VW Beetle from 1968: oil temp and oil pressure gauges instead of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW Beetle without drilling the dashboard?
In the ashtray slot of the dashboard. A panel plugs in there with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush – on the air-cooled flat four typically oil temperature and oil pressure. It is designed for the Type 1 Beetle with the dashboard from 8/1968 to 1979; the fit in the 1303 with the curved dashboard is not confirmed.
- Car
- VW Beetle Type 1 with the dashboard from 8/1968 to 1979: 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302, Cabriolet
- Not confirmed
- 1303 with the curved dashboard (from 1973)
- Gauges
- 2 × 52 mm flush, variants for 45, 50 and 55 mm gauge depth
- Mounting
- hollow plug (approx. 72 × 36 mm) with crush ribs in the ashtray slot
- Airbags
- none from the factory
- Fit
- not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model
How the panel sits
The ashtray in the Beetle’s dashboard pulls out. A hollow plug with crush ribs goes into its slot, and in front of it sits the panel with two 52 mm gauges flush side by side. Crush ribs hold the gauges without screws, and the cables run through the plug into the slot.
The slot is only 36 mm tall, so the panel sits in front of the dashboard and protrudes by the depth of the gauges. Pick the variant by gauge depth (45, 50 or 55 mm).
Which Beetles fit
- Designed for: Type 1 Beetle with the dashboard from 8/1968 to 1979 – 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302 and Cabriolet.
- Not confirmed: 1303 with the curved dashboard (from 1973).
- Don’t mix up: the T2 ashtray is different (91 × 47 mm); there is a separate panel for the T2.
What is tested and what isn’t
Our panel has not yet been tested in a Beetle. We read the slot size from a freely published slide-in cup holder (Johnny77, Printables 1001763, CC0) and the face size from a second part for 1969–1977 cars (ksanislo, Printables 802251). Only the dimensions were taken over. If the plug is too tight, file the crush ribs a little; if it is too loose, add felt tape. The tolerance test ring shows whether your printer hits the 52.79 mm gauge bore.
Safety
The Beetle has no airbags from the factory. The panel must still not obstruct the gear lever, heater levers or knees. Always fuse the wiring and keep it away from sharp sheet-metal edges.
Printing
The panel prints face down on the bed, so the visible side comes out smooth and no supports are needed. PETG is enough, ASA or ABS also work, PLA does not (PETG or ASA in a car). It weighs 110 g and takes just over 11 hours.
Fitting the gauge panel in the Beetle ashtray slot
- Print the tolerance test ring or fit test set in the final material and test-fit a gauge.
- Print the panel in PETG or ASA (face down on the bed, no supports).
- Pull out the ashtray and keep it.
- Route the cables through the grooves into the plug and on into the slot, press the gauges in from the front.
- Push the panel straight into the slot until it sits against the dashboard; check the gear lever and heater levers.
FAQ
Does the panel fit the 1303?
Not confirmed. From 1973 the 1303 has a curved dashboard, and our dimensions come from parts for the flat dashboard. Measure the ashtray slot first: it should be about 72 × 36 mm.
Do I keep the ashtray?
Yes. It is only pulled out; nothing is drilled or glued on the dashboard. To go back, pull the panel out and slide the ashtray back in.
Which gauges make sense on a Beetle?
On the air-cooled engine mainly oil temperature and oil pressure, often a voltmeter too. Any gauge with a 52 mm body fits, as long as its depth matches the chosen variant.
Which oil temperature sender do I need?
The one the gauge maker specifies for that gauge; sender and gauge belong together. Where it goes on the engine depends on the sender and the engine – if in doubt, ask a Beetle specialist.
Why does the panel stick out from the dashboard?
The slot is only 36 mm tall, so a 52 mm gauge does not fit inside. Only the plug sits in the slot; the panel with the gauges sits in front of it and protrudes by the gauge depth.
Updated: 1 November 2026
