And how did you step down the voltage?

I made a voltage divider out of some 8 ohm 20 watt resistors I had in the scrap pile. It works but the resistors (surprise) get hot!

Near as I can tell the voltage divider is the cheapest and easiest way to do it, but I need to solve the heat problem. There's a wide variety of 50 and 100 watt resistors available on fleaBay but I don't know what would work for this.

ETA: I did try the straight 12 volts to the panel but the fuel gauge did not read properly, when I stepped the voltage down it worked.

 

Ford used a stepdown voltage reg for the dash in it's vehicles from the time they switched well into the 80's
Do a google for ford instrument voltage

 

I am a new member to FTE and this is my first post. I have been researching the same issue and have found several parts houses that have voltage reducers available. One reducer in particular handles all three gauges (Oil, Gas, & Temp). I plan on using it on my 1950 F-1. Here is a link that may help you out with your Instrument Panel. 12 volt - 6 volt Oil, Gas, Temp Vintage Gauge Reducer Good Luck!

 

Save your money! Try this one, does all three gauges and is adjustable.

12V to 6V Voltage Reducer for Gauges Solid State All Makes Lifetime GUARANTEE | eBay

 

Hey ALBUQ F-1. I just checked out the reducer you recommended, but it says it is not compatible with my 50' F-1. Are you using it in your 52?

Joe

 

I think the reason it doesn't show it as compatible, is because Ford didn't start using them until 1956, when they started using 12 volt systems in their trucks. You would be using it as a custom application, converting your 6 volt truck to 12 volts.

 

That eBay "compatibility selector" assumes your '50 is 6v positive ground, so it says it won't work.... and it wouldn't if your 50 were still 6v. But it's not. As the auction says: "This also works if you have upgraded your electrical system from a 6 volt system to a 12 volt system, and it even helps if you have converted from a generator to alternator (which causes jumping needles)."

Yes, I'm using it. Works very well, smoother voltage output than a CVR.

Edit: Effie beat me to it

 

Thanks to the both of you (Albuq / Effie) for the info and for clearing up my eBay ignorance. Any and all help I can get will make my F-1 project easier. FORD FOREVER!

 

Ross....this one is listed as the new type on MACs...your ebay one may be my fix too

1948-1955 Ford Pickup Truck Voltage Reducer - MAC's Antique Auto Parts

same or similar??

 

Those may just be a zener dode inside a fancy can, who knows? There are many ways to skin the cat if you do an Advanced Search, one member even put up a do-it-yourself voltage regulator using solid-state components (essentially like the eBay piece).

 

I have voltage reducers on mine. Been working fine for years.

 

FWIW, I believe all solid state IVR's are 12v negative ground, and can't be reversed to positive ground (unless made that way as an aftermarket piece). Of course, anyone ditching their 6v positive ground set up is usually going to 12v negative ground anyway.

What does this matter? it means there's no turning back to stock without having to redo the whole thing again. uf da.

bimetal, though not as constant, don't care, lol.