays on during starting?

2) Perhaps this is related to the above calibration being interrupted, but I have found the boost gauge almost always reads 5-10 vacuum unless it is boosting. Is this normal?

3) When the ignition is turned off, all gauges stay in the position they were last reading instead of returning to "0" or their stoppers. Is this normal?

Much appreciated if anyone seeing the same problems could give me a push in the right direction.

Other than this, very pleased with the result!

If anyone has any queries about install I can try to answer them

Edited 12/12/11 11:10 AM12/12/11 11:10 AM by Gussa

whats the adaptor? part number or another pic

whats the adaptor? part number or another pic

Looks good Gussa! See you went the same setup as me. The cobalts look great especially with the blue dash I'm really happy with them.

My Gauges actually do the same, they stay in the same position they were reading when the car is switched off. I think it's normal? I'm used to it now anyway.. Doesn't really bother me.

I also went with the sandwich adapter works really well IMO and no need for drilling into the block.

I have revolution gauges and they stay in the last position so I assume its a normal thing. I also use the same sandwich plate and the use power off of the Aux socket. I dont think you want constant power because your gauges would stay on permanently, it would be like wiring them straight to the battery. You sound like you need to source power from an Ignition circuit, that way they only power up when the car is started. I dont know of any easy wires but I would not have thought its a great idea to be playing with Ignition circuits.

I would imagine Colbalt would have thought of the power interruption during start up though. I would think most if not all cars do the same thing. Surely they would just start the calibration process again once the car fires up.