The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Best Gauge Cluster For 12 volt conversion 1959 3100

Hi everyone,
I've done the forum search and have seen gobs of info on 12 volt conversions, but all of the threads are fairly old. We're getting to the point on my daughter's 1959 3100 that I'm looking for a new gauge cluster (the old one is past the point of my refurbishing skills). We're installing a 12 volt alternator and completely new wiring harness. I'm looking for a gauge cluster that looks completely OEM, but suited for our 12 volt application. I will also need to get all sending units/tubing/wiring for the cluster. Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Chuck

Your '59 was 12V from the factory.

Thanks Cletis- I had no idea. That sure simplifies things.

Chuck

Chuck, the gauge cluster is the same from 1955.2 to 1959 so a replacement should not be hard to find if yours is shot on either eBay or Craigslist. You can take your odometer out of your existing cluster and easily insert it into the replacement cluster if you want to retain the integrity of original mileage.

Matt

Thanks Matt- it's going to be a daily driver for my daughter (her choice), so it will have quite a few updates, so I'll probably go with a new set (bank balance dependent.....). There would be no value at this point in maintaining the original odo reading.

Chuck

IMHO you can't beat an original set unless you are willing to spend $75 each for replacements. Those old gauges will work forever provided you have good grounds (with the exception of the oil gauge because it works off pressure). Replacement clusters will run $500, sometimes you will find seller refurbished one eBay for half of that. It isn't a lot of work to bring your cluster back. If your speedo is working that is a half of what normally goes bad on them (new speedo is about $150). The next common failure would be the fuel and temp guages- all about the grounds.

Thanks 59ApacheGail- I appreciate it!

I'll post some pictures of the cluster innards tomorrow if you're interested in refurbishing your original. Tedious, but not awful complicated to repair.

As posted above, piecemealing the cluster can get expensive. I've ran into several folks who ended up wanting a digital-type gauge cluster & sold their perfect refurbished original cluster for less than the parts would cost.

Brad

If your "refurbishing skills" are exhausted, search for a refurbished cluster or save up for a new digital cluster($600). As pointed out, there are two issues, the gauge and the "senders". I don't know what is wrong with your existing cluster. Just be sure you know if gauges are bad or "senders" or, as said, GROUNDING problems. The proper thing to do is bench test senders and gauges before install. Temp, oil, gas, ammeter.

Thanks all! My next stretch of off days, I plan on looking at the original cluster again! I'll let you know how it goes.....
on that note- anyone have any experience with the Tach Force cluster? It looks similar to the original, but has a built in tachometer and voltage meter (vs ammeter)

OK- the original cluster is not in bad shape, but for reliability and safety reasons, I've purchased the Tach Force gauge cluster in black. This is my soon-to-be 16 year old daughter's truck, so I wanted reliable led lighting for the gauges, as well as a tachometer I can teach her to reference to make sure the 700R is behaving as it should behind her 235. (I think training a 16 year old girl's ear to listen for proper shifting might be asking a bit much). I've made a lot of upgrades so she can have a reliable daily driver (front disc brakes, power brake booster, 700R with overdrive, shoulder harness seat belts, vintage air, led tail lights, halogen headlights, 12V alternator) that's reasonably safe. Now I just have to get it completed before her birthday in April! Thanks for all of the help and advice- it's truly appreciated. I'll probably be listing the original gauge cluster for sale (it pains me to do so).

It might be nice to just wrap it in a towel and set it on the shelf, you may want to go back to it someday, they really aren't worth much...

Mike B

Mike B- I'll probably do just that. Right now, my daughter has it on display on her dresser. She'd hang the rusted out grill I replaced on her bedroom wall if I'd let her.

Don't discourage her, hang it up for her, it's only a couple holes to repair if she gets tired of it. Who knows what lifelong memories she will get because of it! Keeps you both close with your projects...that's a great thing!

Mike B

I second that vote... You'd be surprised how much that hunk of steel you're fixing for her will keep you guys close.

I would allow mine to hang it somewhere in her room but not over her bed or desk. That sucker is heavy and I would be afraid it would fall.

Thanks- I'll hang it for her in a safe place!