The Ford Barn

Maznblu · 09-14-2023, 11:58 PM

Hi All,

I am in the process of restoring a 1938 Ford 1/2 ton pickup truck and, as part of that process, am trying to find a replacement for the temperature gauge which someone, sometime in the past, cut the line and then replaced it with a modern temperature gauge mounted below the dash. So far, I have not had any luck finding an original or reproduction temperature gauge so I thought I'd post a message here in hopes someone might have one they would be willing to part with. I would hate to have to put another modern gauge on the truck after all this time, effort and money spent returning it to it's much more original condition. Thanks for any help you might be able to provide.

Tom

ford38v8 · 09-15-2023, 12:50 AM

Tom, my hat’s off to you for your quest for originality. The gauge you seek is not being reproduced, but is available in good used condition. Do not settle for a rebuilt, you’ll pay more, but worth the investment. A good unit will show red liquid at the bottom of the tube while cold, and rise to the 212f scribe mark on the tube when the bulb is submerged in boiling water. Air bubbles from improper storage can be removed by centrifical force. The tube is adjustable in the mount to line up the scribe mark with the gauge at 212f. Tube/bulb assemblies for ‘38 & ‘39 are interchangeable, but must mount in their correct faceplates. Expect to pay $150 and up.

Seth Swoboda · 09-15-2023, 08:43 AM

They are spendy but available. They'll run $200 for a nice NOS one.

51504bat · 09-15-2023, 09:39 AM

The temp gauge on my '39 p/u had the bulb cut off when I bought it. I got a quote form Williamson's to repair it which I thought was reasonable. In the end I decided to use two under dash gauges (one for each bank) since my truck isn't 100% original.
Williamson's Instruments, Inc. - Gauge Repair, Restoration (williamsons.com)

Maznblu · 09-15-2023, 11:18 PM

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Thank you all so much for your input which, as always, is invaluable (especially to the novice like me lol). All the best, Tom

09-14-2023, 11:58 PM	#1
Maznblu Junior Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 14	Temperature Gauge - 1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck Hi All, I am in the process of restoring a 1938 Ford 1/2 ton pickup truck and, as part of that process, am trying to find a replacement for the temperature gauge which someone, sometime in the past, cut the line and then replaced it with a modern temperature gauge mounted below the dash. So far, I have not had any luck finding an original or reproduction temperature gauge so I thought I'd post a message here in hopes someone might have one they would be willing to part with. I would hate to have to put another modern gauge on the truck after all this time, effort and money spent returning it to it's much more original condition. Thanks for any help you might be able to provide. Tom

09-15-2023, 12:50 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,646	Re: Temperature Gauge - 1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck Tom, my hat’s off to you for your quest for originality. The gauge you seek is not being reproduced, but is available in good used condition. Do not settle for a rebuilt, you’ll pay more, but worth the investment. A good unit will show red liquid at the bottom of the tube while cold, and rise to the 212f scribe mark on the tube when the bulb is submerged in boiling water. Air bubbles from improper storage can be removed by centrifical force. The tube is adjustable in the mount to line up the scribe mark with the gauge at 212f. Tube/bulb assemblies for ‘38 & ‘39 are interchangeable, but must mount in their correct faceplates. Expect to pay $150 and up. __________________ Alan

09-15-2023, 08:43 AM	#3
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,795	Re: Temperature Gauge - 1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck They are spendy but available. They'll run $200 for a nice NOS one. Last edited by Seth Swoboda; 09-15-2023 at 11:24 AM.

09-15-2023, 09:39 AM	#4
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,024	Re: Temperature Gauge - 1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck The temp gauge on my '39 p/u had the bulb cut off when I bought it. I got a quote form Williamson's to repair it which I thought was reasonable. In the end I decided to use two under dash gauges (one for each bank) since my truck isn't 100% original. Williamson's Instruments, Inc. - Gauge Repair, Restoration (williamsons.com) __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.

09-15-2023, 11:18 PM	#5
Maznblu Junior Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 14	Re: Temperature Gauge - 1938 Ford 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thank you all so much for your input which, as always, is invaluable (especially to the novice like me lol). All the best, Tom