Behind the thermostat is a 1/2" pipe-plug on the top of my engine.

Is this a good location to connect a mechanical temperature gauge??

What brand and style of gauges can be easily read at night.

I have a Duke's mixture of various gauges that are of good quality otherwise; but, their weenie, dim, glaring lighting leaves a lot to be desired.

I don't have this trouble in the 379 Pete; they show up good.

 

Yes thats the best place for reading temp. That's where I got mine. I have a mechanical Autometer z-series 240* just because they match the factory gauges. If I were to do it again, I'd go electrical. Won't have a stupid cable that barely reaches out to that point. Just hardwire it yourself.

 

I have mine tapped into the same place as bgilbert, as well as where you want to put yours. My guage came from napa, was like $15, and the lead was plenty long enough. My lead comes in just above the trans hump in the center of the truck, then up under the dash