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Need some help on my 53 Flat head. I have finally given up in the old 6 volt system and am converting to a 12 volt system. I’ve got everything up and working except the following. The Fuel Gauge, Temp Gauge and Oil Gauge are all on the same circuit. Question is what ohm and wattage resister to install? <O</O<O
The other item left out is the Wiper Motor. Same question as above. What ohm and wattage resister to install. <O</O
Any help you can provide would be a great help.<O></O> Steve
For everything but the wiper (and heater motor), most people have used a stock late-50's early '60's "CVR" (constant voltage regulator), you can get them at NAPA or the Ford dealer. Ford never really changed the gauges when they went 12v, they just broke the voltage down with the CVR. Just as many have hooked the gauges up to 12v and had no problems (calibration may change).
Most people have no luck with a resistor for the wiper or heater motor, because they just flat draw too much. Think "hair dryer" -- the resistor throws off a ton of heat and burns up. As popular as the 53-56's are I'd bet someone is making 12v replacements. For the heater motor you can find a similar 12v motor on many Fords of the '60's (Econolines in particular).
I don't think it doubles, because these gauges aren't resistance units. They use a bimetal heating element and "pulse" the gauge with full voltage (6v). Anyway, worth a try.