Dials and gauges in weird places.
Discussion
DaveH23 said:
You've just reminded me of TVR with the button on the wing mirror to get in, understandably for a smooth door finish but the button to open from the inside being on the centre console.
Inspired design that removes any locking mechanism from the door to improve security and reduce the weight of the door, all helped stop the sagging hinges on the earlier TVRs. I don't know why others haven't followed suit.Back on gauges, I remember seeing the Vauxhall SRV concept at the NEC last year and whilst the gauges on the door are a little 'odd', the gauges on the slam-panel under the rear engine cover are just bonkers!
I can't find my photos so this one is pinched off the 'net.
s m said:
smithyithy said:
The 'new' new Mini has moved the speedo dial back behind the steering wheel.
What I like about it though, as that the gauge cluster is fixed to the steering wheel, so adjusting the wheel height doesn't obstruct your view of the dials.
I had the R53 and didn't like the idea of the centre speedo so I ordered the Chrono pack to get the speedo/Rev counter there. I got the oil gauges in the centre displayWhat I like about it though, as that the gauge cluster is fixed to the steering wheel, so adjusting the wheel height doesn't obstruct your view of the dials.
This means you can't even use your peripheral vision to note the needle position, so you actually have to take your eyes off the road and study it for half a second. It's rubbish.
We both find ourselves using the little digital speed readout in the rev counter instead.
triggerh4ppy said:
The oddest i found in a modernish car is the Yaris.
This has got to be the cheapest speedo on the market, Just a fixed segment calculator LCD display no stepper motors or anything.
The odd thing about this as well was that the display was only visible from the driver's PoV. The display was recessed into the dash and angled upward.This has got to be the cheapest speedo on the market, Just a fixed segment calculator LCD display no stepper motors or anything.
aka_kerrly said:
Bad voltmeter design, though - no way of it letting you know there's a VR problem causing overcharging. "Oh, it says everything's fine - but what's that eggy smell, and why are my wipers doing 200mph?"Limpet said:
I never look at the centre speedo on our R57 either. It's even worse with the Visual Boost radio as you don't have a speedo needle, just a little red "bug" that moves around the edge of the dial.
This means you can't even use your peripheral vision to note the needle position, so you actually have to take your eyes off the road and study it for half a second. It's rubbish.
We both find ourselves using the little digital speed readout in the rev counter instead.
Was behind one of these today and the ring around the dial changes colour! Because that isn't distracting whilst you're driving. This means you can't even use your peripheral vision to note the needle position, so you actually have to take your eyes off the road and study it for half a second. It's rubbish.
We both find ourselves using the little digital speed readout in the rev counter instead.
2Btoo said:
graham22 said:
Mk1 Golf GTIs had gauges in the centre console too.
They had holes for gauges in the centre console but were covered by a blanking-off plate. It was an easy job to add the gauges and sensors at a later date. (I assume that the gauges were probably a cost-option when the car was new.) IanCress said:
yonex said:
Typically bonkers Citroen..
That is utterly crazy, you'd have to stop at the side of the road to figure out how to turn the lights on.It's exquisite in all of its French-iness.
Its apparent disregard for user experience reminds me of that quote, attributed to Charles de Gaulle, that goes something like, "How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?"
66mpg said:
The worst thing about the Yaris speedo is that it deliberately reads the wrong speed: according to the workshop manual at 60 mph it should read between 63 and 66 mph!
The correct speed is available at the OBD2 port though.
A lot of manufacturers are between the 5%-10% range. Iirc the reasoning for that is that even if you mess up the ratio by fitting other tyres/wheels, the car will never tell you you're going slower than you actually are.The correct speed is available at the OBD2 port though.
So IF you stay within limits on the speedo, you're really staying within the limits.
I think good ol' US of A could be responsible. Imagine this guy with 20" rims on his Yaris caught for speeding, Toyota might well face a law suit.
DaveH23 said:
Not sure of the best way of wording this thread but I was looking at pictures of the ZL1 Camaro earlier.
When I come across the interior photos I couldn't help but notice what a bizzare place the oil temp, oil pressure, volts & boost gauges have been housed.
Imagine trying to check any of these whilst actually driving.
I then thought of the new mini cooper with the big ben sized speedo in the centre of the dash and it got me thinking, what other cars have dials and gauges in areas out of the norm.
Please no halfords specials with redundant dials blue tacked to the interior pillar.
Factory fitted only.
Over to you.
Look at the 60s original and current and 60s ford mustang dashes to see why!!! When I come across the interior photos I couldn't help but notice what a bizzare place the oil temp, oil pressure, volts & boost gauges have been housed.
Imagine trying to check any of these whilst actually driving.
I then thought of the new mini cooper with the big ben sized speedo in the centre of the dash and it got me thinking, what other cars have dials and gauges in areas out of the norm.
Please no halfords specials with redundant dials blue tacked to the interior pillar.
Factory fitted only.
Over to you.
I love a bit of retro !!!!
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