The Ford Barn

cliff wheeler · 08-08-2017, 12:13 PM

Just bought a 1929 Model AA 1 1/2 ton truck. Noticed the battery had been hooked up wrong and not using positive ground. Now I know why he could never get it running. Problem is the ammeter was melted and the wiring was all white wire...need to know which wires go to the back of the ammeter. Have a new ammeter to install but want the best way to test the hookup. New here and enjoy the site. Got the motor running and drives but need to rewire the tail lights and check out most all of the wiring. thanks for any reply. cliff

Bob C · 08-08-2017, 12:34 PM

Here is the wiring diagram.

Bob

Charlie Stephens · 08-08-2017, 12:54 PM

Cliff,

It is good that the previous owner color coded the wiring, it makes everything easier. "White" for electricity. Now for what goes where, if there only two unattached wires behind the dash hook one to each side of the ammeter. If the ammeter shows charge when you turn on the lights you will just need to reverse the wires and you are done. If everything needs wiring go to the diagram in Post #2 and work from there. Often it is just better to buy a complete wiring harness and install it. Now for another problem, hooking the battery up backwards did not melt the ammeter, you have a dead short somewhere. The first place to check would be to see if the terminals on the ammeter contacted the gas tank. Many of the repros are real junk.

You should put your general location in your profile. Someone may volunteer to come over and help. This is tricky, I hate to invite people over to my house. Check them out in the archives and see if they are interested in Model A's or may have something else in mind. Join a local club. Having your general location lets people recommend local resources or events.

How about some pictures?

Welcome to the barn.

Charlie Stephens

Bob C · 08-08-2017, 02:14 PM

Yes we need pictures. If you haven't already check out the AA site.
http://forums.aa-fords.com/index.php

Bob

1crosscut · 08-08-2017, 09:51 PM

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Hi Cliff. Welcome to AA's!
For little money you can and should replace the engine and dash wiring. You can do it for little money and a small amount of time. Very good insurance against fire. You most likely have some bare wire in there somewhere to cause your initial troubles with the amp meter.
If you don't already have Les Andrews red mechanics handbook you should order it at the same time you are getting new wiring. It will help you out greatly in working on your truck. Sort of a step by step of how to fix Model A's and AA's.

Yes we would like to see some pictures of your truck.

08-08-2017, 12:13 PM	#1
cliff wheeler Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Castle Rock, Washington Posts: 5	help on wiring ammeter on 1929 model AA Just bought a 1929 Model AA 1 1/2 ton truck. Noticed the battery had been hooked up wrong and not using positive ground. Now I know why he could never get it running. Problem is the ammeter was melted and the wiring was all white wire...need to know which wires go to the back of the ammeter. Have a new ammeter to install but want the best way to test the hookup. New here and enjoy the site. Got the motor running and drives but need to rewire the tail lights and check out most all of the wiring. thanks for any reply. cliff

08-08-2017, 12:54 PM	#3
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,305	Re: help on wiring ammeter on 1929 model AA Cliff, It is good that the previous owner color coded the wiring, it makes everything easier. "White" for electricity. Now for what goes where, if there only two unattached wires behind the dash hook one to each side of the ammeter. If the ammeter shows charge when you turn on the lights you will just need to reverse the wires and you are done. If everything needs wiring go to the diagram in Post #2 and work from there. Often it is just better to buy a complete wiring harness and install it. Now for another problem, hooking the battery up backwards did not melt the ammeter, you have a dead short somewhere. The first place to check would be to see if the terminals on the ammeter contacted the gas tank. Many of the repros are real junk. You should put your general location in your profile. Someone may volunteer to come over and help. This is tricky, I hate to invite people over to my house. Check them out in the archives and see if they are interested in Model A's or may have something else in mind. Join a local club. Having your general location lets people recommend local resources or events. How about some pictures? Welcome to the barn. Charlie Stephens Last edited by Charlie Stephens; 08-08-2017 at 01:04 PM.

08-08-2017, 02:14 PM	#4
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,360	Re: help on wiring ammeter on 1929 model AA Yes we need pictures. If you haven't already check out the AA site. http://forums.aa-fords.com/index.php Bob

08-08-2017, 09:51 PM	#5
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,011	Re: help on wiring ammeter on 1929 model AA Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hi Cliff. Welcome to AA's! For little money you can and should replace the engine and dash wiring. You can do it for little money and a small amount of time. Very good insurance against fire. You most likely have some bare wire in there somewhere to cause your initial troubles with the amp meter. If you don't already have Les Andrews red mechanics handbook you should order it at the same time you are getting new wiring. It will help you out greatly in working on your truck. Sort of a step by step of how to fix Model A's and AA's. Yes we would like to see some pictures of your truck. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska