The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk what's the difference between 47-53 and 54-55 gauges?

Hey all,

I've been lurking on this list for a while. Two weekends ago I traded a Mopar for a '54 3100 that's been street rodded. I've been piddling around with the truck a bit, fixing little problems and correcting things to my taste.

One thing that bothers me on my new truck is that the gauge cluster is not connected and engine vitals are monitored with a cheesy underdash unit.

I've been looking for replacement parts, but I'm a little confused. In the parts books, I see 47-53 gauge assemblies listed as different parts than 54-55 1st series. What's the difference? Can I interchange the individual gauges between the two assemblies?


Thanks!
Ed

PS- I have pictures of my new truck (taken by the previous owner) at www.picturetrail.com/edburger

Ed,, I like the truck, dont know for sure if you can interchange those part but I dont think so, I would purchase the 54 model being that is what you have, but being it is rodded you might want to get some of those hi-tech digital stuff,, good luck...Fred

The pre-'54 gauges are in a round housing and don't bolt in. The '54-up are a differant shape for a reason, they are 12 volt. However, some of the innards are swappable. But, the only one that you even want to swap is the ammeter, since the others are either 6 volt or for the low oil pressure of the 216. Also, the faces have a differant shape, but you can swap those by drilling out the rivets.

I put an oil pressure gauge out of a '54 in my '50 so I could get the 60 lb gauge I needed for my 261. I just swapped the faces, the rest of it bolted right in.

Similar to what Josiah did, I took a working gas gauge from an earlier cluster and swapped the face to replace the burned out gas gauge. I installed a 6v regulator for the gauge so it won't burn out again.

Your truck has been converted to 12v - I bet the gas guage is fried too.

I really like it!
(sorry I have no insight on the guages)

I am confused by some of the the responses.

1954 gauges were all 6v (the fuel gauge is the one where the voltage matters, if the truck has been converted to 12v).

The '54 gauges do not look the same as the earlier gauges but can be made to fit in earlier housings.

The '54 oil pressure gauge (this is not electrical) is for the higher pressure 235/261 engines ('54-'62 truck engines). The ammeters do not care if you have 6v or 12v, and the temperature gauge is not electrical.

Gauge clusters show up all the time on eBay (restored and unrestored). Most venders sell restored gauge clusters for all years, 1947.5-1955.5 (in original 6v or converted to 12v). If you buy used gauge clusters, be sure to find out if all the "sending units/lines" (especially oil pressure and temperature) are provided and are working.

Tim

Thanks for the responses. There is someone who wants to sell me an electric (not mechanical) water temp gauge. Since this gauge has a remote sensor, I wouldn't have to worry about the capillary tube.

Will it work?

The other option would be to buy a restored '54 temp gauge with a longer-than-stock capillary tube. I've noticed these in the Jim Carter catalog. Anyone know where to get the cheaper? There's a lot to be done on this truck and I'm not rich!


Thanks,
Ed

The cheep gauges are under the dash work fine.If your looking for restored gauges they cost around 500 bucks .and dolphin gauges around $300.Or hookup the gauges you have.But you'll need good eyes and a small body under the dash.It's a real mother.

I've heard that a place called Bowtie Bits works on gauges. Other than that, I don't know anything about the service, although I know people who buy parts from them and are very satisfied.

I believe Chevy Duty and Jim Carter also work on gauges (or sell rebuilt ones). Personally, I would stay away from electric gauges. I've never had any luck with them when I've tried them. They always fluctuate and "flit & flutter" around. Give me a good old mechanical gauge any day.

ChevyDuty sells parts to rebuild the gauges at a fraction of the cost of restored ones,do it yourself an save a ton.

Rebuilding a capillary-tube temp gauge requires specialized equipment and knowledge. You can do a good cosmetic clean-up, but real repairs need to be done by experts.

Hey guys, there is a fellow in Greenville S.C. that does a fantastic job on rebuilding guages. He also can do the capillary tube. I bought the re-facing kit for my 37 and took it and the guages to him. He does quality work. I also had him to calibrate my oil guage so that I use the original guage but when it says 15 its really 30 and at 30 its really 60lb for my v8 engine. I kept it looking original but still serve's the purpose. He did all guages including speedometer..total bill $375. That was before the tech tip that 260SX had guages I could stick right in...but hey, thats my luck. The place is called D&M Restorations (Diane and Mike Freeman) They use to be in Mass. but moved to S.C. I have his number at home so if anyone is interested post here or send me an email. (he can also do the paint work on guages if you do not use a reface kit....