Remove Gauge Cluster from Dashboard on '39 Convertible

Ramblin Reck

Ramblin Reck

Senior Member
I want to remove this gauge cluster from the dash board in order to install Runtz Resisters since I have 12 volt installed rather than 6 volt and my gauges do not work except for Temp gauge which is a mercury filled thermometer. Any help or advice will be appreciated. Thanks!
 

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Ramblin Reck said:
I want to remove this gauge cluster from the dash board in order to install Runtz Resisters since I have 12 volt installed rather than 6 volt and my gauges do not work except for Temp gauge which is a mercury filled thermometer. Any help or advice will be appreciated. Thanks!
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517361
 
Your amp gauge should work on 6 or 12 volts. If you are now negative ground you need to reverse the wire that runs through the loop on the back of the amp gauge. You can probably install the resistors without removing the gauge cluster. Remove the hot wire to the gas and oil gauge. Then install the resistors on the hot wire post of each gauge. Run the new hotwire to the first resistor and a jumper wire from that post to the other resistor.
 
TJ said:
Your amp gauge should work on 6 or 12 volts. If you are now negative ground you need to reverse the wire that runs through the loop on the back of the amp gauge. You can probably install the resistors without removing the gauge cluster. Remove the hot wire to the gas and oil gauge. Then install the resistors on the hot wire post of each gauge. Run the new hotwire to the first resistor and a jumper wire from that post to the other resistor.
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TJ THANKS! I was looking for the easiest way out and you just gave it to me. Thanks again!
 
Is your car a deluxe? If so it should have a volt gauge and read out of range on 12 volts. If you want to remove gauge cluster it is not too hard with the seat out .
 
Looks like your car has standard gauges,not deluxe.The gauge cluster has 2 tabs and is secured by 2 nuts screwed on studs .IMO access is easier by removing the speedometer which is secured the same way (3 tabs) and with 3 nuts.7/16 ,1/4" drive socket or open end wrench to remove nuts.
Here are pics of the back side of the gauge cluster and speedometer.


Last 2 pics are 39 Dlx
 

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deuce lover said:
Looks like your car has standard gauges,not deluxe.The gauge cluster has 2 tabs and is secured by 2 nuts screwed on studs .IMO access is easier by removing the speedometer which is secured the same way (3 tabs) and with 3 nuts.7/16 ,1/4" drive socket or open end wrench to remove nuts.
Here are pics of the back side of the gauge cluster and speedometer.


Last 2 pics are 39 Dlx
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517376


517377


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The gas and oil pressure gauges actually “share” a single power wire (I believe it’s green with a black tracer or stripe). There’s a copper strip connecting the two gauges for that purpose.
 
You need a younger guy with a mirror and a 1/4" socket to remove the gauges and replace them with the correct 1939 deluxe ones.
 
swoopNZ said:
You need a younger guy with a mirror and a 1/4" socket to remove the gauges and replace them with the correct 1939 deluxe ones.
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swoopNZ
Agree wholeheartedly on the need for a younger dude to help out. Can live with Standard gauges if they work. Thanks
 
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