amp gauge

racco · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-2009, 06:27 PM

I am in the process of removing a radio and when I removed the dash I saw that the amp gauge terminals were melting. The problem being that the metal terminals were about to ground to the dash and possibly melt the car. Have a look before its too late.

Danr55 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2009, 08:33 PM

DId away with the amp gauge a while ago and replaced it with a volt meter.

PANAVIA · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2009, 08:39 PM

part 1. - There is an Autometer volt gauge that looks the part and wont have welding rods in your dash.

part 2. --As for the melting problem, it sounds like there is too much amperage running in that set of wires - are there things running through the car harness /fuesblock that could be offloaded to relays>?

Sugenstions : Fans, Headlights , ignition boxes , etc.

--Steve

racco · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 06:53 AM

the gauge housing is plastic and 23 years old, its only a matter of time before it melts. I may use a volt gauge instead of the amp.

thanks

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 07:02 AM

I had a voltmeter in my car and liked it a lot better than an amp gage.

Ron

streetrod1927 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-2009, 11:56 AM

Racco: I had a near meldown with the amp gauge (smiths). I replaced it with a Smiths Volt gauge. I spoke to Peter at Nisonger and he said it was a common occurence. I chased mine down for a bit of time. I kept selling hair burning. As it turned out it was the gauge from the inside out. The face was starting to melt when I found the problem.. Good catch... Go with the volt gauge eventhough it not period correct.....

Danr55 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009, 05:33 AM

One serious downside to an amp meter is that if it goes, everything electrical in the car quits. Not a good thing if you are on the road 200 miles from home!

767Jockey · #8 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetrod1927

Racco: I had a near meldown with the amp gauge (smiths). I replaced it with a Smiths Volt gauge. I spoke to Peter at Nisonger and he said it was a common occurence. I chased mine down for a bit of time. I kept selling hair burning. As it turned out it was the gauge from the inside out. The face was starting to melt when I found the problem.. Good catch... Go with the volt gauge eventhough it not period correct.....

I agree with Ralph, I got the voltmeter for my CCX from Peter as well, it's a smart move.

streetrod1927 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009, 01:48 PM

Doug: Anything yet on the engine... Call me if you need anextra wrench hand when you start the assembly process....

mickmate · #10 (**permalink**) 07-17-2009, 02:24 PM

The problem I see is most modern alternators put out way more than the ammeter can handle. They caused more than their share of fires on replicas and originals. Take the voltmeter advice I reckon.