Replacement thermometer for Motormeters

[modela@aol.com]

I was just looking through a Model A vendor's catalog that I just received. My heart jumped when I turned to the page with the Motormeters and Quail Radiator Caps. They had a picture of the replacement thermometer for the Motormeter along with the ones for the Thermo Quail caps. But I then saw that the Motormeter thermometer replacement was discontinued.

Ok for now on the Quail replacement thermometer.

I can not remember the last time I saw a vendor that had any of these replacement glass thermometers. What is the story on them as I believe you can still buy complete new Motormeters so my assumption is that there is still a source out there somewhere providing the OEM thermometers to the OEM manufacturer of the Motormeters.

Yes I know that vendors would always prefer to sell you a brand new complete one but I have several old Motormeters that I would like to restore.

Anybody have an info on sourcing these???

 

[1931 flamingo]

Why sell the t'mometer when I could sell the whole thing for more bucks??
Paul in CT

 

[harleytoprock]

The replacement thermometer is still listed on the Snyder's website.

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/3322

 

[harleytoprock]

OOps, I just realized your looking for the Ford Motormeter therm and not the quail. Sorry

 

[pooch]

I don't think you can replace the thermometer inside a round glass motometer.

Bert's also sells the replacement thermometer for the quail.

 

[Wrenchy61]

I replaced my original Motometer because the body was pitted and the thermometer had failed. The mercury would no shrink back to the bottom. I even placed it in the freezer overnight to no avail.

I bought a new Motometer by Boyce with the wreath engraving but no wreath on the screws from Tomlinson for $59.95. The form, fit, and finish matched the original with better mounting mounting tangs. I believe that since most Motometers have such a poor finish that it is cheaper to just buy a new one than to rebuild it by replacing the bulb, screws, and gaskets.

The only problem with the new Motometer shipped in a box sealed with the genuine Ford equipment seal was that the flip top would not seal. It rattled because the gasket face was flush with the body. I complained and Thomlinson sent a thicker rubber gasket that seems to seal but has not been tested. I don't like this gasket because it not a composite and red in color. After a period of time, the rubber gasket will fail.

Almost without exception, every parts order from every vendor arrives as poor quality, wrong quantity, and wrong color etc. I am sure all of you know the rest of the story.