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Old 12-02-2014, 06:28 PM   #1
29er
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Default Original Amp-meter Restoration

A while ago there were a few threads about obtaining reliable amp-meters. I've had a couple of repops that were less than satisfactory, so I purchased an original from Bert's and am cleaning it up.

Inside there's a sort of gasket that's round in diameter and holds in the plate to which the needle attaches (this is not my photo, but one I lifted from another thread):



To complete my restoration, I need to remove the original gasket and replace it with something.

But what? What was the original made of and what can be used to replace it?

Many thanks!
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Old 12-02-2014, 07:51 PM   #2
SteveB31
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Default Re: Original Amp-meter Restoration

It is just thick paper. Get a sheet of thin cardboard (like a file folder) and a razor blade and cut one out.
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Old 12-03-2014, 12:10 PM   #3
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Default Re: Original Amp-meter Restoration

Thanks Steve. Yup, got the paper gasket figured out. Once I remove the bezel, glass and face plate, I'm left with what's shown above in my post #1.

Now, I'd like to remove the interior plate to which is attached the needle and round-headed bolts. There is some rust and peeling paint that needs to be cleaned up, and the interior needs to be repainted.

I've made the special tool described by Tom W to remove the screws from the backing plate (thanks, Tom) and have successfully accomplished that.

My problem is that there is a metallic retainer that holds the interior plate in place, and it won't budge. The retainer is clearly shown in the photo above in post #1. You can see it as the circular metal rod just inside the housing... the one that is not quite an entire circle.

Is this retainer ring removable? I can't get it to move easily and don't want to force it. If it is removable, but just stuck because of rust, can I safely apply penetrating oil to loosen it?

If it's not removable, what's the best way to proceed with cleaning and re-painting?

Many thanks!
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Old 12-03-2014, 03:11 PM   #4
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Original Amp-meter Restoration

That is not a retainer, but is a magnet. If you remove it be sure it goes back exactly the same as it came out. If you turn it over the meter will read backwards.
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Old 12-03-2014, 08:04 PM   #5
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Default Re: Original Amp-meter Restoration

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AHA!

Thanks Tom. Well, now that the cat's outta the bag that my PhD's NOT in electricity I boned up on ammeters and after learning more about how they work I can report our children IS learning Thanks... my world's a little bigger!

I applied a little penetrating oil and carefully separated the slightly-rusted magnet from the case and was able to remove the innards.

I'm ready to clean things up, re-paint, test it and install it in my car.

Another oldie saved and lots learned along the way.

Thanks for the lesson.
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