Here is the info on how I rigged up an analog Voltmeter mounting set up.
As I mentioned the triple gauge old school look really appealed to me and as SEd27 says fits with the vintage. The early model XS's gauge/dash setup allow for a really slick custom plate mount above and between both gauges but we can't do that with these newer models instrument clusters
I saw and liked this analog gauge set up of retiredgentleman's and knew that was the way I wanted to go.
However, I didn't take into account that the Specials bar mounts must be higher and at a different angle, or the tank profile is lower which allows for more clearance above and in front of the crown nut.
Every project needs a plan so here is my quick drawing. The 22° angle matches up with the triple tree offset, gives some visual symmetry to the bottom edge of the mounting plate.
Couldn't figure out how to get the required clearance so I got these motocross handlebar mirror risers on eBay.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/MOTORCYCLE-D...m3ab24fcbd5:m:m0BD1oZ5M8o1_tmY0i3VAkw&vxp=mtr
Still needed more clearance above the crown nut so I grabbed a piece of aluminum tubing and drilled out the right ID for a couple of risers. Of course then spent a couple of minutes at one of my small parts polishers to shine em up. Ya I know, no one will see them, but I'll know.
Couldn't find any 10mm lower profile button head bolts so had to use these big Allen's.
I then shortened the legs on the V/M mounting bracket and trimmed the wire mounting bolts shorter for even more clearance. (Shown here before trimming shorter) Apparently not enough though. I will trim them further and shrink wrap those wire nut and bolt connections this time for added insurance.
Took a scrap of aluminum fascia and trim brown/black coil stock and using an aluminum brake bent a 3/8” 'safety’ on one edge, a 3/8” 90 on the other. O/A height 2 3/8”.
I think I clamped some round steel stock vertically in a vice and used that as a bending - shaping jig to form the case to fit just inside the mounting plate outer edges.
After trimming the case to fit around everything it's pretty rude and crude, cleaned it up a bit after this pic but there's not enough mounting surface left to drill and pop rivet. So I went to our local specialty hardware store Facca Fasteners.
http://www.faccafasteners.com/
Kind of a baby McMaster Carr. Asked for some black high strength, vibration resistant industrial adhesive. Guy asked, “Do you want the $10 strong or the $70 strong?”
Ah, let's start with the $10 strong. Seems to be holding together just fine.
Wired up in the headlight bucket. Had an empty spot on this dual bullet connector for voltmeter power and spliced in another double in the headlight wire to power V/M light. Grounded to turn signal stalk. I have now added this mini blade fuse to further protect this supply circuit.
We all know that old adage 'measure twice cut once’ Well I was marching merrily along and cut both of the fuse holder leads, so I have a new one, 'cut twice, crimp twice’
Here's a view from another angle.
Edit: Overall I was fairly pleased with finding a way to make this gauge work but feel it looks overly big, bulky, chunky. As SEd27 mentions, the depth of the gauge poses the biggest problem to get enough clearance over the crown nut if you are trying for the centered triple gauge effect. So with the housing required, it certainly isn't a sleek, neat solution. However, it does the job. A case where form follows function I guess.
The other thing I want to try is to track down some Virago handlebar mounts like gggGary uses. They appear to move the bars up and back towards the rider almost clearing the crown nut. While a housing would still be required it looks like the installation could be much lower to the bars, similar to RG's, which is a much neater, cleaner job. Would have to check for clearance/interference with the tank though.
This is a lot of messing around just for the sake of an analog gauge. Good sense and good judgement would probably say to just spend $10 on a digital one with USB charging support or do the Stop Lamp digital V/M mod as DanielBlack and 5twins have done and documented.
I sure miss the peace of mind that this provided and am anxiously awaiting the new ones arrival.
Hope this helps inspire some ideas.