Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks
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I am updating a '37 chevy truck for modern road usage. Part of the project is rewiring and installing a 12 volt alternator system. I am trying to keep the stock look of the truck. The 3 gauges in the dash are fine for the information they show. But they are old and rusty. The center hole for the speedometer is 4-1/8" and the holes on either side are 3" each. Are there any gauge sets available new, that just fit in and work with 12 volt input? I have not found any. What I did find was New Vintage USA 37344-02 gauge set. They look great but the center gauge is 4-3/8" and the side gauges are 3-3/8". If I need to, I'll ream out the holes in the dash to fit them, if there is no better alternative.
Let me know if anyone has a better idea.
Thanks,
B Feier
There are plenty of gauges on eBay that fit your truck. All truck gauges from 1936 through 1939 are the same. You might want to look for a GMC oil pressure gauge if you have updated your drive line. The color is slightly different but they go to 60 or 80 pounds depending on the original application. Jim Carter might have new ones, Im not sure. These are direct reading gauges so voltage is not a factor. Amp gauges don't care if your voltage is 6 or 12 so no problem there. The temperature gauge is direct reading also. No voltage involved. Only your fuel gauge will be voltage sensitive. There are devices available (Jim Carter and others) to make the 6 volt gauge work with your 12 volt system.
Any other gauges you find that fit you dash will look hokey as hell and ruin the effect of what you are trying to do. I'm sorry you are modifying your truck.
Mike
Many Miles of Happy Motoring
3469 Posts on Old VCCA Chat
Thanks Mike,
You got me thinking about the original gauges. I might try to clean them up and see how well they work. I'm thinking of getting a 6 volt battery and a rheostat and feed the gauges power (gradually) to see if they still work. Maybe I can save them.
Bill
This web page deals with the fuel gauge: http://home.znet.com/r1937/Fuel.htm
Place appropriate shunt behind the amp meter if your 12 volt alternator put out more than 20 amps.
I believe that Jim Carter's and Filling station sell decals to clean up rusty gauges.
Place the oil gauge line on the far side of your oil filter with metering valve.
Sorry that I can't place photos on this site.
Several of my 37s run fine on 6 volts. Only need 12 volts if installing AC, or big sound system.
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