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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tacoma WA
Posts: 274
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volt meter
Howdy folks; I'm getting ready to install my American auto wire, wiring harness. In the instructions It says that this wiring harness is not designed for an ammeter And that I should use a voltage meter instead. Can you guys give me your ideas or suggestions for a volt meter that will fit in the factory instrument cluster. Something that looks like it was meant to be there all along. Thanks in advance.
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1970 3/4 ton long box GMC !968 C10 short stepside (Papa's Old Lorry) 2006 2500 HD Silverado Duramax/Alison |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: volt meter
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: northwestern PA
Posts: 54
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Re: volt meter
I recall a conversation I had a while back with an AAW representative on this subject and the issue is not a voltmeter/ammeter/which one gives you better information on your charging system , but rather it is a safety issue. IIRC these original ammeters at thier present age are experiencing a high failure rate of the resistor, resulting in an excessive current draw in the circuit, resulting in a significant fire hazard, so for the sake of safety and protecting your investment it is highly recommended to convert to a voltmeter, which does not have this issue. I believe he also stated that although not cheap, there are companies that will convert your original ammeter to a voltmeter. I don't have any contact information on that, but I'm sure AAW could steer you in the right direction. Randy.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: volt meter
No problem Wizo. If you need any advice on the conversion shoot me a message. It's beyond simple and works like a charm.
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 3,073
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Re: volt meter
Quote:
The resistor is made of wire about as thick as 3 hairs so there's no danger there. Old Chrysler products ran current through an Ammeter and they would get hot. |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sherman, ME
Posts: 2,359
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Re: volt meter
Quote:
EDIT ... looks like franken beat me to it ![]() One of the biggest reasons why the AAW line of Classic Update harnesses doesn't support ammeters is because of the way they have configured the charging system to be compatible with modern high output alternators. The OE ammeters in these GM trucks make use of the stock charging system's 12 gauge red wire as a "shunt". The vast majority of current flows through the 12ga wire while only a small fraction goes through the ammeter itself. That works fine with the stock charging system. But the ammeter's sensitivity is reduced when a heavier gauge wire is used to handle higher currents. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Anderson,SC
Posts: 953
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Re: volt meter
Where are these two fuses protecting the system?
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sherman, ME
Posts: 2,359
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Re: volt meter
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Buffalo Gap, TX
Posts: 222
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Re: volt meter
I'm on the lookout for a newer OEM voltmeter, but in the meanwhile I put in a cheap equus voltmeter, details are in my build thread in this post:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...9&postcount=27 Hope this helps!
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My Chevy Truck Project Build Thread '62 Ranchero - 200 I6, 3-on-the-tree, power nothing. '71 LeSabre - 455 Stage 1, power everything. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tacoma WA
Posts: 274
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Re: volt meter
Thanks lefty;you da man!
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1970 3/4 ton long box GMC !968 C10 short stepside (Papa's Old Lorry) 2006 2500 HD Silverado Duramax/Alison |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: West Iowa
Posts: 1,106
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Re: volt meter
Subscribed, Bruce
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Anderson,SC
Posts: 953
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Re: volt meter
Just wanted to say thanks for this thread. I realized after reading it that I only have 1 fuse for the ammeter, no fusible link, and no junction block. Ordering the parts I need to make it right
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#13 |
Who Changed This?
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 10,373
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Re: volt meter
Chrizzler used a direct current ammeter in their cars (ALL charging current ran through it! back in the day '(60s, maybe '70s?), but GM used a shunt configuration. Chrizzler had all kinds of problems with it, like thermal cycling causing the nuts on the wires at the ammeter to loosen up. A fire can be caused by the increased resistance. Also, the charging system would fail if the ammeter connections were loose. Chrizzler engineering was pretty good (Yeah, I know, go look at a '62 Dart for style, for example), but not every design works out over the years. I've worked on those systems back in the day, and have seen scorched connections.
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~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: houston texas
Posts: 1,438
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Re: volt meter
you would think if aaw told you to use a volt meter with their set they would add one to the kit. not knocking them . im about to order one myself.
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Sherman, ME
Posts: 2,359
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Re: volt meter
Quote:
AAW does offer a voltmeter for 68-69 Camaros & 68-74 Novas that takes the place of the stock ammeter in the console gauge cluster. I don't know if they have one in the works for 67-72 trucks, but it looks like TBONE beat them to it ![]() The voltmeter conversion he is offering should also come in handy for folks doing gauge cluster swaps into trucks originally wired for warning lights. Since the voltmeter can be hooked to the temperature gauge's existing power/ground connections, that eliminates the need to run the extra ammeter wires out into the engine compartment. |
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#16 | |
Cluster King
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Junction City, OR
Posts: 5,263
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Re: volt meter
Quote:
You make good valid points and for those who have changed from a non gauge (warning light) cluster to a full gauge cluster, it does take some wiring changes and the amp meter is probably the most difficult to do correctly. Take care, Tom
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Contact me on all of your gauge cluster needs. I specialize in restoration, repair and parts sales for 67-72 Chevy and GMC trucks. email me at tbonegarris@yahoo.com I am also a dealer for Counterpart for gauge cluster parts only. Also see my facebook page, CG&C |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UTAH
Posts: 353
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Re: volt meter
This volt meter was from a 1987 truck and was $5 from a junk yard and took 10 min to install.
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Mike 1971 C10 350 1969 C20 396 1979 Corvette L-82 |
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