Amp meter question

[dodj]

There are no more ammeters in vehicles anymore because of their poor reliability and what happens when they fail. In the case of the full flow Chrysler gauges, if the gauge fails, at best, you are stranded (ALL system power cut off). At worst you are putting out a fire. If you have a voltmeter and it fails, no biggie. Drive home and order up another one.
If I wanted to keep a 40+ year old full flow ammeter operating in my car, I think I would like to get the guts checked/rebuilt. The internals may be pretty brittle after 4 decades of carrying the car's full load current.

[chargerdon]

I hear you on the possible dangers of an ammeter.   What I do wonder about is what is the probability of failure?? 

Again, I'm sure that there are modified vehicles that have huge power draws, with electric fuel pumps, water pumps, radiator fans, power windows, air ride systems, huge amplifiers etc.  I have none of that so I have to believe that with only a 50 amp alternator the probability of failure isn't that high.   To me the bulkhead connector is a bigger problem and if you replace the amp meter with a voltmeter you still have that issue.   

There are BENEFITS to an amp meter.   Example, I have had problems with my wiring such that my stop lights quit working, and I wasn't aware of the problem.  Now that i corrected the problem, with my amp meter I can check it immediately.   Simply step on the brake and watch the amp gauge swing to the left, assures me that they are working.   Try that with a voltmeter. 

[msbaugh]

Tell yourself whatever you want. The cons outweighs the pros on the ammeter. No sense in arguing it.

The fix with the bulkhead is simple, as I already stated. At least do that.

[dodj]

I hear you on the possible dangers of an ammeter.   What I do wonder about is what is the probability of failure?? 

IMO, being that they are over 40 years old, and a power cct component,  probability is pretty high.

[chargerdon]

Yes, I have done the bulkhead, and a power wire on that wide flat connector at the steering wheel.  Another spot was the connecting wire to the air condition control.  That is now gone and replaced by the Vintage Air system that connects directly to the battery.   

[Lbs]

Tell yourself whatever you want. The cons outweighs the pros on the ammeter. No sense in arguing it.

The fix with the bulkhead is simple, as I already stated. At least do that.

I agree, and if you have a rallye dash you can replace the amp meter with a volt meter with a little 2 hour project so your dash still functions and looks original. I choose to use the voltmeter face but you could just reuse the amp face. My 2cents.



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[duodec]

I agree, and if you have a rallye dash you can replace the amp meter with a volt meter with a little 2 hour project so your dash still functions and looks original. I choose to use the voltmeter face but you could just reuse the amp face. My 2cents.



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That looks pretty neat! I would want to recolor the gauge needle, lines, and numbers but it actually looks ok as is.

[Lbs]

That looks pretty neat! I would want to recolor the gauge needle, lines, and numbers but it actually looks ok as is.

I might get the blue line out the next time I have the dash apart, but I'm ok with it for now. Thanks for looking.
Mike

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[YellowThumper]

That is an awsome alternative.