Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Terry Gartner · 08-17-2014, 06:17 PM

Good Evening,

I have a 62 pick-up that had VDO gauges throughout. I like the factor look so I went back to the original gauges. My fuel gauge now is not working. I grounded the line to the gauge and got empty, removed the ground and it pegged to the right, so I guess he gauge is working properly. I can only guess that who ever installed the VDO gauge that it needed a different sender; or am I wrong. If I need to replace the sending unit, is there a specific resistance for this model year or is the 60 - 66 all the same?

As it relates to my ammeter I'm not exactly sure where I should hook it up. I've replaced the dash harness (using a new harness for 64 and turn signal switch - 64 as well); but the engine harness is a disaster and I expect I'll need to run a separate line. If that's the case where should I attach it?

Thanks for the help, sorry I don't get on here enough - retiring soon so I should do better!

**Palf70Step** · 08-17-2014, 06:25 PM

It sounds like what you think, the VDO fuel gauge needed a non-stock (special ) sending unit. I am not sure about the Ammeter. I do know there is a different harness (both dash and engine compartment) for one that came with idiot lights, versus one with gauges. Your original harness might have been an idiot light harness.

vin63 · 08-17-2014, 07:54 PM

Double check the VDO gauge part number...most likely operates on a 0 (empty)-90 (full) ohm range. The original gauge operates on a 0-30 ohm range. Do you still have the stock gas tank behind the seat?

Terry Gartner · 08-17-2014, 09:40 PM

Yes, I still have the tank behind the seat. I'll give my local parts store a try.

What do you think about he ammeter, I thought I would just run a line directly to just about any positive electrical source.

**Palf70Step** · 08-17-2014, 09:56 PM

Here is something that may help with the ammeter.

http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/Truck_gauges.html

**Captainfab** · 08-18-2014, 12:48 AM

I think part of your problem is that you have installed part of a '64 harness into a '62. I don't have a specific answer to your question about connecting the ammeter, but it does not connect as a voltmeter does. However the way the ammeter is wired in these truck is actually a dangerous situation and could lead to an electrical fire. The best fix is to do away with the ammeter and convert to a voltmeter. I believe you could also wire in an inline fuse in the ammeter feed?

Terry Gartner · 08-18-2014, 05:30 AM

Sorry, I meant voltmeter. I went with the 64 harness, since I put in a 64/65 column and the 62 turn signal switch wouldn't work in the column. I'm finishing the job that someone else started when they converted it from a column shift 3 speed, to an automatic.

I think the ammeter is connected electrically in series and the voltmeter parallel.

While I'm here, anyone have an idea why when I turn on my right turn signal both rear signals in the rear flash - this happened before I did anything to it.

luvbowties · 08-18-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Gartner

Sorry, I meant voltmeter. I went with the 64 harness, since I put in a 64/65 column and the 62 turn signal switch wouldn't work in the column. I'm finishing the job that someone else started when they converted it from a column shift 3 speed, to an automatic.

I think the ammeter is connected electrically in series and the voltmeter parallel.

While I'm here, anyone have an idea why when I turn on my right turn signal both rear signals in the rear flash - this happened before I did anything to it.

A guess would be that a p/o finally got one brake light to work and then ran a jumper from the working one over to the non-working one. Look underneath rear to see if you find such a straight jumper that looks "added in".
Sam

**Captainfab** · 08-19-2014, 12:44 AM

The first thing I would check are the grounds at the tail lights. It could also be in the TS switch. The contacts inside could be bent/messed up.

luvbowties · 08-19-2014, 02:25 AM

Agree with ^^^^, both due to his knowledge of these trucks PLUS I read another post a few minutes ago where a member found a defect in his brand new ts switch. Seems he had a bent contact in the new sw. which had been giving him fits.
sam

*Look here, esp. post #10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=639443

08-17-2014, 06:25 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,249	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter It sounds like what you think, the VDO fuel gauge needed a non-stock (special ) sending unit. I am not sure about the Ammeter. I do know there is a different harness (both dash and engine compartment) for one that came with idiot lights, versus one with gauges. Your original harness might have been an idiot light harness. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-17-2014, 07:54 PM	#3
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Double check the VDO gauge part number...most likely operates on a 0 (empty)-90 (full) ohm range. The original gauge operates on a 0-30 ohm range. Do you still have the stock gas tank behind the seat? __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes

08-17-2014, 09:40 PM	#4
Terry Gartner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 14	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Yes, I still have the tank behind the seat. I'll give my local parts store a try. What do you think about he ammeter, I thought I would just run a line directly to just about any positive electrical source. __________________ 1962 Chevy C10 1964 Pontiac GTO 1970 Pontiac GTO 1972 Pontiac GTO

08-17-2014, 09:56 PM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,249	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Here is something that may help with the ammeter. http://rmcavoy.freeshell.org/Truck_gauges.html __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-18-2014, 12:48 AM	#6
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter I think part of your problem is that you have installed part of a '64 harness into a '62. I don't have a specific answer to your question about connecting the ammeter, but it does not connect as a voltmeter does. However the way the ammeter is wired in these truck is actually a dangerous situation and could lead to an electrical fire. The best fix is to do away with the ammeter and convert to a voltmeter. I believe you could also wire in an inline fuse in the ammeter feed? __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

08-17-2014, 06:17 PM	#1
Terry Gartner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 14	Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Good Evening, I have a 62 pick-up that had VDO gauges throughout. I like the factor look so I went back to the original gauges. My fuel gauge now is not working. I grounded the line to the gauge and got empty, removed the ground and it pegged to the right, so I guess he gauge is working properly. I can only guess that who ever installed the VDO gauge that it needed a different sender; or am I wrong. If I need to replace the sending unit, is there a specific resistance for this model year or is the 60 - 66 all the same? As it relates to my ammeter I'm not exactly sure where I should hook it up. I've replaced the dash harness (using a new harness for 64 and turn signal switch - 64 as well); but the engine harness is a disaster and I expect I'll need to run a separate line. If that's the case where should I attach it? Thanks for the help, sorry I don't get on here enough - retiring soon so I should do better! __________________ 1962 Chevy C10 1964 Pontiac GTO 1970 Pontiac GTO 1972 Pontiac GTO

08-18-2014, 05:30 AM	#7
Terry Gartner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 14	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Sorry, I meant voltmeter. I went with the 64 harness, since I put in a 64/65 column and the 62 turn signal switch wouldn't work in the column. I'm finishing the job that someone else started when they converted it from a column shift 3 speed, to an automatic. I think the ammeter is connected electrically in series and the voltmeter parallel. While I'm here, anyone have an idea why when I turn on my right turn signal both rear signals in the rear flash - this happened before I did anything to it. __________________ 1962 Chevy C10 1964 Pontiac GTO 1970 Pontiac GTO 1972 Pontiac GTO

08-19-2014, 12:44 AM	#9
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter The first thing I would check are the grounds at the tail lights. It could also be in the TS switch. The contacts inside could be bent/messed up. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

08-19-2014, 02:25 AM	#10
luvbowties Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: southeasternfoothillsofusa Posts: 1,557	Re: Fuel Sending Unit/Ammeter Agree with ^^^^, both due to his knowledge of these trucks PLUS I read another post a few minutes ago where a member found a defect in his brand new ts switch. Seems he had a bent contact in the new sw. which had been giving him fits. sam Look here, esp. post #10: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=639443 Last edited by luvbowties; 08-19-2014 at 02:36 AM.*



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