Temp gauge question

[ford31]

why do most use a mechanical gauge instead of electric if you have 12 volt system?

[Bruce Lancaster]

Car nuts in general view mechanical gauges as superior, possibly an obsolete belief, and also a mechanical gauge of some sort is what a Model A owner would have had if he had installed some sort of aftermarket gauge in 1930; it can be or be disguised as a period accessory. 1930's ones were either Bourdon like modern or sometimes just a long tube thermometer, what Ford used as accessory in 1932 and as OEM later in 1930's.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lancaster

Car nuts in general view mechanical gauges as superior, possibly an obsolete belief, and also a mechanical gauge of some sort is what a Model A owner would have had if he had installed some sort of aftermarket gauge in 1930; it can be or be disguised as a period accessory. 1930's ones were either Bourdon like modern or sometimes just a long tube thermometer, what Ford used as accessory in 1932 and as OEM later in 1930's.

Electric temp guage could be period correct. My 1929 Chevy has an electric temp guage, but in 1930 Chevy used a tube filled with mercury or some other liquid.

[Dave @ Red Line]

I like the mechanical SW gauge, it looks "period", has a broad 270° sweep expanded definition at Model A operating temperature and starts reading at 100°F.

A's Always
Dave

[SteveM]

Here's a mechanical one, with the broad sweep Dave mentions:

and here's an electric one:


I like the look and the readability of the mechanical gauges. 20 degrees of temperature is a blip on the electrical gauge, but it's a significant angular change in the needle on the mechanical one.

Steve

[Bruce Lancaster]

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But don't assume the good face sweep...there are mechanical guges out there with cramped little arcs just like the electric.

[Charlie Stephens]

I am not sure where this thread is coming from or going but I thought I would add that there are reproductions of period oil and water gauges available from the vendors such as Bratton's. They also make gauge holders for the bottom of the dash or the steering column. I assume they still have them but I couldn't find it in their online catalog.

Charlie Stephens

[SteveM]

Here's the gauge holder from Brattons:


http://www.brattons.com/product.asp?...=any&PT_ID=all

and here's their repro oil pressure gauge:

http://www.brattons.com/product.asp?...=any&PT_ID=all

and water temp:

http://www.brattons.com/product.asp?...=any&PT_ID=all

Steve