Hudson gauge cluster 12v conversion

snowshoe90aolcom

I will be installing a used gauge cluster in my '51 and I need the gauges converted to 12v. The car has been changed over and I've been reading about Runtz and other makers of 12 to 6v reducers/regulators etc., but maybe someone can give me more information on what works and what doesn't. Do I just lower the voltage before the bi-metal 6v gauge regulator that is with the used cluster or is it best to remove the 6v regulator and replace it with one modern regulator for each gauge (temp & fuel) as Runtz requires. Any information is appreciated. Terry

Park_W

I'd replace the original instrument voltage regulator with a solid-state type. One that should work well is from Dennis Carpenter Ford products. It's designed to replace the regulator in early 12v Ford products, which were technically same as the Hudson gauges (same manufacturer). Carpenter's part nr D-10800, $35.

[Deleted User]

That is what I have in my 53 Hornet and has been working for 140,000 miles. Walt.

snowshoe90aolcom

Thanks I will presume that the Ford part will control voltage to both gauges...does it reduce the voltage or will I be adding a reducer upstream. Terry

bob ward

The temp and fuel gauges are both very low power devices, one 12V to 6V electronic device in place of the old mechanical regulator will be sufficient to run them both.

Strictly speaking your new regulator should be supplying 5V. According to the manual the bimetal regulator was designed to give an average 5V supply from an 8V input.

Its not too hard to DIY a regulator. I trot these photos out every now and then of a 5V one I made, its a drop in replacement for a cluster in a 53.

snowshoe90aolcom

Thanks, I will be buying the Ford part- building one is beyond my capabilities. I noticed my temp sending unit has a small resistor added to the end of the wire, so I'm sure that will have to come off also. As for the two tell-tale lights, I'm not sure how to approach that...maybe just go with mechanical add on gauges. There were five mechanical/electric gauges where the old cluster was on the dash I removed(only the temp worked) so I'm trying to slowly sort through someone else's build. Terry

J Spencer

As far as the tell-tale lights all that is required is to change to a 12v bulb. Can't recall the # at the moment.

Jim Spencer
WNY Chapter

Park_W

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