Solved- Easy Ammeter to Voltmeter swap.

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smithfj40

smithfj40

10 Year
Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Threads
2
Messages
9
Location
Denver Colorado
Ok so long time reader- First time solver.I'm in the progress of a full restomod- for those who have seen my last post (sorry for just being a lurker) I was forced to switch to a SBC after a bad time with a 'reputable' motor shop.

Anyways with the full resto and swap I ended up doing new wiring harness as well. I wanted more than a dummy light. So I called a dash configurator recommended in another thread and was quoted 380 usd to put in a gauge with the Ammeter 30-30 display that would just point to volts and have no usable markers.

So I went to thinking and remembered that I had an old volt meter that came from the previous owner when I bought the car still sitting in packaging for the last 20 years- and for s***s and giggles I took measurements. The posts were the same thread but only 2mm wider than the factory- so, I de-cased the volt meter, and dropped it in. The gauge lettering lines up damn near perfectly.
VoltMeterFJ40_BackComparison.webp

A quick hit with a step drill to widen the mounting holes, and some custom standoffs I CADed up, and a 10 minute print, and Hey presto, I have a volt meter that will let you keep your dash with out a fire risk.
1781733278946.webp


The volt meter is the: 2-1/16" VOLTMETER, 10-16V, AIR-CORE, AUTO GAGE - https://www.autometer.com/2-voltmeter-10-16v.html


I'm still waiting on another 3d print (5.25 in speaker boxes that mount to the roll bars with appropriate logos) to wrap up. (debating selling them if there is interest) But I'll release the standoffs I design for getting the offset up for free. I'll update this post when its all put back together.


VoltMeterFJ40_Swap.webp

(i'll 3d print another blocking plate to extend the face so there isn't light bleed)



Cheers Ya'll.
 
This is a good solve. I wish I had 1/10 of your CAD skills!

I wonder how difficult getting a voltmeter screen printed face would be.
 
Many years back, after I took an Autocad class I used a plotter with drafting ink pens to print out clock dials for my dad, He had a slug of old clocks all with bad dials. The new dials were very nice and done in the same style as each original. In Organic Chemistry I made several gallon of watch cleaning solution for use in the cleaning machine. I have the cleaning machine now. I think I will use it to the gauges in my rig when I get to that point.

I plan to do a 130A one wire alternator and monitor voltage - might be a good plan to swap the ammeter with a voltmeter.
 
nabbasi said:
This is a good solve. I wish I had 1/10 of your CAD skills!

I wonder how difficult getting a voltmeter screen printed face would be.
Click to expand...
I used to teach it and if you can draw out a design on a post it, you can Cad it! Tons of great training material online. Fusion 360 and a set of calipers and you can make dang near anything and run simple fea analysis- I used it to design my front bumper mounts so they are “rated” to take the load my tow points are- designed to handle, a fan shroud cut out by send cut send (an affordable metal laser cutting company- cost less than the aluminum plate I would need to buy to fab it at home) having that skill has been a huge boon and 3d printers have never been better or more affordable- you should pick it up :) it’s also fun!
 
charliemeyer007 said:
Many years back, after I took an Autocad class I used a plotter with drafting ink pens to print out clock dials for my dad, He had a slug of old clocks all with bad dials. The new dials were very nice and done in the same style as each original. In Organic Chemistry I made several gallon of watch cleaning solution for use in the cleaning machine. I have the cleaning machine now. I think I will use it to the gauges in my rig when I get to that point.

I plan to do a 130A one wire alternator and monitor voltage - might be a good plan to swap the ammeter with a voltmeter.
Click to expand...
Really solid plan those wires would 100% cook.

If you can program a plotter that would be awesome! I bet you could find a few other uses for that to help justify it.

Never too late to pick up autocad again , but they also have some new modelers that are a bit more simple ;) highly recommend fusion for hobbyists
 
And Here are the files: Print out Of PETG, ABS, or ASA (pla will melt). then super glue the light guard plate onto the back of the voltmeter display. Best of luck ya'll.
 

Attachments

Now you just need to find the 83+ black combination gauge name plate that has the euro gauge symbols only … so where it says amp it shows a battery on them
 
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