Thread: Modifiying stock guages

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I have a 28 model Hup that has a nice original guage cluster. I would like to use the instrumentation but Im wondering since it was 6 volt how or can I make it work with 12 volts and late model running gear. The stock instrumentation has amps, oil (pressure fed), fuel (pressure fed), and MPH. Thanks in advance for any info.

For the electric gauges Radio Shack sells converters to bring down the voltage from 12 to 6. The amp meter depending on the type could be used as is. Some early amp meters only showed draw so they ran the main lead thru a ring on the back side of the gauge before it goes to the fuse box or various loads. Back in the 60s you could get a large resistor(wire wound) and some of those were adjustable. They may even still be around check ebay.

I have found that a instrument voltage regulator from a mid to late 60s ford car or truck works well for all the electrical gauges except for the the amp gauge,12 volt ford gauges are actually 6 volts and use the IRV to drop the voltage. I used one from a 69 F100 on my 55 sunliner and so far its working and I think on your 28 the only gauge you will have to drop is the gas gauge as the temp and oil should be mechanical. Jeff

Originally Posted by junkyardjeff

I have found that a instrument voltage regulator from a mid to late 60s ford car or truck works well for all the electrical gauges except for the the amp gauge,12 volt ford gauges are actually 6 volts and use the IRV to drop the voltage. I used one from a 69 F100 on my 55 sunliner and so far its working and I think on your 28 the only gauge you will have to drop is the gas gauge as the temp and oil should be mechanical. Jeff

1960's and 1970's Mopars have 6v instrumentation, you can still get the regulators they use from the dealership parts counter

There is a company (have seen ads), but cannot recall right off hand, but you can send complete cluster, and they will update, and restore to look like original, except amps. They will convert amps to volts, but you would have to look for it to know wasn't original. If you want to go this route, let me know, and I am sure I can find info on the company. I am sure not cheap, that is why I have not looked into it in depth for the 48 DeSoto.

Jack

I havn't done any business with them yet but probably will when the time comes. I looks like they do what I need. United Speedometer is the name.

Originally Posted by moparjack44

There is a company (have seen ads), but cannot recall right off hand, but you can send complete cluster, and they will update, and restore to look like original, except amps. They will convert amps to volts, but you would have to look for it to know wasn't original. If you want to go this route, let me know, and I am sure I can find info on the company. I am sure not cheap, that is why I have not looked into it in depth for the 48 DeSoto.

Jack

may be redline guage I believe they are here in so. california

Thanks for the replys. Im thinking I may just try to use the housing and place some new guages inside of it.