volt meter and momentary switch

[steve1973]

According to the wiring schematic even if the ignition switch is in the off position you still get current to the volt gauge so yes, you want a switch. I believe the ignition switch only cuts power to the coil. All other items remain hot.

Steve A.

[Monkeypirate]

I wanted an original gauge but couldn't swing the cost, I went on Ebay and searched for "General electrics voltage gauges" and found a voltage gauge that was almost identical but is only 0-15 volts. It cost me $10.50 with shipping.  I am debating on weather to change the face out for the original style, but it would work as it is. Just another option for keeping the original look with out the high cost or years of searching.

[BombFarm]

I know it's not perfect, but after a number of years looking for something that would fit, look the right age, not AC, not milliamperes, or didn't top out at some ridiculous voltage here's what I found. I shoved it in the dash as soon as I got home to see if it really fit.
Just had to share.

[bud44750]

I just found a possible replacement for the 0-20 volt DC voltmeter. It is slightly less diameter than the standard Hickok ? 2 1/16 , the body that fits into the dash is 51.3 mm (2.02 inches) ( a smidge over 2 1/64 ) but it makes up for that by being under $ 8.00 whole dollars , including shipping !looks good from the front and will be better than a gaping hole for now. That and the modified door push button switch mentioned above and you are all set.  I ordered one and will post in a week or so after it arrives on how it worked. enclosed are some pictures of the gauge and dimensions

[bud44750]

New voltmeter arrived and fits perfectly, sure looks better than a cover or hole.  as you can see, still lots of work ahead.

[bud44750]

               I was just looking at the picture of an original voltmeter posted on another thread and noticed that the case of this one and the original are very  very similar, it's just the face that is not the same as this one has the international symbol for DC volts rather than  saying DC volts.                 
             For those that are handy, I bet the face plate could be changed, either screened or printed, to one made to match the original. One would then have a working gauge that looked nearly identical to an original to everyone but a very experienced restorer.

[bud44750]

Here is the picture from the other thread I mentioned( was upside down in the original, dash being worked on)

[andy]

I just got one of ebay, thanks!. Once its painted green to match dash no one will ever know muhhaaa

Andy

[andy]

I got mine today, but when hooked up the needle blows past 20 volt right the end. Did you test yours to verify its working correct? Tested  on a few different batterys
 

New voltmeter arrived and fits perfectly, sure looks better than a cover or hole.  as you can see, still lots of work ahead.

[bud44750]

No, I haven't checked, will do so tonight

[andy]

looks like it is a 6 volt system, put it on my lawn mower battery and worked fine

[bud44750]

I believe the answer can be found here

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_8/2.html

I will use some test equipment tonight  and see how much of a resistor needs to be inserted into the line to make it read 20 volts on full scale.
bud

[bud44750]

my precision power supply on the fritz, so just hooked it up to a 12 volt battery and seemed to work fine just as is, read 12 volts. will look into it further once power supply fixed and let you all know.
bud

[andy]

then mine must be a dud 

[bud44750]

if the meter movement moves , maybe just the resistor inside is bad. see if it will come apart and check via the web address in my previus post, you may be able to fix it easily
bud