Thread: Using original gauges in hot rod??

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Howdy all!

I would like to use my original gauges in my hot rodded 1938 Ford pickup. Anybody got any ideas on how to hook up the speedo and other gauges? I have a TH400 tranny and naturally, a 12 volt system.

THANKS!

Dave M.

I can only help you with part of it. The 6volt to 12 volt thing can be solved with voltage dropping resistors. Speedway carries them but you will need one for each instrument that requires voltage to make it operate, and you do not want to buy the inexpensive one of the two they sell. Gauges require one that will not spike voltage on startup, otherwise the gauge can be damaged during that spike period. The more expensive one cures that.

As for the speedo, and possibly the rest of the gauges, there are places like United Speedometer who can help you out with cables, etc.

That is the extent of my knowledge on the subject.........let's see what info others can provide.


Don

Ford used a instrument gauge cluster resistor/reducer 1957 to the 80's. Only one is needed for all the gauges (except the ammeter). Available in any parts store and probably from ford. You can run the `12 volt wire directly to the ammeter, but need to reverse the direction of the wire (assuming negative ground). The other gauges are not polarity sensitive. As ITOLDYOUSO said, there are vendors that can make up a cable with the proper ends. Try a local speedometer shop first (if there is one around).

Generally speaking they won't be quite as accurate as they were on a 6 volt system.