Re: Temp gauge works backwards
 

From what you´re saying i suspect someone transplanted in a meter and sender that works the other way.
Taking a meter from an early Jeep would be acting like this...and the face of the meter and needle fits to the jeep unit perfectly...only way to know for sure is to take the meter out and look.
So that the faceplate and needle looks the same doesn´t mean the meter itself is the original.

Re: Temp gauge works backwards
 

I was reading some material about the 1951/52 gauge clusters and it seemed to indicate that these type units were used much longer after that era for package trucks and some were even 12-volt units. If yours has 1951 on it then it should be OEM unless someone opened it up and put one of the later temp gauge units in it. If that is the case, it may need a later vintage sender but could still be problematic if it is for 12-volt. I have no idea what sender might make it work. If the gauge is bad then no sender will ever make it work correctly.

Be careful if you are looking for an NOS or replacement cluster. You might run into one of the later 12-volt set ups since they look nearly identical to the original 51/52 units.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...gauge-set.html

Re: Temp gauge works backwards
 

Here is a picture of 1951 passenger car gauges removed from the cluster. They are marked Fuel, Oil and Temp and show that the Temp gauge is reversed from the others with no electrical connection. The markings are hidden by the cluster. Odd that you would have your temp gauge different.

Re: Temp gauge works backwards
 

If you look them up on google or flea-pay you will see some units with the needle on C and some with the needle on H. Some of the new gauge units with 1C- prefix have the needle on H but they appear to be white background. My memory of my Pop's old 52 F3 was that they had a silver background but it's been a lot of years since I drove that old truck.

Re: Temp gauge works backwards
 

Your memory is working well. They are silver with black indicatetors . I'm in Myrtle beach South Carolina getting ready for a hurricane that apparently isn't coming here now. When I get home I'll pull the gauge and look closer for signs of it being replaced but I don't expect to find that. Thanks