Wilsonia Gauges

[mickusmickus]

This little thought was sparked by another post.......

Does anyone know what the meaning behind the name of the "Wilsonia Gauge" is?

Also, I understand they are fairly rare...but exactly how rare are we talking?  What makes them so much more desirable than the simple idiot lights.

MICK

[zulu]

I think they used to be Wilson manufacturing Co Sydney, they are popular in FE FC because they are the shape of the idiot light cluster and replace it & also do the same in FX FJ models

They are scarce because they don't make them anymore, although maybe someone will one day

Some blokes on here have been lucky enough to pick them up fairly inexpensively

[Champ58FC]

Show off  ;) :o

[mickusmickus]

So did they come as standard in some models or were they completely after market?

MICK

[Shayne]

Aftermarket...

[Martin]

What makes them so much more desirable than the simple idiot lights

Mick,

Just saw this post.  As far as I'm concerned, what makes them desirable is that the gauge set (Ammeter and Oil Pressure guages, with idiot light for water temperature) will tell you things have gone wrong BEFORE absolute disaster strikes - e.g. the idiot oil pressure light will come on when the oil pressure falls below a certain point (I think it's 4 psi). If your oil pressure is down to 5psi when you're doing 50mph you've got big problems if you don't know - and the red light isn't on yet (why else do they call them "idiot" lights??).  So what makes them desirable is they fit into the dash (not nailed on underneath) and they look the real part (even if they are a non-genuine, after-market accessory).  Personal experience over a lot of years tells me I want to see oil pressure & water temp, but the pre- FB model cylinder heads didn't have a vacant port into which a temp sender could be screwed - I assume that's why it's oil & amps and not oil and temp.

Martin

[RET]

I think the ammeter is a carryover from the earlier Wilsonia gauge for 48-FJ. With a 6-volt system, successful power generation is a lot more crucial, and probably Wilson's judged it more important than Temp.

cheers
RET

[mickusmickus]

Thanks guys.............agree with all of your answers

I was just wondering if there was more to it than meets the eye!

MICK