I made a new tool for adjusting generator

[midgetracer]

I have a fuse on the starter switch on all my Model A vehicles. It is the one all the vendors sell to protect the wiring from starting a fire if a short develops.
I have always questioned if the ammeter in my cars is showing close to accurate charge. Today I took an old Stewart Warner ammeter that was in my collection and mounted it in a small plastic box. I ran two 14 gauge wires from the ammeter to the outside of the box. I soldered a short piece of 1/4 inch copper tube(about 1/4 inch long) to the end of each wire. These copper tubes snap into the ends of the fuse holder (fuse removed), and the ammeter is now in the circuit. With the engine running at medium speed and the little box laying on the hood shelf, I can set the third brush to an accurate charge rate. My son 3d printed me a bezel to make the ammeter look like an aircraft gauge just to make the box have a bit of class. No more boiled batteries for this boy. The cheap ammeter on my sedan was off by 5 amps.

[old31]

Do you have any pics?

[Tom Wesenberg]

I like the idea of the 3D printed faceplate.

When I restored a few original ammeters I checked them against my quality Jewel meter, and they were very accurate.

[Jim M]

Great idea! Would like to see it as well. Love to make little gadgets!

[midgetracer]

I will try to add a picture as requested

[Mike V. Florida]

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Originally Posted by midgetracer

I will try to add a picture as requested

Sweet!

[MikeK]

Very nice place to put in an ammeter for adjusting the 3rd brush. I would not, however, assume that SW ammeter is accurate. It uses the same overly simple internal induction design as the stock ammeter. If you want any repeatable accuracy at low current readings you need an ammeter with a D'Arsonval movement.