6 volt to 12
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Halstead, Ks
6 volt to 12
Installed 302 of unknown year in 55 panel truck, converted to 12 volts. How do I get guages to work properly? Replaced oil and temp. senders with new 1955 replacements but guages work as if the sending units were a dead short.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,776
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
You need a voltage reducer/regulator for your gauges. All Fords thru the 70's used one for the gauge cluster. Don't keep them hooked up to straight 12V or you'll fry them. Ford kept gauges at 6V a long time.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 561
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From: Minneapolis
You need a Runtz voltage regulator, which will convert an input of 8-20 Volts to 6 Volts, one each gauge: FUEL, OIL, TEMP. The ammeter (BATT) is inductive; it passes by the back of the gauge. If you change the direction of the wire, it will read properly. Otherwise, it will read backwards.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
...instead of the 3 Runtz's, you can do what Ford did, use a single Constant Voltage Regulator, or CVR, available at NAPA. It feeds all three gauges. Just cut it in to the existing lead to the gauges.NAPA ECHIR1 $24.99
(they list it as an "instrument regulator")
(they list it as an "instrument regulator")
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 561
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From: Minneapolis
Definitely only one Runtz per gauge; you need to keep the circuits separate to function properly. If you try it on one, it should work fine. To test the gauges, apply 1.5 Volts DC across the terminals. Within about 20 seconds the pointer should come to rest at the center of the gauge, or close to it.
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joefordman
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jul 19, 2008 11:02 AM
