capillary temp gauge available or modification??

[drcw71]

G'day all,


I have a Ford truck with 38-40 gauges, the temp gauge is the capillary type and requires a fluid tube from the sender to the gauge.


Are these still available or is there a modification to change it over to electric?


Has anyone had this issue before or how did you overcome it?


Thanks in advance

[deuce lover]

In 1940, Ford (USA)went to the electric gauge.There are NOS 38-39 ones out there.There might be a member here that has one or try The Early Ford Store in San Dimas,CA has a couple I think.You can have yours repaired .Last one I had done cost me $175 2 yrs ago.They actually replace the entire line,armor and bulb. with a new one. I know not of an electric mod .You can always buy an aftermarket mechanical gauge and hang it under the dash.

[Andy]

I remember a fix that was in V8 Times decades ago. Get a new mechanical gage. You freeze the bulb so the line is not going to leak vapor/fluid. Get a sleeve and solder the new line to the old gage.

[51504bat]

Williamson's in Arkansas can rebuild it.

[ford38v8]

The original fluid is banned, and the replacement fluid quickly fades to clear.

[35fordtn]

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Originally Posted by drcw71

G'day all,


I have a Ford truck with 38-40 gauges, the temp gauge is the capillary type and requires a fluid tube from the sender to the gauge.


Are these still available or is there a modification to change it over to electric?


Has anyone had this issue before or how did you overcome it?


Thanks in advance

In all actuality electric temp gauges first appeared in 1938 I have a few NOS. They fit the passenger car gauge cluster but their original intention was for busses and rear engined special truck applications. NOS capillary tube gauges are still available but expensive.

Sheldon, who are you using for repair? I’ve had two at Williamson’s for 10 months.

[deuce lover]

Michael, Although Williamson's is good and I have used them in the past I switched to John Wolf & Co in OH.For me it was a 2 wk turnaround for the temp line only after receiving my 33 dualtemp.They assured me that their fluid does not fade and 2 yrs later still excellent.
Here is a link:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...CZQCmLEjxOnXnW

[35fordtn]

Sheldon, thanks!

[drcw71]

Thanks all for the info.
Being Australian is is more than likely that we continued to use the older parts in our vehicles until the new parts change occurred, which may be 1 to 2 years after the USA production.


I will look into a repair of the gauge and that should include a new bulb and line (which is missing), only have the gauge.


Thanks

[deuce lover]

Email John Wolf Co and include a pic of what you have to see what your options are.The glass tube with partial line needs to be there.