the gauges are “Smiths” gauges. Common on most European makes, the lights and switches are made by Lucas. That is why they are typically called Lucas, Prince of Darkness. Our gauge block had only four fuses. This is similar to early American cars too. My 68 Chrysler in the avatar got a fuel system upgrade during the COVID winter, changing from 5/16” line to 3/8” stainless line which required a new tank sender. I think most of us don’t really need to know much about our fuel supply except when it is about empty. I had trouble with the Chrysler gauge too once I installed the new sender. Most older cars have a voltage drop for the fuel gauge. Why? I don’t know. Aftermarket fuel gauges work on 12 volts taking that variable out of the equation. You do need to know the ohm range for your gauge. Here is a partial list from Tanks Inc. to show the needless complexity. universal Fuel Sender Questions and Troubleshooting Which sender should I choose? The resistance of your fuel sender should match that of your gauge. For instance the resistance of the stock gauge in a 55 Chevy has a value of zero ohms when empty and 30 ohms when full. The following list is for stock gauges and some popular aftermarket brands: Ford up to 1986 - 73-10 Ohms Ford 1987 & up - 16-158 Ohms GM up to 1964 - 0-30 Ohms GM 1965-1997 - 0-90 Ohms GM 1998 & up - 40-250 Ohms Mopar up to 1986 - 73-10 Ohms AMC 1950-1977 - 73-10 Ohms Autometer -240-33 Ohms is the most common however other ohm ranges are made Classic Instruments - 240-33 Ohms (excluding vehicle specific gauge kits which use factory ohm range) Dolphin - 0-90 Ohms Dakota Digital - Programmable to work with most Ohm range senders VDO - 10-180 Ohms The first number represents the empty Ohm reading and the second number is the full reading
so just been gathering parts, engine turns over, picked up some tires. about to get it on blocks and start redoing the fuel and break lines.
Pretty interesting piece of history you've aquired... I just checked that link out you shared and it's not what it was I'm assuming. Did you by chance save the pages or text and images? Looking at your acquisition and some of the shared images of obviously closely inspired examples you have alot to look forward too.
The newest part I see on there is the gage cluster from a 57 Chevy. Being that he used Chevy parts whenever possible and nothing newer than the 57 cluster I’d use a Chevy dash older than 57.
Mounted up some tires, looks good, cranked it over. Have to get it rolling to make way for a new project 58 Tbird I just acquired.
Looking better now that it's out in the open. I'd still put a V windshield back on it and build a 40's /50's style custom
I'm still loving this car, the amount of work that went into it is mind-boggling. Would love to see it back on the road again.
Been working on it slowly, and kind of put it on the back burner. My 14 year old son wants to work on his car. 1959 Thunderbird here's a pic. Should have bot driving and running by summer.
The time has come this is now up for sale: For sale custom 1939 Mercury heavily customized couple, it as customized during the 1950s in Provo Utah by brothers Gordon and Duane Hiatt, started out as a 2 door coupe. Customizations: Decked, nosed, channeled, sectioned and shortened. The doors are customized as well. Motor is a 265 V8 out of a 1957 chevy, turns over and has some of the cleanest oil Ive ever seen. Gages and wiring are out of a 57 chevy. Has a removable custom roof. Extra parts I have for it: 1 set of extra fenders: Drivers and Passenger 1 Extra hood 1 extra dash (not all stock gauges) 1 set of extra rear and front bumpers Spare set of 4 wheels all tabs for hubcaps are present This build was inspired by the coach craft 39 Merc and was last registered in 1964 I have a set of matching Utah plates for it. Coach Craft 39 Merc https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13333/coachcraft-roadster.aspx Here is a link to the video of us removing it from the barn it was found in. I also have a blog post from the original owner about the car. Let me know if you are interested: $5000 obo (toss me an offer the worst I can do is say no) Located in Spanish Fork, Utah. Would love to keep it but have other projects and don’t have time to give this car the love it deserves. email me: morganhawley@gmail.com
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