[DeTomaso] gauges that fog during use

[boyd casey]

Jon from pantera electronics ( who really knows his shit) told me it was the
higher watt bulbs in the gauges that cause the condensation. I had just
installed Pantera electronics headlight controller and fuse box and I
noticed that i had the condensation issue and that my gauge faces were very
hot. I was concerned that I had an electrical issue (based on how hot the
gauges were) Since I had just spent around $450 bucks with Pantera
electronics and he was giving me tech support for the installations I
figured I would pick his brain. He told me that it was the higher watt bulbs
and that it could be remedied with the LED bulbs because they put off nearly
no heat, You can tell from a cursory exam that the old Pantera gauges are
not sealed and it is very easy to get moisture inside. So none of this is my
personal opinion but the opinion of the guy that manufactures the best
modern electrical components on the market, so i would tend to value his
opinion. Also I don't mean to sound like a smart ass but I wouldn't load up
my gauges with rice unless it was a Stanley Steamer! Moisture is the enemy
of Panteras , electronics and steel. If any of you have ever had a short in
your dash or a fire caused by a failure of an electrical component caused by
corrosion or moisture you would know that these symptoms are an early
warning that you need to pay attention too!
If you have visible condensation in your gauges that shows without your
gauge lights on that's even worse!
Boyd

On Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 11:38 AM, <RKMosier at aol.com> wrote:

>  I think you make a good point Boyd..Whatever has to be done to dry out
> the gauge, what is the source.  When I bought my car the previous owner had
> just changed the heater valve under the dash because it had leaked.  I
> always wondered if that leak had gotten moisture in there or if water had
> leaked on the carpet and stayed.  He had also changed the carpet.
>
> Richard Mosier
> 3714
>
>
>  ------------------------------
> From: boyd411 at gmail.com
> To: jefude at bellsouth.net
> CC: detomaso at realbig.com
> Sent: 6/26/2009 8:28:42 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time
> Subj: Re: [DeTomaso] gauges that fog during use
>
> That is interesting. Mine only get condensation while the dash lights are
> one. I have a whole new set of MSD gauges that I have not installed yet due
> to the fact that they are a different diameter and need to have a new gauge
> panel made and I have a long list of projects that still need to be
> completed. The poor timing of my broken leg hasn't helped matters. I would
> think that at some point your car got exposed to an inordinate amount of
> moisture or you are in an area of extreme humidity. I would try to dry out
> the interior of the car using a dehumidifier or some type of desiccant. The
> fact that you have so much moisture that you get condensation without the
> heat generated by the gauge light bulbs is not a good sign. Moisture and
> electrical components are not a good combination. Moisture and Panteras in
> general are not a good combination. I would explore the situation more
> closely to try and determine the source of the moisture. The heater coil is
> behind and just to the right of the center gauge panel ( viewed from the
> drivers seat. I would suspect the possibility that some moisture or steam
> may have leaked from your heater element at some time. It is not something
> I
> would leave unresolved if it were my car.
> Boyd
> On Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 9:04 AM, <jefude at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>
> > Boyd,
> > Interesting thoughts on the bulbs. However my gauges fog up without ever
> > using  the dash lights. Years ago with my first Pantera I was recommended
> to
> > drill small holes in the gauge case to improve air circulation. It did
> not
> > help.
> > I do not think anyone has found a solution to this problem. Except maybe
> > aftermarket gauges.
> > Jeff
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