/6-volt gauges

Is there some kind of reducer I can use to use my original 6 volt gauges after converting to 12 volt system?

Also, How do you test gauges to see if they work without having them in the car? Like a "bench test".

Thanks

 

kind of depends on what gages they are. Maybe you could tell us what car it is? lots of old gages are mechanical, usually the fuel gage is the only one you need to worry about, sometimes temp.

 

If you need a 6V reducer, Mart here sells them. Search the For Sale ads or do a google search for Mart's Sparks.

 

It's a 50 f-1 pickup. any additional advice?

Thanks

 

Go to NAPA and get the old ford gauge reducer -It's called an instrument voltage regulator. NAPA has them in the Echlin catalog. Ford number 39MZ10804C and the Napa number was IRI ECH

Terry

 

yes they have them, i got mine at the local billet hotrod shop.

 

Thanks everybody

 

Spudshaft: If I might butt in with a thought, keep in mind that many electrical gauges are calibrated to operate on 12 or 6 volts. Even in original condition, the quality (accuracy) of the signal to the gauge can vary. So when you install a reducer, just keep in mind that what you're reading on the gauge may be close, but not absolute.

Best Regards,

 

I am currently wiring a 51' ford p/u. I have considered using the original gauges also but I am not sure I want the ammeter hooked up. I would feel more comfortable with a volt meter. I could just leave the ammeter unhooked and install a volt meter but I don't want it hung under the dash where it just looks like an after thought. any thoughts?? Thanks

 

just don't connect the ammeter, and don't worry about the voltmeter either...maybe you could add an idiot light if you are really worried about it.

 

Now that is an idea. An idiot light for an idiot. I don't have a clue how to do an idiot light but I have several holes in the dash that need filled so an idiot light would be just the ticket. Thanks a bunch.

 

sorry to hijack but will a ballast risistor work on a 6v fuel gauge after converting car to 12v?

 

a ballast resistor might work, or it might not work. Depends on the gage and the ballast resistor!

on the idiot light, most alternators and many generator regulators are designed to work with one, so wiring it up isn't usually a big deal. Getting ahold of the schematic for the car the alternator/generator came out of helps, if you need to find one let us know what to look for.

 

The amp meter on a 51 F-1, is just a loop in the gauge that tells you the direction the voltage is going. Gas gauge is a ground system, mine has no volt drop, works fine.............OLDBEET

 

The engine/alternator came out of a 76 Dodge I think. That is the year that I traced the carb to anyway. It is a 318. Does it take a special light or can I get like a turn signal indicator light that the billit boys put in their dash boards?

 

oh....Dodges are the exception to the idiot light thing! they all had ammeters in them, and those ammeters caused lots of problems.

I think I'd run with no gage on it. If the lights get dim, or it won't start, you know there's a problem.

 

I sure thank you for the help Squirrel.