03-22-2018, 07:09 PM | #1 |
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Model A Gauges
Raining here today with nothing to do so I started thinking (that's bad right there!). My Model A came with a water temperature gauge installed when I bought it. I have an old Motor Minder gauge I am thinking about installing. 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.
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03-22-2018, 07:58 PM | #2 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Keep it SIMPLE & your eyes on the ROAD!
Bill Safe
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03-22-2018, 08:28 PM | #3 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
No Model As came to Australia in 1931 so no one has seen an original 1931 steering column support bracket and they are not available in RHD. I made them for the 28/9 model and 30/31. I put a thick web at the back of the pattern so it could be drilled and tapped to hold a plate on which I mount instruments and warning lights. On the most used driver car I have, there are oil pressure (pressurised middle main bearing) and temp gauges along with lights for turn signals, charge and high beam. There is also an old watch stuck there with blue tack.
The location is perfect.
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03-22-2018, 08:30 PM | #4 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Agree with Bill. I will only have the original gas gauge, ammeter, and speedometer.
Nothing else. Mine had an oil filter which I removed and it had a temp gauge which I also removed. Both looked like they leaked and were just more things likely to break.
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03-23-2018, 07:44 AM | #5 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I wouldn't be game to try what I do in my A without the internal alterations to the motor and some instruments to keep me informed about what is happening in there. Try doing 12-15,000 miles in one trip at 50 mph while towing a trailer weighing about a tonne with the original instrumentation and not wondering all the time how things are going in there or when is it going to break. Sorry, but the original instruments are not enough for my kind of use. Henry limited what he put in there because of cost, not because extra instrumentation wasn't a good idea.
For a putter around town a few times a year, fine but........
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03-23-2018, 08:09 AM | #6 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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03-23-2018, 08:14 AM | #7 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I have em'; don't use them.
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03-23-2018, 08:40 AM | #8 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
One Guy used little Vienna Sausage cans, painted BLACK, for Gauge mounts. Mounted them under the Dash Rail. Another Guy used LARGE PVC Pipe caps, for mounts. Another Guy just "engineered" IDIOT LIGHTS. He carried a SCHEMATIC of his system, in his door pocket, along with a TEST LIGHT!--LOL
Bill W.
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03-23-2018, 10:21 AM | #9 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I fully understand the KISS principle but while on tour, as Synchro says, it is a good thing to be able to monitor the engine and prevent something bad happening.
The Motor Minder that I mentioned, while not essential, can also be used in diagnosing engine problems and tuning. |
03-23-2018, 12:32 PM | #10 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Here's mine: Tach on the left, Water Temp on the right. Gage holder came from Bert's
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03-23-2018, 01:31 PM | #11 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I have always added an oil pressure gauge. At least you know the oil is still flowing.
Never needed temperature gage. That’s one area I spend a lot of time making sure things are right. Runs between 160 and 170 degrees even on the hottest of days. Enjoy. |
03-23-2018, 02:21 PM | #12 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
For my money, gauges are a solution looking for a problem (and possibly creating one). I don't see much percentage in making a simple thing complicated without a clear and significant benefit.
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03-23-2018, 02:53 PM | #13 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I like to apply this philosophy to Model A's
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03-23-2018, 03:53 PM | #14 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
That's similar to what I do. Instruments easily read and not in the way.
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03-23-2018, 04:39 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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03-23-2018, 04:42 PM | #16 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
Yes. That’s the one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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03-23-2018, 06:09 PM | #17 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I tour and my APO temp gauge saved an engine. Developed a rad. hose leak on lower while on tour in mountains. I noticed the temp rising stopped and repaired before an overheat! Have you priced an engine rebuild lately? An ounce of prevention for me folks. Going to the ice cream joint on Sundays not so much.
IMHO to each their own. I also have a motor meter looks cool but damage already done by the time it blows its top. |
03-23-2018, 06:45 PM | #18 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I have a TI on my Town Sedan. Only problem is I have to keep pulling over to the side of the road to check it.
Last edited by Ruth; 03-23-2018 at 06:55 PM. |
03-23-2018, 08:10 PM | #19 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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.
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03-24-2018, 12:31 AM | #20 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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... |
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03-24-2018, 08:23 AM | #21 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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.
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03-24-2018, 10:22 AM | #22 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. Last edited by 700rpm; 03-24-2018 at 10:40 AM. |
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03-24-2018, 10:36 AM | #23 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
... double post deleted
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03-24-2018, 12:54 PM | #24 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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.
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03-24-2018, 01:52 PM | #25 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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 . |
03-25-2018, 04:29 PM | #26 |
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03-26-2018, 07:38 AM | #27 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Chief said, "The wafting SMELL from the overflow tube, will tell you when it's running TOO HOT"!!
Bill Nose
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03-26-2018, 07:54 AM | #28 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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03-26-2018, 05:05 PM | #29 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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.
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03-26-2018, 05:22 PM | #30 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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 |
03-27-2018, 02:43 AM | #31 |
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03-27-2018, 11:04 AM | #32 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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03-27-2018, 11:17 AM | #33 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Both gauges are Autometer
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03-28-2018, 03:45 PM | #34 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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.
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03-28-2018, 03:47 PM | #35 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Pictures didn't upload.........here they are:
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06-29-2018, 11:54 PM | #36 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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06-30-2018, 11:22 AM | #37 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Ouch!
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03-17-2023, 08:50 PM | #38 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Al, is your car a 6V, and if it is, what bulbs did you use? Thx
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03-18-2023, 04:20 PM | #39 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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.
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03-19-2023, 03:00 PM | #40 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Scckayak, yes, my pickup is 6 volts, but I don't use bulbs in them because I drive very infrequently at night.
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03-19-2023, 04:57 PM | #41 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
I'm glad this was brought up again. I'm getting pretty good at shifting my AA truck's 4 speed tranny, but for the life of me, I suck at downshifting. In my mind I can see through that transmission housing and visualize the gears getting damaged. I thought if I had a tachometer, it would help me select a proper RPM to match the engine speed to the transmission during a downshift. I don't know it this would help or not, but I'm welcoming suggestions for an authentic looking tachometer and where to get it.
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03-19-2023, 06:44 PM | #42 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
stickshift I am no expert, but arent you trying to match the drive shaft RPM to the gear. Hence you are not trying to match the engine RPM. I guess you would use the engine to get the RPM above and then let it drift down through the RPM you are trying to hit though.
The more you drive it, the better you get at it? Maybe it's a practice makes perfect thing. |
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03-19-2023, 07:13 PM | #43 | |
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Re: Model A Gauges
Quote:
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03-19-2023, 10:45 PM | #44 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
When downshifting, you have raise the engine RPM a lot higher than you think it should be. When you find the sweet spot, practice, practice, practice.
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03-20-2023, 03:55 PM | #45 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
And the transmission oil being warned up makes a difference on the efficivness of the double-clutching too.
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03-20-2023, 04:12 PM | #46 |
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Re: Model A Gauges
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