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Old 05-23-2017, 06:23 AM   #1
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Does anyone have good pictures of the front and back of a Model T ammeter?

Since the Model T is negative ground, I assume the ammeter was different than an A, in that the magnet may be flipped so the needle moves the opposite direction.

Anyone know an easy way to spot an A ammeter from a T ammeter? Thanks
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Old 05-23-2017, 06:45 AM   #2
Frank Miller
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

The magnet could be flipped or the wires just reversed.
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Old 05-23-2017, 07:15 AM   #3
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

The 26-27 ammeter is the same as a model A, except the bezel is flat instead of ribbed. I have some but getting a photo to this computer is a pain. The earlier T ammeters are about twice the size.
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Old 05-23-2017, 07:22 AM   #4
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Tom, I found this online - Not sure if it's OEM but does appear to be NOS
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File Type: jpg Model T Ammeter.jpg (48.6 KB, 147 views)
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Old 05-23-2017, 08:27 AM   #5
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

In addition I believe the model T ammeter had Ford on the face plate,?, where the A did not.
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Old 05-23-2017, 09:13 AM   #6
Bruce Lancaster
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

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...and Ford sold a spacer ring so the late ammeter could be used as the service part for older T's.
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Old 05-23-2017, 09:21 AM   #7
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dollar Bill View Post
Tom, I found this online - Not sure if it's OEM but does appear to be NOS
Repros...
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Old 05-23-2017, 10:34 AM   #8
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

I thought the Model T one has the FORD Script.
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Old 05-23-2017, 10:55 AM   #9
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

The meter used in the T era did have Ford script on it, maybe the very early A's also (?). The meter does not care if - or + ground as long as the wires are hooked up the correct way for the system.
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Old 05-23-2017, 12:56 PM   #10
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dollar Bill View Post
Tom, I found this online - Not sure if it's OEM but does appear to be NOS
Repro, as Brent said. You can even see the brass through the window. Model A's had flat black paint over the brass.
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Old 05-23-2017, 01:45 PM   #11
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Tom, you do have my curiosity up when you wrote that comment regarding the magnet and the polarity of the ground. Care to expound on this??
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Old 05-23-2017, 05:09 PM   #12
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

This appears to be a nice original ammeter for the Model A, but the owner wanted me to flip the magnet so the yellow battery power wire would connect to the left post, the one closest to the center of the car. This way it would match up with the wiring diagram.

The magnet is very tight to the case, so removing it and installing it takes a lot of care to not damage the needle.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Ammeter 1.jpg (50.0 KB, 64 views)
File Type: jpg Wiring Schematic Model A Color.jpg (92.7 KB, 33 views)
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Old 05-23-2017, 07:14 PM   #13
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

I have seen original Ford A and T ammeters with the magnets installed both ways. I supposed that they have been worked on many times down through the years and some people just put the magnet back in without checking it. The original wire on a original 28-29 dash lamp is very short and will only fit on the closest ammeter terminal without stretching it very tight. I always turn the magnet so that the terminal closest to the dash lamp is the load side. I find ammeters at swap meets with black bezels and other than the black paint they look like the ones with the chrome bezels inside and outside. The mounting tabs on the original bezels are usually broke or will break when you mount them, so I usually install new reproduction chrome bezels on them.
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Old 05-24-2017, 05:47 AM   #14
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

The Model T is negative ground versus positive ground for the Model A. An original Model A ammeter installed in a Model T will run backwards. This is same for a Model T ammeter installed in a Model A. The magnet poles are reversed. The bezels on the Model T are flat.
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:57 PM   #15
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

All you have to do is swap the wires.
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:39 PM   #16
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Ammeter's Model A, mid 30's V8 and USA made replacement with Ford script, i didn't want to take the cover off to show magnet placement in replacement. Best I can tell is the Model A is original and it reads opposite of the V8. V8 and replacement read the same.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF4635.jpg (53.0 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4638.jpg (52.2 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4634.jpg (33.8 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4639.jpg (32.0 KB, 18 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4637.jpg (39.0 KB, 23 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4640.jpg (41.6 KB, 23 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF4643.jpg (37.6 KB, 24 views)
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:40 PM   #17
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

and one more of the backs;
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:54 PM   #18
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

The cheap repro's I've seen didn't have a magnet.
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Old 05-24-2017, 08:59 PM   #19
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
The cheap repro's I've seen didn't have a magnet.
The magnet on the one I got from Bratton's is part of the needle assembly.
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Old 05-24-2017, 09:07 PM   #20
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

I looked best I could thru the opening, I could not see a magnet around the inside of the case on the replacement.
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Old 05-25-2017, 08:53 AM   #21
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1930 coupe View Post
. The original wire on a original 28-29 dash lamp is very short and will only fit on the closest ammeter terminal without stretching it very tight.
The original dash lamps on both our '29 Tudor and '30 Roadster with the oval speedometer, always had the wire connected at the 'discharge' side post of the ammeter with the solid yellow wire. The wiring diagram shows it connected to the 'charge' side but yes I agree, that is a 'stretch' so I just leave it where it is. Especially with that old cracked insulation Not wanting to screw the lamps up trying to run a new piece of wire, I cheat by putting shrink wrap around it.
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Old 05-25-2017, 09:41 AM   #22
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Default Re: Ammeters Model A vs. Model T

I have a model t ammeter on my 1931 roadster, from way before they were being reproduced. it has a flat bezel, and ford script.
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