Laws on: Gauges on bonnet???

XC-351 · 12-01-2009, 05:34 PM

I just wanna no what the laws are in VIC in regards to having gauges placed on the bonnet? i am interested in pleacing 3 on my bonnet more near the passenger side, but only wanna do it if its legal

Mental · 12-01-2009, 06:22 PM

Last I checked when building the XD was that they ARE illegal, as they would be harmfull to a pedestrian in the event of a collision with your car. I don't think much has changed.

vztrt · 12-01-2009, 06:30 PM

Expect to get attention from the plod.

AWD Chaser · 12-01-2009, 07:02 PM

I think you can get away with it if you mount it in a flush raised part of the bonnet or the rear of a flush mount scoop.

Quicksand · 12-01-2009, 07:06 PM

i've always wondered about this and thought it a bit odd.

What would stop someone deciding to smash them off with a baseball bat etc? Or do they get disconnected and carried around after the car is parked (kind of like removing the face from a CD player and taking it with you)

Saiken · 12-01-2009, 07:17 PM

They are LEGAL, please check the Vehicle Modification book available from Vic Roads, its in section...... 15.

" Gauges may be mounted externally forward of the windscreen in a position visible to the driver provided they meet the folloing requirements which are effectively the same as the bonnet scoop and protrusion requirements:

The gauges and any attaching brackets or covers must be of a smooth construction with the edges suitably radiused so that they are not likely to increase the risk of injury to a person;
The surface of any part of the gauge or cover visible to the driver must not be more reflective that the general bodywork of the vehicle;
If the gauges have instrument lighting then the intensity of the light must not be greater than that of the interior instrument panel;
The gauges or covers must not prevent the driver from having a clear uninterrupted view through the full width of the windscreen of all parts of the road surface 11 metres forward of the steering wheel viewed from any driving position permitted by the range of adjustment of the driver's seat;
If the gauges or mounting brackets have sharp edges or are constructed in such a way likelihood of injury to any person is increased then they must be covered by a fairing which presents a smooth surface when viewed from the front and side of the vehicle.

It is recommended that pressure gauges are of a type that are electrically controlled, however if pressure lines are required to operate the gauges then the lines must be suitable for the pressures and temperatures involved, braided type lines are preferred. The lines must be appropriately supported and routed so that they are not likely to fail or be damaged during normal use."

Sorry for any spelling mistakes.... was hell hard to type it all :P

The Monty · 12-01-2009, 07:28 PM

All good and all, but why would you want gauges on the passenger side? Arent gauges there to monitor conditions in the engine, oil temp, AF ratios etc? What use would they be on the other side of the car?

Saiken · 12-01-2009, 07:29 PM

I was wondering that to.... plus as Inducted_Breeze stated, wouldn't you be worried about people smashing or stealing them?

**Falcon Coupe** · 12-01-2009, 07:43 PM

Vicroads regulation PDF here.

HP-0351 · 12-01-2009, 11:24 PM

If you hit a pedestrian with your car, I think they would already have some serious injuries...the gauges wont do much more!

Besides if they get hooked onto them they should be thanking you for not throwing them over the roof of the car!!

Saiken · 12-01-2009, 11:46 PM

ha ha ha, id be more worried about my scoop than gauges.... or a blower!!!!

Cabbage · 13-01-2009, 12:11 AM

Each to their own but have always though externally mounted gauges looked a bit ordinary. Why do people mount gauges externally, practicality, aesthetics?

**ebxr8240** · 13-01-2009, 12:36 AM

Fuel [capillary] pressure gauges cannot be mounted in cabin..
On a blown engine they place them there..
I would rather have wide band and be done with it !!

JG66ME · 13-01-2009, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabbage

Each to their own but have always though externally mounted gauges looked a bit ordinary. Why do people mount gauges externally, practicality, aesthetics?

With you. Reminds me of a 1949 Allis Chalmers tractor.

XR6_190 · 13-01-2009, 02:04 AM

I've always thought it looks odd too, for some reason they always seem to be part of the whole VL thing? or maybe it's just here in Melton?

dom_105 · 13-01-2009, 02:19 AM

I think pedestrians would have bigger problems than a few gauges on the bonnet in an accident.

Cabbage · 13-01-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

Fuel [capillary] pressure gauges cannot be mounted in cabin..
On a blown engine they place them there..
I would rather have wide band and be done with it !!

Right, fair call then. I wouldn't mind seeing them on a car that looked really hard but when you see them on a Nissan Pulsar they look a bit try hard.

4Vman · 13-01-2009, 10:40 AM

I'll call Rice...
On 99% of vehicle's they're fitted to they serve no more useful purpose than they would in the dash.

Bossxr8 · 13-01-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabbage

Each to their own but have always though externally mounted gauges looked a bit ordinary. Why do people mount gauges externally, practicality, aesthetics?

Cause their fully sick uleh.

XC-351 · 13-01-2009, 08:08 PM

thanks for the help, to clear a few things up...

when i said mounting them on the passenger side i meant more to the left then center on an angle facing the driver...

as for why doing it on the bonnet, i have a spare bonnet in the same colour and condition as my car, i would rather drill 3 holes in a bonnet instead of wrecking my original dash...

as for what gauges, things that arnt in my car that are usefull such as a volts gauge may be usefull...

i think they can look good if done taste-fully

ten[A]cio[U]s · 13-01-2009, 08:15 PM

Does anyone know the legalities in NSW?

**cs123** · 13-01-2009, 08:38 PM

The old GTO use to have them
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:68_GTO_Tach.jpg

Nikked · 13-01-2009, 09:43 PM

couple of things...

-Bonnet/Plenum are legal, provided installation guidlines are followed

-If a Gauge is mounted outside, it must follow similar rules to bonnet scoops relating to vision, and impact. They must be covered as no sharp edges protrude

-Bonnet/Plenum mounted gauges have been around for donkeys years, I fail to see them as rice if they were found from factory on some cars and were the rage on 80's pro streeters and panel vans....

-Bonnet/Plenum gauges were mounted on the outside as a requirement on some racing (Street/strip also) as some racing governing bodies disallowed the use of fluid gauges in the cabin for safety.

-on some cars, their auxiliary gauges may not be room for gauges (in a visible spot) inside, also, some gauge positions are defectable Inside as they are hazardous in and accident...

-IF its on a Vl, its probally because of ****factor

-FOX1 had gauges in the hood scoop...