I converted my '49 to 12 volt, but kept the generator. As far as the
guages: 1) yes I am using the stock guages; 2) the ammeter works fine as
is, whether 6 or 12 volt; 3) the fuel guage had a voltage reducer put in
line (available from most vendors, I got mine from Chevy Duty) (use the
light duty one, not the heavy duty one such as for a radio or heater (these
also needs to be protected if going to 12 volt - these reducers are also
available from most vendors); 4) the oil pressure is unaffected by current
as it reads off the actual oil pressure. However, all the bulbs in the
instrument guages need to be 12 volt otherwise they will burn out as soon as
you put 12 volts to them. Make sure you change these before they blow,
otherwise the excess heat they generate before burning out (if you run a 6
volt bulb in a 12 volt system) will burn the red "filter" that is for the
bright light indicator (yes, speaking from experience).
Rob
----- Original Message -----
From: Terry Stellman <STELLMAN@noex.com>
To: Truck List (E-mail) <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 1999 7:28 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Gauges
> I have some questions for you guys who have converted to 12 volt and gone
to
> an alternator charging system.
>
> 1) What exactly did you do with your gauges?
>
> 2) Do you still use your amp gauge? Is it save to run a wire with that
> much juice to a terminal under the dash?
>
>
> I would really like to go to the modernized original gauges but the cost
is
> not realistic ($550). The cheap way to keep the original style gauges
would
> be to go with the GMC oil and temp and re-decal my original 80 mph
> speedometer but I question how effective the gauges are and I wonder how
> much trouble and cost I'll get into trying to calibrate my speedometer to
my
> TH400 transmission and 2.73 rearend. Any input and previous experience
> would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
>
>
> Terry Stellman
> 1949 3600
> Missouri City, Texas
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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