Drilling VA for a gauge

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  • Essdee
    Newbie
    • Nov 2025
    • 14

    #1

    Drilling VA for a gauge

    So I'm reviving my collection and had an unfinished project. I'm drilling out the inside of the VA and want to drill and tap for a gauge. Is there anything I need to know/any surprises or is it as straightforward as it appears?
  • Jsc5150
    MCB Member
    • Feb 2022
    • 506

    #2
    I’d make tiny hole to reach the air first, then drill and tap for gauge rather than trying to do it with one size hole.

    But one size hole could work too

    Comment

    • Kit352
      Bunker Buster
      • Feb 2025
      • 406
      • Central mass

      #3
      Some of the va's have air passages in different locations. Make sure to favor your hole to that passage, it won't always be square to the part.
      Honestly I would just say buy one that's ready to go.

      Comment

      • Essdee
        Newbie
        • Nov 2025
        • 14

        #4
        I'm pretty committed to using this particular VA for the color scheme but I'm considering forgoing the gauge if it's a difficult process. I am more thinking it should be no big deal to drill and tap. If I mess it up then I'll just have to deal with finding a new VA...

        Comment

        • Kit352
          Bunker Buster
          • Feb 2025
          • 406
          • Central mass

          #5
          It's not a hard process, just make sure you hit that air passage. You can also add more if you are so inclined. Later models had at least 2 air passages through the va. Earlier ones and cheaper ones generally had one.

          Comment

          • Essdee
            Newbie
            • Nov 2025
            • 14

            #6
            All good responses! Thanks!

            Comment

            • Trbo323
              MCB Member
              • Jul 2020
              • 6358
              • Vancouver WA

              #7
              My question is why? Any gauge you put on a spyder is just going to show you tank output pressure.

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              Comment

              • Essdee
                Newbie
                • Nov 2025
                • 14

                #8
                This is a low-pressure build. The VA will be after the regulator and hopefully be somewhere around 250 psi.

                Comment

                • Trbo323
                  MCB Member
                  • Jul 2020
                  • 6358
                  • Vancouver WA

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Essdee
                  This is a low-pressure build. The VA will be after the regulator and hopefully be somewhere around 250 psi.
                  Ok that makes more sense

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