Gauges - what should I use?

[cederholm]

So my '53 8BA is almost fully assembled and I'm wondering about gauges. Both for the test stand and fo the car (hopefully the same ones for both)

I have the original temp and oil senders and assuming they are in working order. I was planning to use them.

It seems like I've seen posts on how to test the old Ford temp senders (I'll track those posts down and test) and I been told that the oil sender can be tested by cranking the motor over with the coil disconnected.

So, first, opinions on the last statement please. And second, what should I be looking for in the gauges to use with these senders?

To be noted, this motor will go into a traditional hot rod and I'm not opposed to using old Ford gauges and fabricating a mount for them.

Thanks,
Carl

[JSeery]

Don't think you can use the original senders with modern gauges. The King Seeley (original Ford gauges/senders) work as a system. The sender is a points type of system the opens and closes to regulate the current through a bi-metal strip. This same current flows through a bi-metal strip in the gauge. The current low determines the needle position on the gauge. Modern gauges work off of resistance and the sender is a resistance device.

[RalphM]

I used an original SW direct pressure oil, original amp meter, then chose new SW temp and fuel gauges. I ran two temp senders and gauges.

[paul2748]

Any electrical aftermarket gauge that you use must have a compatible sender. This means that the original Ford sender may not work (and will probably not work) with the aftermarket gauge.

[Tinker]

Really depends on what your going for? Stock? don't care?

I like mechanical gauges for oil pressure. I also like old sw stuff and original gauges that work.

Lot's of options and opinions.

[cederholm]

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Some good advice - thanks all!

Great question Tinker. The plan is for a very traditional Hot Rod and that includes the gauges. I don't care if they are "stock" but I don't want some modern LED thing. Good working vintage is preferred.

Having thought about it I think I would also like mechanical oil. I assume that means I just find a good one and collect the proper fittings. Is there a pressure range that I should be looking for for a flatty?


For the temp. If I stick with my stock sending units, what do I look for for a gauge? Early 50's Ford and Mercury stuff? And if I switch to another gauge, what do I look for for a sending unit that will fit the stock location?

Thanks all,
Carl

Originally Posted by Tinker

Really depends on what your going for? Stock? don't care?

I like mechanical gauges for oil pressure. I also like old sw stuff and original gauges that work.

Lot's of options and opinions.

[19Fordy]

Stock sending units won't work with non-stock gauge. Before plunking down your cash, speak with the vendor who sells compatible parts.

[JSeery]

The range on an oil pressure gauge depends on the oil pressures you end up with. It will depend on the oil pump you run and where the oil pressure relief is set.

[RalphM]

The old Stewart Warner one I used goes to 100 psi, I’ll never see that but it does hover between 40 and 50 which is about mid range on the gauge.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by cederholm

Great question Tinker. The plan is for a very traditional Hot Rod and that includes the gauges. I don't care if they are "stock" but I don't want some modern LED thing. Good working vintage is preferred.

Carl, you will never be "vintage" with anything LED. I love LED. My whole house is LED. I appreciate the plan.


Be creative. Maybe some old 60s Buick instrument gauges from the 50's???

I have a mix of originals, some new cheap stuff from autozone that' I'd like to replace old sw's that work. Some gauges just as a addition/backup for the less then accurate originals. All my original factory gauges are in place, I run a lower panel.


It's probably just as involved as building an engine. Maybe more so in some ways.

Have fun!

.

[Ritzy1]

Carl, an obvious consideration is budget and what car they're going in. I asked Dakota Digital to duplicate the original look of the gauges in my 48 to maintain that look. I think they did a pretty good job.

[19Fordy]

Looks great.

[cederholm]

These do look great!

To answer a couple questions above, the plan is to convert my 1930 Model A into a traditional (Vern Tardel style) hot rod. The car will remain full-fendered, un-chopped, all-Ford model A. I've been rebuilding a 1953 Ford 8BA flathead and it has me thinking about what I will need to monitor the motor. In the end I think I just need the basics, oil pressure, coolant temp, tac and voltage. If at all possible I'd like to get the stock speedometer to work with my '39 transmission but that's a problem for another day.

For placement I'm figuring some under-dash set up, but that might be influenced by the gauges themselves.

My original question was meant to limit my option based on what would work with the original senders. Mostly the temp senders as I find them to be unique and kinda cool (in my own geeky way).

Very helpful reply all - thank you.

~ Carl

Originally Posted by Ritzy1

Carl, an obvious consideration is budget and what car they're going in. I asked Dakota Digital to duplicate the original look of the gauges in my 48 to maintain that look. I think they did a pretty good job.