Question about 6v gauges and need any suggestions.

[tokyo]

I am messing around with my 49 merc dash, and i know that it will be cheaper to replace the gauges rather than convert them to 12v.(I am right...right? Then I am not sure what the stock size is, and how to get the new ones to fit? So does anyone have any advice as to what you have done? Also any suggestions for types of gauges with any pics would be nice.. I am looking to replace all 4 gauges, the temp, batt, oil, fuel.

Thanks
tok

[Action Girl]

Can't you do something to make your 6 volt ones work with the new system? I'm doing the conversion in the fall but I might cry if I can't use my stock gauges...

Stacey

[4woody]

Runtz voltage reducers as needed. Speedway, JC Whitney and others have them. No, you don't need one for the amp gauge. If you need to slow down your blower motor there are also reducers for that. None of them cost more than about $20.

[Action Girl]

PHEW!

[old beet]

Tokyo, this is how I did it. SW gauges behind the stock bezels, very easy deal............OLDBEET

[old beet]

I think they were about $300 delivered with all the sending units. All are electric. From Speedway.........OLDBEET

[shoebox72]

If your stock guages are in good shape you could use a guage voltage reducer. they used these things on 56 & up Ford products because the guages were still made 6 volt into the 60's. It's Standard Ignition Products part# VRC 603. This hooks up into the power wire that feeds the guages. If the stock harness is still intact you'll notice one wire that jumps from guage to guage, thats the one you want to install the drop into.

But then again if you want new guages thats cool too.

Talk to me.

Billy

[tokyo]

I knew about the runtz voltage drops, but don't have much faith in them..but thanks for the info.

Old beet...my mentor...that looks great...that is a kit from speedway huh. Are you using the stock back plates for those gauges? What size are they, must be 2 5/8ths. If they are that easy, I shouldn't have much trouble then..
Last question...are you using the same sized bulbs to light them up or are you doing something different?

Thanks again..that's great.
tok

[tokyo]

Billy...

So you suggest one voltage drop wired into the main harness. That might work also, however, I do like the new gauges idea...Do you know how one can test old gauges?
tok

[shoebox72]

Most of the bulbs are #57 i believe. I usually bring the different ones to the parts store & match them up to 12 volt bulbs.

Billy

[shoebox72]

Tok, as far as testing for absoloute accuracy, I'm not sure, but if you hook an ohm meter across the posts of the guages and it shows continuity the guage itself is good.

The voltage reducer I mentioned has a little bracket on it so you can mount it to one of the little screws that hold the guages into the cluster.

It's only $$$$$.

Billy

[old beet]

Tokyo, the back side.........OLDBEET

[34Hupmobile]

I'm using the original gauges in my Hup. They are 6 volt but I'm running them 12. More than likely you have mechanical gauges except for fuel and battery. If this is the case the temp and oil will work as they are. If electrical you'll need to replace or adapt. If your battery gauge is an ammeter it won't care what the voltage is either. If its a volt meter then a replacement is in order. The fuel gauge will need a converter if you intend to use the original sending unit.

[tokyo]

Billy - I went to check on the bulbs adn the have 55's, 57's and some other number, not knowing the difference, i picked up some 55's for the dash.

oldbeet - that picture helps alot. thanks man..by the way, did you remove the glass covering the gauge cluster?

hup - info has been documented...tonight i am going to take apart a side and see what i can do...

[marq]

old gauges look so much better...........Marq

[old beet]

Tokyo, remove glass and set the gauge from behind. They end up recessed a little. Pretty easy to figer out. You can do most of the wireing on the bench, then install the complete cluster. I changed a speedo the other day, in abour a half hour.......OLDBEET