Dumb Electrical Question.....

[anlauto]

I'm restoring a Cuda with a aftermarket (Day Two type ) type gauge cluster mounted under the dash.

My question is regarding the "VOLT" gauge....It has two studs on the back, I'm assuming pos & neg, but can I just run jumper wires from the factory "AMP" gauge ?

If not, where would I get the two wires to run to the "VOLT" gauge ?

[edl94]

 Amp wires are hot all of the time. You need power from a switched source after the ignition switch.

[roadman5312]

         power in, ground out.

[dougs bs23]

just installed a volt gauge, one terminal was marked ground and pos terminal connected to a "switched" connection that only activated with the key in the "on" position so as to not put a constant draw on the battery

[anlauto]

Sound can I ground it to the dash frame, then run a positive wire to the accessory terminal on the bottom of the fuse box ?

[roadman5312]

Sound can I ground it to the dash frame, then run a positive wire to the accessory terminal on the bottom of the fuse box ?

                       Yep, sure can. Then take the ammeter wires and crimp them together. 

                                                                               

[anlauto]

Can I still run the factory AMP meter ? I hate the look of "dead" gauges in the dash...

[roadman5312]

Can I still run the factory AMP meter ? I hate the look of "dead" gauges in the dash...

                           If ya want to, but best to bypass it 

[dodj]

but can I just run jumper wires from the factory "AMP" gauge ?

No, unless you want to read the voltage drop across the amp gauge.

Sound can I ground it to the dash frame, then run a positive wire to the accessory terminal on the bottom of the fuse box ?

It would be cleaner to use the yellow molded (pretty sure yellow is the acc one) connector up behind the gauge cluster. When you use the acc feed off the fuse box, the wire is noticeable when you get into the car. 

[anlauto]

No, unless you want to read the voltage drop across the amp gauge.It would be cleaner to use the yellow molded (pretty sure yellow is the acc one) connector up behind the gauge cluster. When you use the acc feed off the fuse box, the wire is noticeable when you get into the car. 

That's a good idea...So I can just pick up power anywhere that has power with the key in the "run" position and no power with the key in the off position  ...correct ?

Also thinking of running the ground wire to a common area on the door post behind the kick panel. The new radio as well as the power antenna also need a good ground.

[dodj]

That's a good idea...So I can just pick up power anywhere that has power with the key in the "run" position and no power with the key in the off position  ...correct ?

Correct.

Also thinking of running the ground wire to a common area on the door post behind the kick panel. The new radio as well as the power antenna also need a good ground.

Personally I run a ground wire from the body to the dash frame just to ensure good gauge grounding. Running your grounds to the body is equivalent.

[HP_Cuda]

Good idea, from the top right of this schematic:

www.mymopar.com/downloads/1970/70BarracudaA.JPG

Good thing I'm not using the A/C anymore as I have more ports open.

 

No, unless you want to read the voltage drop across the amp gauge.It would be cleaner to use the yellow molded (pretty sure yellow is the acc one) connector up behind the gauge cluster. When you use the acc feed off the fuse box, the wire is noticeable when you get into the car. 

[dougs bs23]

So, would it be advisable to add a fuse into the new meter ? If so what size? or just run  it as a direct connection?

[anlauto]

So, would it be advisable to add a fuse into the new meter ? If so what size? or just run  it as a direct connection?

Good question, thank you 

[JoeGrapes]

I use both the stock amp gauge and an after market volt gauge. I plug the volt gauge into one of the accessory feed plugs in the dash wiring harness. There are two of them each with a tan wire and they already have a dedicated 20 amp fuse in the fuse block. Seems to work well.