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Our 53 F100 has it's original instrument gauge/speedo cluster intact. Being as it's the original, it was running on a 6 volt system. I'd like to retain it and reuse if possible with the newer 12 volt system present with our newer 2002 V8 engine/tranny. I think each gauge is still functional since the electrical conductivity across the terminals is low resistance. The voltmeter gauge doesn't have any terminals. Is there anyone else that's done this..i.e. adapted/converted this cluster over to a 12 system with success and what's involved ? It would be nice to get my hands on a wiring diagram/ schematic for a 53 F100..That would help in other areas..Is there an online site that would have this ?. I've seen in the past where there's a supplier that sells a 12 volt windshield wiper motor for this type conversion..
Our 53 F100 has it's original instrument gauge/speedo cluster intact. Being as it's the original, it was running on a 6 volt system. I'd like to retain it and reuse if possible with the newer 12 volt system present with our newer 2002 V8 engine/tranny. I think each gauge is still functional since the electrical conductivity across the terminals is low resistance. The voltmeter gauge doesn't have any terminals. Is there anyone else that's done this..i.e. adapted/converted this cluster over to a 12 system with success and what's involved ? It would be nice to get my hands on a wiring diagram/ schematic for a 53 F100..That would help in other areas..Is there an online site that would have this ?. I've seen in the past where there's a supplier that sells a 12 volt windshield wiper motor for this type conversion..
I am in the process of doing this to a 55 dash. The voltmeter gauge is actually an ammeter gauge. I replaced this gauge with a 12 volt voltmeter gauge from mid fifty's. For all of the other gauges I am using a 6 volt regulator to power the gauges. If using the old senders that should take care of the voltage differences.
These old trucks were wired to be positive ground so in addition you will have to convert it to negative ground. Basically remount the negative terminal of the battery to the frame and the positive terminal will go directly to the starter solenoid. The coil will need to have the leads flipped and a balance resistor added. I have pictures at home that I can post tonight to help out. Oh, and all of your light bulbs will need to be switched out for 12 volt variants. The increased voltage will burn them out.
It is a fairly common build item. You need three things, to make the original gauges work. First, you need to replace the 6 volt bulbs with 12 volt. Then, you need a voltage reducer. Ford used them, on many, if not all, vehicles from 55 through the late 70's. https://www.ebay.com/i/283169623491?...a7b388ffe9a609
They are available for numerous suppliers. There are other types, but this one is common. Keep in mind, it is only the fuel gauge that needs the reducer. The ammeter is discussed below. The oil and temp gauges are direct to their respective senders and you change the bulbs to 12 volt.
Looking at a couple wiring diagrams, of the 55 cluster, appears to indicate it has the same "hall effect", ammeter connection the earlier F1s have. In that case, the second thing you need is to run your ignition wire through the ammeter loop, on the back of the gauge. Since you are reversing polarity, you'll need to assure the direction of the 6 volt wire, then reverse that direction for the 12 volt wire.
Not sure on your year of truck, on my 49 F1 with 302 I had to buy original sending units for the flat head to work with my original gauges. Lucked out and the size and threads were what I needed. I got them from after market suppliers. Hope this helps
I'm still searching for my '53 wiring diagram... it should surface in a month or two while I'm looking for something else... in the mean time here's some info you might find useful (or not) on general, non-year-specific wiring stuff... two pictures and a couple of word documents... I've got a couple of power point (.ppt) files but the site won't let me attach them... I can email of you want them also... back to the wiring diagram search
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