12 volt gauge question

[Binger]

I have tried the search tool and have had no luck. Is there a voltage gauge for a 12 volt system that works in a stock dash with out modifying the dash?

[dalton]

The ammeter should work on either 12 or 6 volt. Do you specifically need a volt meter or would the ammeter work?

[Binger]

I would rather not run a ammeter. I am building an OT traditional style coupe and am running a modern 12 volt wire harness. I don't want to run the extra high current wiring up under the dash. If I cant find a volt meter that fits in the hole I can run an ammeter. I have seen the 30 amp ones that would be needed for the alternator I am going to run.

[dalton]

I'm familiar with your car over on the HAMB. Not being an electrical expert, I guess that I don't know about additional current going through an ammeter that wouldn't go through a voltmeter.

Later i can go out to the garage and measure the extra bezel I have and at least get you a measurement.

[Binger]

Thanks Dalton. When wiring it up the main feed from the alternator runs through the ammeter and then feeds the fuse panel (I believe.) All the current feeding the entire system runs through it. A volt meter doesn't have the amperage running through it like a ammeter does. Its no big deal to wire it with an ammeter. I just didn't want to is all. I have several stock A ones. I will get the size and look for a gauge. I was hoping that a 'Barner' would know of a gauge. I will have to look. The A ammeter is smaller than most. this might be tricky to find.

[Y-Blockhead]

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No doubt a volt meter is safer than an ammeter but I think your going to have a hard time finding an analog gauge smaller than the standard 2 1/16". I have seen a 1 1/2" volt meter but I don't think the face would go with your "traditional style".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATM2356-Volt...BWGA5h&vxp=mtr

[RichardW]

Have you considered the small gauges that come three at a time?

[Binger]

Looking online I have seen a few 1-1/2" volt gauges. But not with vintage looking faces on them. The one I keep seeing is the same as the above link. I have already purchased the twin gauge set up that mounts to the bottom of where the dash mounts. I may consider using a 3 gauge set up and running a headlight switch where the ammeter is. I am going to keep looking.

[jrelliott]

Binger, is the 12V harness you mention similar to the original wiring? If so then the wire from the alternator will come up to the ammeter then go out. Current will go thru the ammeter, but you will have to connect the wire from the alternator to the wire going out to fuse block and tap off that point for the voltmeter and run the other side of the voltmeter to ground. You cannot wire the voltmeter in like the ammeter is now.

[Charlie Stephens]

If you decide on an original (or a repro of the original) run two wires from the output of your alternator. One goes directly to the battery and the other to the ammeter. Use each wire heavy enough to handle the entire current (see google). This will protect you in case your ammeter fails open (I hate those repro ammeters). Try to make the wires about the same length. Now only half of the current will go through your ammeter. If you can't remember put a big piece of tape on the dash and write on it "Double reading shown on ammeter". I doubt your alternator will put out 30 amps. If it does the belt is probably too tight and you will be wearing out water pumps.

Charlie Stephens

[bettlesr]

I found a small voltmeter, changed the lighting from blue to red and mounted it in an ammeter bezel. As my key is wired in the hot lead, I connected the voltmeter there. I don't remember where I got the voltmeter. Maybe Summit racing?
Good luck
Dick

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

...One goes directly to the battery and the other to the ammeter. Use each wire heavy enough to handle the entire current (see google). This will protect you in case your ammeter fails open (I hate those repro ammeters). Try to make the wires about the same length. Now only half of the current will go through your ammeter.

Charlie Stephens

Charlie, I like that idea. I don't like running 'Everything' thru the ammeter.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Binger

Looking online I have seen a few 1-1/2" volt gauges. But not with vintage looking faces on them. The one I keep seeing is the same as the above link. I have already purchased the twin gauge set up that mounts to the bottom of where the dash mounts. I may consider using a 3 gauge set up and running a headlight switch where the ammeter is. I am going to keep looking.

Take it apart ans bring it to a sign shop to have them print you up another face.

[Binger]

Thanks for the responses. I am going to build my wiring harness from scratch using new cloth covered wire and a fuse panel from a place called Centech. I have also been looking at a Ron Francis Fuse panel. I came across the differences in the wiring of ammeters and voltmeters when I did my OT wagon several years ago and know the differences in how they are hooked up. Bettlesr I like the look of that gauge you have. I will be looking for one with a similar face. I also hadn't considered having another face made. I like that idea also.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I "think" I've seen tiny rectangular, stick on voltmeters, with 2 skinny wires. One to a HOT & one to a GROUND. They don't need to be "switched", as they use very little current. A friend has a TACH that's similar.
Bill Simple

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Binger

... I am going to build my wiring harness from scratch using new cloth covered wire and a fuse panel from a place called Centech. I have also been looking at a Ron Francis Fuse panel...

I am using one of these fuse panels from Blue Sea Systems:

[duke36]

how about motorcycle gauges? Some may be smaller.

[captndan]

Look at the European gauges. They tend to be smaller that ours. I don't know if Europe has something like e-bay.

[Binger]

Originally Posted by CarlG

I am using one of these fuse panels from Blue Sea Systems:

Thanks. That panel looks good. I will check it out a little bit more.