VDO has manufactured many STYLES of instruments. Within each STYLE many different TYPES of instruments have been made to monitor every type of vehicle function. This page is designed to help you identify VDO instruments in existing applications; find replacements or chose instruments and supporting parts for new applications. [Note: STYLES with asterisk * should be used in new applications as they are more readily available than the other styles.]

Please begin by selecting from among the STYLES below (click on the name or picture of the STYLE)... or within each STYLE you can go directly to the TYPE (fuel, oil pressure, ammeter, etc.) by using the dropdown box.

The 10 or 12 digit part number stamped on the back or side of VDO instruments can be cross-referenced to the 6 digit VDO "Catalog" part numbers used here.

Cockpit*

The most popular of VDO instrument STYLES. There are more different "TYPES" of instruments in this line than any of the others.

• The bezels are "peaked black"
• Dial faces are "black with white lettering"
• The pointers are "fire red/orange"

All instruments are lit with light bulbs installed from the rear of the instrument and shining around the edge of the dialface. Edgelit lighting- light bulb is installed from rear of instrument and is reflected around the solid dialface to the light the dial and pointer.

• Connectors are 1/4 blade.

Cockpit International*

Cockpit International is an expansion of the Cockpit Style and can be used in a panel with Cockpit Style.

• The bezels are "peaked black"
• Dial faces are "black with white lettering"
• The pointers are "fire red/orange"

All instruments are lit with light bulbs installed from the rear of the instrument and shining around the edge of the dialface. Edgelit lighting- light bulb is installed from rear of instrument and is reflected around the solid dialface to the light the dial and pointer.

• Connectors are 1/4 blade.
• "International Symbols" label each instrument and "metric scales" appear under the "US Scales".
• Connectors are studs with washers and nuts

Cockpit International is aimed at industrial applications that require "worldwide understanding" and it fits well with Cockpit in a panel.

Cockpit White & Sportline

Cockpit White and the Sportline Series are the same as Cockpit, but have

• "White dialface with black lettering"
• Very popular today

Cockpit Vision* 

Looks like Cockpit but

• Has a "flat" bezel (black)
• "Translucent dialface" (lighting comes through the dial, instead of around the edge)
• "Lighted pointer"

It looks beautiful at night and is becoming popular in Street Rods and Ski Boats.

• Vision is a growing and very popular line. We expect to see more "types" added as more applications use Vision Style.

[Note: looks like the older Night Design Style but with "red" pointers.]

Cockpit Royale

The perfect choice for the custom car builder who wants the look of the 30's and 40's.

• Dialface has antique look
• Antique weathervane style pointers
• Chrome peaked bezels
• White dials contrast with flat black printing and pointers
• Lighting is same as Cockpit Style

Heritage Gold

VDO Heritage Gold features

• Highly polished, clear-coated brass bezels
• Antique weathervane style pointers
• Period graphics on rich, cream colored dials
• Lighting same as Cockpit Style.

Industrial & Standard Line Black

Specifically designed for industrial, commercial, marine and automotive applications.

• Bezels are "peaked" and "black"
• Dialfaces are black with white lettering
• US and metric scales accented with blue arc
• All have International symbols
• Pointers are white
• Lighting is same as Cockpit Style

Industrial & Standard Line Chrome

Same as Industrial & Standard Line Black, except ...

• Bezel is "Chrome"

Pro Cockpit

Same styling as Cockpit Style, except...

• The panel hole sizes are 2 5/8" diameter instead of 2 1/16"
• Larger, easier to read dialfaces

Pro Cockpit White

Same as Pro Cockpit, except...

• Dialfaces are white with black lettering

Series 1

Instruments feature "step-type:

• Chrome bezels
• Black dialfaces
• Large easy-to-read US scales
• White numerals
• White pointers
• Lighting same as Cockpit Style

Severe Duty* & Ocean Line*           

When an extreme working environment calls for a tough gauge, Severe Duty will get the job done.

For additional protection against the elements, we incorporated

• Corrosion proof materials
• Silver contact connectors
• Special seals
• Dual lenses

The dual lens system is made up of contoured impact-proof plastic that not only prevents gauge fogging, but also minimizes reflections, making the instrument readable in almost any condition.

For versatility, Severe Duty instruments also feature

• Built-in warning lights
• Availability of 12/24 volt applications

As a finishing touch, we incorporated our unique Spin-Lok (TM) mounting system for fast, positive instrument mounting.

* Note: Instruments can also be adapted to a square bezel gauge by using an accessory kit.

* Note: Ocean Line has same styling.

Blue Line

Blue Line Style is in many high quality boats (and in other severe applications) and features

• Dual lenses sealed over a black dialface
• Large, easy-to-read US scales
• A tiny ship's steering wheel in the bottom of the dial
• Bezels are interchangeable square or round (with silver accent stripe) attached with a "twist-lock"

Mid Line

VDO's Mid Line instrument provides for a complete engine monitoring system.

• The dual convex-lens system is ultrasonically welded to the dial face, sealed and heat-staked to the instrument bezel to avoid condensation or fogging.
• This durable line of instruments also has VDO senders available for both gasoline and diesel engines.

Vanguard

Vanguard DEFANGED_STYLE is also in many high quality boats (and in other severe applications) and features:

• Dual lenses sealed over a "black" dialface
• Large, easy-to-read US scales
• Most bezels are square and attached with "twist lock"; but round can be used
• Dials are "translucent black"
• "White" lettering
• "White lighted" pointers
• "Bi-color" LEDs allow the choice of red or green lighting which is compatible with the illumination of today's modern navigational equipment.

Other features include:

• Individual or four gauge combi-cluster for design flexibility
• Unique mounting system reduces installed depth
• Speedos, Tachs and 4 gauge clusters all fit 4" holes

 Vanguard White

Same as Vanguard, except...

• "White" dialface
• "Black" lettering
• "Black" pointer

Retail Customers: For a list of companies specializing in Retail Distribution, click here.