are any of you using an aftermarket fuel gauge? if so, what kind and where did you mount it? did you need to replace the tank sender?

 

I used these Dolphin gauges. They are 12v neg ground gauges. Yes...if you go this route you'll need a matching gas gauge sending unit.

 

Hey Dan's 51,
We used after market Autometer Classic series gauges. You will need
a modern sender unit in your tank for this to work. I think our's uses an ohm range 0-240 ohms for empty to full. The older gauges go something like 10-90 ohms.

Good luck over there!

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

ok. i've decided to go with the dolphin gauges. what size gauge package, neither of their sizes match the existing hole size in my 51 original dash(4 3/8 approx)? do these gauges include mounting hardware and sending units? is the speedo able to be adjusted for correct speed?

 

If you go with the Dolphin gauges, the cluster gauges are 3-3/8 inches. The billet bezel will serve as a filler for the 4-3/8 holes in the dash. These dimensions are for the 1951 & 1952 version with two gauge clusters. You have two options for the speedo. The mechanical version (what I used)....you'll need to route a cable from the speedo output on the transmission to the gauge. The gauge has a standard 5/8" input. For the transmission end you'll need a cable end that is the right style for whatever transmission you have. I have a Ford C6 which has a standard Ford auto trans end, but there are a variety of gears that need to be selected based on your rear end gear ratio and your tire size. The option is an electronic sender which has a sending unit at the trans which you have to select based on whatever trans you have. You have to run a pair of wires up to the speedo for that.

Since I went with the mechanical unit, I bought a Lokar universal cable with a Ford C6 end. Those are cut to fit and you have to swage a square drive piece on the speedo end...easy to do and they provide a single use swaging tool with the kit.

To mount the bezels, I took the easy road...I drilled and countersunk two holes in the dash for each bezel.

The Dolphin kit comes with three LEDs....for the turn signals and high beam indicator. The kit also comes with all of the necessary sending units. The instructions for the gas tank sending unit are confusing, but in the end I was able to figure out how to shorten the rod to tailor it to my tank.

There is one other thought. The sending unit has a 5 hold screw pattern and your stock F1 tank has a 6 screw pattern. Speedway sells an adapter that works well.

Dan

 

thanks so much for the info. i ordered the 51-52 gauge set from dolphin gauges. can't wait to get them so i can continue on the interior rehab and eventually get back on the road. i have the original flathead and 4 speed trans.