dash and gauges
Thread Starter
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4wd High
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
dash and gauges
Hi I am new to this site and am rebuilding a 49 f1 with v8
need info on dash insert with gauges- am considering buying a new dolphin set up- will it work with current wiring?
should I keep looking for an old one??
thanks
need info on dash insert with gauges- am considering buying a new dolphin set up- will it work with current wiring?
should I keep looking for an old one??
thanks
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,769
From: Western NY
Stock sending units and gauges use a King-Seeley protocol. If straying from stock setup on either the gauges or the sending units, you must also do the other so it matches and they communicate appropriately. Non-stock setups will likely have different wiring requirements. Also, non-stock setups will most likely be for 12 volt negative ground installations, not the stock 6 volt positive ground.
To better direct you, it would be pertinent to know why you are seeking a dash replacement. Is it because the existing stock has faded/worn? Is it because a gauge or more is non-functional? Are you seeking a different look?
To better direct you, it would be pertinent to know why you are seeking a dash replacement. Is it because the existing stock has faded/worn? Is it because a gauge or more is non-functional? Are you seeking a different look?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,352
Likes: 5,374
From: Central PA
jgun, welcome to FTE the best Ford truck forum on the World wide Web!
I've got a 54 so I can't help you much but jmoran is spot on. Give us more info and others will be a long to help you too.
In the mean time show us pictures of the 49.
I've got a 54 so I can't help you much but jmoran is spot on. Give us more info and others will be a long to help you too.
In the mean time show us pictures of the 49.
Thread Starter
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4wd High
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
the truck has NO dash gauges, all missing. all wiring from engine redone but still in 6V pos ground.
your comments are what I was worried about. I have looked on ebay for old inserts and found 1 but ideas on where else to look?
thanks
your comments are what I was worried about. I have looked on ebay for old inserts and found 1 but ideas on where else to look?
thanks
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,769
From: Western NY
Your only real option is used/refurbished. eBay is a good source for used. You can then refurbish it yourself: https://myflatheadford.com/1948-1950...tion-kit-fail/
You can also use a rebuilder such as this: https://www.humphreyinstruments.com....board+Clusters
Beware - sometimes these clusters that are sold on the used market are done so because someone incorrectly hooked them up to 12V. This can cause damage the gauges necessitating replacement.
You can also use a rebuilder such as this: https://www.humphreyinstruments.com....board+Clusters
Beware - sometimes these clusters that are sold on the used market are done so because someone incorrectly hooked them up to 12V. This can cause damage the gauges necessitating replacement.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 806
Likes: 95
From: Madera Ranchos
Dolphin Instruments | Flagler County | Dolphin Gauges
Classic Instruments Gauges | All Models Parts | Dash Components | Gauges - Aftermarket | Sets | Classic Industries
Might want to contact Dolphin Instruments to see what they can do for you. I have never worked with Dolphin before so I cannot offer up much. I have worked with Classic Instruments and they have a great tech dept and will pretty much do anything a customer wants
Classic Instruments Gauges | All Models Parts | Dash Components | Gauges - Aftermarket | Sets | Classic Industries
Might want to contact Dolphin Instruments to see what they can do for you. I have never worked with Dolphin before so I cannot offer up much. I have worked with Classic Instruments and they have a great tech dept and will pretty much do anything a customer wants
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,769
From: Western NY
None of the Classic Industries or Dolphin offerings I've seen are drop in with the stock wiring setup. Going beyond that, most if not all of their aftermarket sending units will need mechanical and electrical adapters. This isn't saying those are necessarily BAD options, but you need to be aware that it isn't just drop in the dash and reuse everything else stock that is remaining. For what it is worth, all my trucks run stock clusters.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 150
From: High Ridge, MO
I switched to 12 v negative some time back. Then bought dolphins with new sending unit at the tank and they work fine and fit in place fine. I'm not experienced in keeping the 6 volt setup.
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Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,769
From: Western NY
Here is a recent thread on a refurbishment of a stock cluster: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...storation.html
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 248
Likes: 45
From: Iowa
The original gauges are simple. Just follow each seperately. Hopefully you have a wiring diagram. Good luck and ask questions if needed. I have a 302/AOD with original gauges using correct senders, converted to 12 V neg ground with voltage reducer.
Thread Starter
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4wd High
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
wiring ameter
has anyone rewired the original dash gauge from a '49 F1
the rear of the ameter looks like the wire simply "passes through" from the starter to the circuit breakers- there are no connections on back of the ameter
Is this correct??
thanks
the rear of the ameter looks like the wire simply "passes through" from the starter to the circuit breakers- there are no connections on back of the ameter
Is this correct??
thanks
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,769
From: Western NY
The wire simply passes through. This works because the current going through the wire induces a voltage in the encircling ring that then is used to move the amp gauge needle.