32 30 amp gauge??

[CraigB]

Pulled this out of a beatup 32 dash insert. Had someone interested in buying it, but he was told they didn't make 30 amp in 32.

Is that the case? Was this an aftermarket?

Any help would be great.

Thanks, Craig

 

[Carl]

this may be from a radio equipped car. 1932 was first year for Ford installed radios. I believe 33 & 34 radio equipped cars had the 30 amp gauges.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

You should check out the next to last response and the one before it at http://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=19&Topic=2029
According to what it says this is late '33-'34 truck.

Charlie Stephens

 

[jim1932]

Mine has a 30 Amp too, but the bezel is a different color than the others so I think it might be from another car.

 

[CraigB]

Hi Charlie,

I know the 33-34 as it says in the post you noted has a "loop on the back". The one I have has the standard 32 back.

I think Carl may have the answer.

Thanks, Craig

 

[CraigB]

Jim,

I was told some bezels were painted black on some service vehicles.

 

[jim1932]

mine looks more brown, but it could be faded from black

 

[DavidG]

CraigB/Charlie,

While only one ammeter is listed in the '32 chassis parts catalogue, there were three '32 model generators that had outputs over or near 20 amps and this ammeter was perhaps intended to be used with one of those generators (BB-10000-B at 22 to 24 amps used in four-cylinder busses, 18-10000-H at 17 to 19 amps used in V-8 police cars, and 18-10000-M at 22 to 24 amps used in V-8 busses). All other '32 generators had normal outputs of 10 to 12 amps.

The non-police radio installation instructions for 1932 models make no mention of a unique ammeter (or generator).

A painted finish was substituted for chrome or nickel plating on service part components produced during WWII, which explains Jim's ammeter's painted bezel.

 

[jerseyboy]

Here is a visual comparison from Vince's site:
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/bammeters.htm

I've collected three of the 32 ammeters. I've got to look and see if any are 30 amp.

Keep V-8ing and 4-banging!

 

[CraigB]

I checked out Vince's site and certainly found that the back of the 30 amp that I have looks more like a 32 than a 33-34.

 

[true blue 32 man]

I have a NOS 32 amp gauge and it has a satin black painted bezel. I'm sure this is a service item not assembly line installed item.Have owned many 32's both cars and trucks and bought & sold many dash tunnels and all had chrome bezels on the amp gauges and ALL were the two post mountings. The 33-34 pickups I'v owned all had the loop style backs and some were 20 amps & some were the 30 amp s Hope this sheds some light on this subject.

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

I've got 30 amp ones with loop and with studs, but no idea of their provenance.
The changeover to the loop-type was during the 1933 year, so those could have been from either year.