Junky Repro Ammeters
 

I have been messing with the crummy ???&^*%!!@@$$ ammeters on the market. Anybody know of an option to actually fit a quality ammeter that just happens to fit in a 30 instrument panel? I have contacted Dan Bixby to see if he has any rebuilt one. NOS would be nice but is elusive. I am thinking of even off-brand modern, if it fits and is quality built.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

NOS? Good luck. Almost all came have a cracked bezel. Use an original. Used them always. Even have had them NIB. 4 to a box. G

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Some of the 'A' vendors [ used] may have them, such as Mikes or Berts.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

I have some original, restored ammeters for sale. Call Jim McPherson for my number. Dale.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Hi Dale
I would like to buy a good operating amp meter for my '31coupe.It must be in perfect condition. please let me know the price including shipping.

Al Roussel
Clinton Ct.
[email protected]

Thank you Al

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Dale G, will contact Jim McPherson.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Greg, In addition to the ammeter, consider putting in a volt meter under the instrument panel. It is a really good way to keep tabs on the health of the battery.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

I remember the sign on the door of Valley Ford Parts. Good parts cost $. Step up or step back. :-) With this mind here is a tested good ammeter. https://www.ebay.com/itm/31348966009...cAAOSw3uFgc-2Q

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

His description is a bit obscure. What is being sold, a working repro one?

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Repop but if it works, what the heck.

Part plus shipping out of Canada is around $53. I paid 50 bucks for a rebuilt original from the Doc Kalinka collection a couple of years ago. I'd keep looking for original for that $$.

A few years ago it was talked about somebody tooling up to build these new to original factory Ford specs. I think that still would be a good move, even if they cost 75 or a hundred bucks. The ammeter is crucial to the electrical system you don't want them to fry out.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

That's what it looks like to me. Too much $$ for what it is, typical E-Bay stuff today.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

I just bought a 30 amp voltage gauge and the dealer tried to talk me out of buying the thing he said if I buy that gauge I'll never come back to him for parts. All I can say is it works for now.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Some of the guys that restore old tractors (Fords included) have used this guy, have only heard good things about them

APT INSTRUMENTS
9632 HUMBOLDT AVE S
Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone Number: (952) 881-7095
Web Address: www.gaugeguys.com

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

I am pretty sure that is a repro.

I would say that is a stand up dealer for warning you up front. I would buy from him again just on that account. :)

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Type into your search, "electronics parts, 0-20-0 ammeter".
A few model A repo's showed but there were so many after market and later ones it would have taken a half hour to read.
There were higher ranges also in case you have an alternator.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

All I find online about that business is “They have closed”. Web address is also available for sale.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

My experience with the repops is "variable." They used to fit reasonably well - but the case was pressed in aluminum. Plus it looked "wonky" with poor lettering, and an internal black plate that looked like thin paper.

Then Tam showed me one of his latest. "Try this and report back to me" he says. It looked real nice, almost identical to the original AND included the plastic black binding knobs - somebody was really trying to make it like the original?

Putting the Ammeter into my original dash plate (1928-29 style) I found that the meter was a "skosh" smaller diameter than original, and would not hold in the hole with the ears bent out. A rubber o-ring introduced between the meter and the dash and bending the ears will hold it, possibly prevent vibration, and seems to work. I rate it about a "6" and certainly better than the aluminum meters. But - so close but yet so far.

I reported back to Tam on my findings. "Yeah," he says. "You're the third who has reported the same issue - If you want I'll refund your money."

I passed on the refund - the meter does look good in place. And perhaps it won't vibrate loose?

Joe K

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

To me, this sounds like a sales ploy.

Re: Junky Repro Ammeters
 

Does it measure amps or volts?