The Ford Barn

Chuck · 10-11-2010, 07:50 PM

Does anyone have any recommendations for an electric 6 volt electric water temperature guage? Seems like the Model A part vendors just carry mechanical guage.

rotorwrench · 10-12-2010, 09:40 AM

Due to the nature of the Model A electrical system and the general lack of any components made for 6-volt systems, we are very limited on choices. Your only recourse would be the restoration of an older 6-volt gauge unit either from an auto manufacturer or aftermarket such as Stewart Warner.

A 12-volt unit can be used if a dropping resistor or voltage regulator is used in series with the power wire.

Kerby

John LaVoy · 10-12-2010, 11:10 AM

The Westberg Mfg company in Sonoma, CA, makes them. We did an article in the Model A Times Summer 2009 showing a volt meter but they make them all in 6 volt. 707-938-2121

Tom Endy · 10-12-2010, 11:19 AM

The problem with an electrical gauge is trying to figure a way to shut it off off when not operating the car. You will need to have a separate switch and then remember to turn it off. You cannot wire it to the Model A ignition switch.

Tom Endy

V4F · 10-12-2010, 12:08 PM

go manual ! ........... steve

Paul in Colorado · 10-12-2010, 12:13 PM

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It is a simple change to rewire the ignition switch to turn on accessories like a temperature gauge or turn signals, if you have an aftermarket switch. Use the present coil wire to connect the ammeter to the ignition switch. Run a new longer wire from the other side of the switch to the hot side of the coil. Connect any accessories to this side of the switch also. Use a short #6 bolt to connect the red wire from the coil (which was connected to the switch) to the armored cable going to the distributor. Use a nut between the two terminals to prevent crushing the armored cable shield and causing a short to ground. (Don't ask me how I know) Insulate this connection well with tape and shrink tubing, and leave it behind the dash panel. Another advantage (or disadvantage) of this change is that you can hot wire the car by using a clip lead between the hot coil terminal and a terminal box post.

Chuck · 10-12-2010, 12:25 PM

Thanks!

Stillrunners · 10-16-2010, 09:28 PM

well...with this old engine that I was getting going again - I wanted at least a temp running - as I needed a new lower return pipe - I went down to the muffler shop and had them make one....and then had a buddie weld a pipe connector in it to run an mech temp gage....should post some pics....

10-11-2010, 07:50 PM	#1
Chuck Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 13	Temperature guage 6 volt electric? Does anyone have any recommendations for an electric 6 volt electric water temperature guage? Seems like the Model A part vendors just carry mechanical guage. __________________ Chuck

10-12-2010, 09:40 AM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? Due to the nature of the Model A electrical system and the general lack of any components made for 6-volt systems, we are very limited on choices. Your only recourse would be the restoration of an older 6-volt gauge unit either from an auto manufacturer or aftermarket such as Stewart Warner. A 12-volt unit can be used if a dropping resistor or voltage regulator is used in series with the power wire. Kerby

10-12-2010, 11:10 AM	#3
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? The Westberg Mfg company in Sonoma, CA, makes them. We did an article in the Model A Times Summer 2009 showing a volt meter but they make them all in 6 volt. 707-938-2121

10-12-2010, 11:19 AM	#4
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? The problem with an electrical gauge is trying to figure a way to shut it off off when not operating the car. You will need to have a separate switch and then remember to turn it off. You cannot wire it to the Model A ignition switch. Tom Endy

10-12-2010, 12:08 PM	#5
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? go manual ! ........... steve __________________ V4f

10-12-2010, 12:13 PM	#6
Paul in Colorado Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 175	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It is a simple change to rewire the ignition switch to turn on accessories like a temperature gauge or turn signals, if you have an aftermarket switch. Use the present coil wire to connect the ammeter to the ignition switch. Run a new longer wire from the other side of the switch to the hot side of the coil. Connect any accessories to this side of the switch also. Use a short #6 bolt to connect the red wire from the coil (which was connected to the switch) to the armored cable going to the distributor. Use a nut between the two terminals to prevent crushing the armored cable shield and causing a short to ground. (Don't ask me how I know) Insulate this connection well with tape and shrink tubing, and leave it behind the dash panel. Another advantage (or disadvantage) of this change is that you can hot wire the car by using a clip lead between the hot coil terminal and a terminal box post.

10-12-2010, 12:25 PM	#7
Chuck Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 13	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? Thanks! __________________ Chuck

10-16-2010, 09:28 PM	#8
Stillrunners Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 62	Re: Temperature guage 6 volt electric? well...with this old engine that I was getting going again - I wanted at least a temp running - as I needed a new lower return pipe - I went down to the muffler shop and had them make one....and then had a buddie weld a pipe connector in it to run an mech temp gage....should post some pics....