Model A Gauges

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

My Neighbor has a gauge that shows the temp, INSIDE & OUTSIDE his HOUSE---LOL
Just send the Dog outside & see if he comes back with COLD or HOT Ears!
Bill W.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

And just how, pray tell, is adding a gauge going to "create a problem". With your logic maybe we should all remove our ammeters too!

If someone wants to monitor their engine while driving, what is it to you? It is not exactly a modification that can't be removed, like say chopping the top...

It has always been my personal policy to keep my A’s all stock and as Henry built them. That way I know what troubles to anticipate and how to fix them. And observation of modified cars has proven that problems may and often do arise when unauthorized and unnecessary modifications are made. That’s why I said “possibly cause a problem”. I wasn’t trying to tell anybody what to do with their car. It was simply a cautionary tale based on my experience. Sorry if it put your nose out of joint.

[700rpm]

... double post deleted

[1930-Pickup]

In Quality & Reliability Engineering, there is the term 'Mean Time Between Failures' (MTBF). It's a formula that mathematically determines the statistical probability of a system or component failure, and the time frame of that failure.

One of the key variables in this equation is the number of parts used in a system. Effectively, the formula can show that as you add more parts, the system reliability decreases, and the MTBF decreases. More parts equals more failures. Henry knew this very well.

I like gauges anyway. However, the failure of a gauge could cause a problem...for example: an oil line could fail between the engine and the oil pressure gauge, potentially squirting hot oil in your lap.

I took some steps to mitigate the lower MTBF created by the addition of gauges. In the case of the oil pressure gauge, I made sure to use only top quality materials in the lines, fittings, and clamps. Also, I made certain that the lines are routed and secured to prevent chaffing and vibration (stress fatigue cracks). Also, I added a shut-off valve at the engine block so that the entire oil pressure gauge system can be locked out, but the motor can continue to run. Lastly, the gauge and lines are periodically visually inspected.

Did these mitigations eliminate the posibility of a failure? No, but it did, mathematically anyway, increase the MTBF. Only time will confirm the expected results.

[john charlton]

We did have the 1931 indented cowl here in UK so the RHD steering column support part number AF3520-D was used . An ideal place to mount extra gauges but would mean drilling a mounting hole in the bracket . They do turn up at swap meets but are fairly rare .

John in cool dark Suffolk County England .

[Ruth]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by CarlG

Yes. That’s the one.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Carl, If you have a picture and it is not too much trouble can you post a side view picture so I can see how far away from the gas tank it is? I like the way yours looks.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Chief said, "The wafting SMELL from the overflow tube, will tell you when it's running TOO HOT"!!
Bill Nose

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup

Here are two gauges I added to my CCPU. A 1930s National oil pressure gauge, and a 1940s Auto-Lite mechanical water temperature gauge.

The gauges are mounted in a modified Model T instrument panel. Faux patina was added to 'sort-of' match the rest of the truck.

No real Model A parts were harmed in the making of this accessory.

I like it!! lol

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Carl, If you have a picture and it is not too much trouble can you post a side view picture so I can see how far away from the gas tank it is? I like the way yours looks.

Not the best quality, but maybe you can get the idea.

I did modify (shorten) the gauge holder a little just to get the gauges in the exact spot I wanted them. You may or may not have to do that in your car.

[Ruth]

Carl, thank you so much. I like your setup better than any I have seen yet. I'll have to start saving my plastic bottle money for one of those mounts.
Thanks again for the pictures, Ruth

[old31]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Here's mine: Tach on the left, Water Temp on the right. Gage holder came from Bert's

Carl, whos rpm gauge are you using?

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by old31

Carl, whos rpm gauge are you using?

I shouldn't be answering for Carl but it appears to be an Auto Meter.

[CarlG]

Both gauges are Autometer

[AL in NY]

Here's a couple photos of my gauge setup. The tach is a 1946 vintage Sun tach that I'm running with an upgraded sending unit. I replaced the 1.35 volt battery with a solid state variable power supply. I like the tach because it looks period Model A and works great.

[AL in NY]

Pictures didn't upload.........here they are:

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Ruth

I am wondering what other gauges (oil, tach, etc) other Ford Barn members have in installed in their Model As. Any pictures of how you have them mounted? Thanks.

Here ya go...

[J Franklin]

Ouch!

[Scckayak]

Al, is your car a 6V, and if it is, what bulbs did you use? Thx

[mcgarrett]

I bought the Rexaco water temp gauge from Bratton's and got a black metal gauge cup on Amazon that fit the gauge perfectly and came with a mounting bracket that uses a hose clamp. Clamped it to the top of the steering column. I like it better up high so I don't have to look down low under the dash to see it and helps me keep my eyes on the road.

[AL in NY]

Scckayak, yes, my pickup is 6 volts, but I don't use bulbs in them because I drive very infrequently at night.