Hey guys. Looking at running original 6v gauges in my 50 Merc. Got all of the cluster pulled apart at the moment. Was wondering what voltage regs guys are using when running the original 6v gauges with a 12v system? Was looking at Ron Francis VR-88 and was wondering if anyone had one? Cheers. Cam
Voltage regulator does exactly what it's name implies...it regulates voltage coming out of the generator. You wouldn't want to attempt to run a 6v regulator on a 12v system, it'll fry, cause fires, general calamity. You get the idea. You just need to step the voltage down going to the gauges which is a common thing to do. I'm sure someone that's done it will chime in with more details. RLFFRL
When I converted my 40 Ford to 12V neg. and kept the gauges at 6V I used the Ron Francis Constant Voltage Reducer (CVR) part # VR-4. I am running a one wire alternator. It looks like VR-88 is a voltage regulator not a voltage reducer and is not meant to be used to reduce 12V to 6V for your dash gauges. Flat Ernie on Fordbarn is an expert on this subject. Be sure and check out this info: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48622&highlight=constant voltage reducer and http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92602&highlight=constant voltage reducer
I made my own voltage regulators, from instructions from this thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/how-to-build-a-voltage-regulator-for-3.448589/ I just bought another batch of LM7806 regulators and some additional heat sinks, so that I can make some more for my brother-in-law's project. Bought the parts on e-bay for less than $10, and can make 10 of them. Red- 12V Black- ground bleed White- 6V power to gauge A few bucks, some scrap 14ga wire, a soldering iron and some shrink tubing, and crimp fittings, and bingo...you are in bid'ness. I used a BWD S330 Oil Pressure sender, from O'Reilly, a stock Ford flathead temp sender, and the stock fuel tank sending unit. Works like a champ.
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