Hey guys, I am restoring a 1951 ford truck. I have put in a new 12/v wiring harness.If i am correct the truck was ran with a 6/v system.I would like to use the original gauges that came on the truck.Can i? all the sending units are electric except the temp. On the back of the cluster is a screw with a jumper to each of the gauges. If i can use them would i just attach the power wire and then the wire comming from each sender? i dont want to just try it and see if it works without knowing because of the 12/v switch. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

You might give this book a try: Book - The Official 12 Volt Conversion Guide - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

Speedway also sells voltage reducers like this: Runtz 12 Volt to 6 Volt Reducers - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

If you want to use a 12v system for starting and charging, but keep your original gauges, you will need to step the voltage back down to 6v for each of the old gauges. DC to DC conversion has become very small and reliable in the last few years, so these devices can work well. You'll need a different setup for anything with a motor in the circuit.

Keep in mind that the original wiring routed the charging circuit though the amp meter gage and then to the rest of the truck. Some of that wiring is getting pretty old.

Dan

 

Here's some reading for you...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ck-gauges.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...onversion.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-on-ebay.html

There's more to a 12v conversion than the gauges, but that seems to be the aspect most people struggle with.

 

United Speedometer in Ca.