ok here i go running a1951olds dash cluster which i believe to be 6 volt im trying to get the right water temp sending unit for the 371 olds which is going to be running a 12 volt system. so my question do i get a 6 volt sending unit ?
The senders need to match the cluster. Then use runtz voltage reducers to drop the voltage to the cluster. Don't use one on the amp gauge.
Yes, as BJR said. Factory sender for the gauge no matter the brand of car. Then a volta-drop. I like the Runtz as well as the Ford or Mopar units. Few know that several makers stayed 6-V on the gauges long after the charging systems went 12-V.
Look here; https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/how-to-build-a-voltage-regulator-for-3.448038/ to build your own Runtz voltage reducer for cheap. I followed the instructions and they worked perfect. Use one per gauge.
i used this voltage regulator on my last truck to drop the 12v down to the 6v shoebox ford cluster I was using. worked well and was easy to use having the outputs all in one terminal block, but I think it might have been a hair cheaper when I bought it a few yrs ago. i only bought from him the one time, so i cant say if anything is different between now and then. https://www.vintageautogarage.com/12V-6V-VREG-Oil-Gas-Temp-Gauge-Voltage-Reducer-p/vreg06703.htm he has a few other ones, but the one linked above is what I used https://www.vintageautogarage.com/Voltage-Reducers-Converters-s/2959.htm
So spend $60 or spend $9 to build 3 reducers for 3 gauges. Traditionally people built stuff for their cars. Now they just write the check.
Assuming that was directed at me, if it makes you feel any better, it was being used in a dash and console that i built from scratch, (and painted by me) using flat sheet metal shelves that were being scrapped at work...but i guess i had to use money to buy the paint so i dont know if it counts
I used all original 6V gauges and senders on my Ford and GM cars with 12 volts. For the feed for the gauges, I bought an original 65 Ford pickup voltage "limiter". 12 volts in, 6 volts out and you only need one for all the electric gauges in the dash.
It was a few yrs ago so i forget what my exact reasoning was for using that reducer over using the runtz ones like i had been planning, but i assume i was trying to simplify or thought i was going to have some problem with integrating the 12v negative ground of the rest of the truck to work with the 6v positive ground ford gauges i used.
Where would I find a sending unit for that 51 olds dash ? Looked on e bay no luck ? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I bought this Chinesium unit off eBay. I wanted to go the Ford regulator route but couldn't find one for whatever reason. Anyhow I ran all the gauges in my '51 Shoebox off the one unit. I also bought a 30A unit that runs the solenoid on my overdrive and they both work great. DC 12V 24V StepDown to DC 6V 10A 60W Waterproof Power Converter Regulator DC/DC https://ebay.us/TspZX9
Neil, there is a old store in Mass. that may have a sending unit. PM F&J, he knows the fella. Or, try Fusick. I have a couple units but they are stuffed in storage and out of sight.
Neil, here is the info on that parts store https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pease-Antique-Auto-Parts/138830396164043
Thanks Walt talked to frank yesterday he gave me his name and number he has been out of them for a couple years . Any other leads I’m getting real close to starting here up. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Neil, Look at post # 17 from BJR...his chart shows they are same as GM up to 1964." 0-30 ohm. " I might have used ones from 53-56 Olds ... if you can't get one at local auto parts stores. New would be better, call around.
Neil, I would try that 64 gm 0-30 ohm that BJR suggested. Rock Auto link here: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...oling+system,temperature+sender+/+sensor,4748
The Jalopy Journal
