1952-59 Ford 54 wiring

Well decided to rewire my 54 and WOW ! I have wired houses etc. but never a car . I did mark all wires but its still a little confusing.Other than bulbs etc any tips on converting to 12 v. I do have a 6/12 reducer for fuel gage , but can I replace sending units for oil temp from 56 Ford with no reducers any tips would really be appreciated . Thanks

 

Look closely at the condition of the wires. 54 was the last year for cloth covered and they usually have gone bad by now. If it's not a restoration, get a modern kit.

Oil temp? Don't you mean pressure? Or water temp? Your best bet is to go with a Ford constant voltage regulator for both the water temp and fuel gauge. With that, you don't have to change anything except for install of the regulator.

These were used in 57 and later Fords. Most of the old car parts suppliers have them or any good parts store. They work great, got one in my 54.

 

Thanks , yes the wiring is pretty brittle and I did mean oil press and water temp

 

I bought the Rebel Wiring 9+3 kit its pretty reasonably priced. I have yet to install, so I can't tell you how good the kit is, but the wires are marked through out already.

 

This is probably the best guide and check list around: http://www.ebay.com/gds/6-to-12-Volt-Conversion-1955-Ford-/10000000001571127/g.html This is the correct voltage regulator to use on your gauges as per the article,http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-1972-F...its=Model:Mustang&hash=item3f13be9bda&vxp=mtr Actually what a lot of folks do not know is when Ford went to 12 volt the gauges stayed 6 volt up till the early 80's and these gauge regulators is how they did it,the exception was the 1956 Fords which were all 12 volt.

 

You should also get this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/281146739569?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 One thing that drives people nuts is almost all 12 volt headlights are Halogen if you do not add the relays they will be very dim.Click on this:http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/? then on Tech Tips and then check out "A current topic". If you get the Rebel Wire kit HAMB members get a discount contact them here and call in your order:http://rebelwire.com/rebel-wire-products.php?cat=Wire Kits

 

I used the Rebel 9+3 kit and it was a breeze. Phone support was top notch too. One thing someone told me when I started was don't try and save any of the old wires. I yanked everything out and couldn't believe just easy it was to wire. Follow Jeffs tips on the replays and reducers as well. Seriously, if you can ****er toast, you can wire a car!

 

I am going to be rewiring my 54. My plan is to remove all the wiring from the car and rewire it as if it was a new build. It is a cleaner way to do things and will cause less frying of brain matter. A well designed aftermarket kit is all laid out and easy to install.

 

Another vote here for Rebel! I put a 9+3 in my 56 victoria.I pulled all the old wiring and started fresh.

 

A car is like a house to wire. One at a time, and pretty soon its done. Nuthin toit.

 

I used a Ron Francis "retro series" kit on my 57' Ford, slick and easy!
Tim