Non-Rallye Ammeter to Volt Gauge Conversion

[CudaA39]

I'm sure it's been done before but I figured I'd share.  I'm deep into the dash update for my Gen3 swap and into the gauge cluster.  I want to keep everything as OE as possible while also improving the functionality, so I converted my ammeter to a volt gauge by retrofitting an autometer gauge into it's place.  It was pretty straight forward, but definitely a must with my new 160 amp alternator.  My next move is to convert the blank plate in the next section into a true oil pressure gauge using the same concept.

I was able to disassemble the autometer by just working the crimp in the bezel until it freed itself from the plastic backing cup.  From there everything disassembled without issue.  The plastic retaining wings matched almost perfectly to the original gauge rivets, which I drilled out from the original plastic ammeter.  A little epoxy, and some calculations for the needle position, and everything lined up as well as it probably could have.  I dissected the autometer face to add a little guidance to the original face.  I think it's subtle enough to not look overdone in my opinion.  Can't wait to see it all back together.

[Poolshark314]

Nice job! Can't wait to see it done either. Thought about doing similar with oil pressure and tach

[floorit426]

That looks really nice!

[PLY474]

Nice work!  Thanks for posting.  Do you recall which model/size you used?

[YellowThumper]

Great idea and setup. Thanks for sharing that.

[CudaA39]

Nice work!  Thanks for posting.  Do you recall which model/size you used?

Thank you!  I used a 2 1/16 unit because I figure all the guts are the same.  It probably just comes down to how you want to utilize the face.  For my oil gauge, I think a 2 5/8 gauge face would fit more complete over the stock blank but I'm still not set on how I want to approach it, so I went with a 2 1/16 with plans to cut it up again.

[PLY474]

Thanks for that!  Several years ago, a car was for sale and this picture was included.  I asked the owner how the oil gauge was done.  Unfortunately, he couldn't remember any details other than having sent it out to someplace in California to have it done.  I think oil gauge looks excellent so I saved the picture. 

[CudaA39]

I believe that gauge is from redline gauge works.  I inquired about that unit late last week but they only sent me a price ($320 for conversion with sending unit), but no pic.  I think it looks great, but rather pricey.  I should be all in on this one for just under $100 if I don't screw it up.  Will post pics when finished.

[PLY474]

I believe that gauge is from redline gauge works. 

Mystery solved!  Thanks again.  http://redlinegaugeworks.com/  I see they offer "E-body Non-Rally tach and oil psi gauge"

[ragtopdodge]

Great job!

Now you can redo the face, via:

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/me12241.html

[MoparLeo]

What are your plans with updating the rest of the harness to handle the additional load. The volt/ammeter conversion  takes care of the voltage through firewall bulkhead harness block. 
https://www.allpar.com/d3/history/mopar/electrical.html
https://www.allpar.com/d3/history/mopar/electrical2.html
https://www.allpar.com/d3/history/mopar/electrical3-starters.html

[CudaA39]

I actually haven't decided how I plan to wire everything.  I have a general idea, but because this will require a dedicated ignition for the FI, it's going to be an integrated system that still retains some of the original design for stuff like wipers, lighting, and driver controls.  All of the OE wiring will be replaced with either a purchased pre built unit or just my own remanufactured system.  The original dash harness is in good shape though.

[JunkYardFind]

I'm sure it's been done before but I figured I'd share.  I'm deep into the dash update for my Gen3 swap and into the gauge cluster.  I want to keep everything as OE as possible while also improving the functionality, so I converted my ammeter to a volt gauge by retrofitting an autometer gauge into it's place.  It was pretty straight forward, but definitely a must with my new 160 amp alternator.  My next move is to convert the blank plate in the next section into a true oil pressure gauge using the same concept.

I was able to disassemble the autometer by just working the crimp in the bezel until it freed itself from the plastic backing cup.  From there everything disassembled without issue.  The plastic retaining wings matched almost perfectly to the original gauge rivets, which I drilled out from the original plastic ammeter.  A little epoxy, and some calculations for the needle position, and everything lined up as well as it probably could have.  I dissected the autometer face to add a little guidance to the original face.  I think it's subtle enough to not look overdone in my opinion.  Can't wait to see it all back together.

@CudaA39
Could you go into a little more detail after you drill out the rivets on the oem meter. Probably straight forward once I get the replacement volt meter but in the mean time...
> Does the oem needle come off and then re-used on the volt meter?
> Is glue the only thing holding the meter to the ALT gauge back part.
> I realize this is likely installed already but do you have any other pics of the assembly?

Sorry for all the questions! I have just pulled the gauge cluster and am on this problem now. Thanks for any help on this!

[CudaA39]

@CudaA39
Could you go into a little more detail after you drill out the rivets on the oem meter. Probably straight forward once I get the replacement volt meter but in the mean time...
> Does the oem needle come off and then re-used on the volt meter?
> Is glue the only thing holding the meter to the ALT gauge back part.
> I realize this is likely installed already but do you have any other pics of the assembly?

Sorry for all the questions! I have just pulled the gauge cluster and am on this problem now. Thanks for any help on this!

Good questions...I believe the only thing holding the OE needle on was pressure.  I used two spoons on either side and it popped right off...same with the needle on the Autometer unit.  I actually messed up the first one by cutting the needle off, $50 lesson.

The original rivers, if you drill them out correctly, were used for alignment.  The Autometer gauge motor has wings.on it to attach it's faceplate, and those wings have holes that (when drilled out a size or two) align with the OE rivets on the backside.  I used a two part epoxy to secure everything.  It's glued but it ain't going anywhere I'd say.

And unfortunately since I've posted this I've done very little with the car (1/2 through building our house and another kiddo on the way).  I was lucky enough to spice a other OE gauge setup for some extra needles.  Once I find the motivation again I'll finish up the cluster finally.  Maybe this question was all I needed haha.  Will post more pics for sure, glad to motivate.

[JunkYardFind]

Thanks! I get my volt meter tomorrow. I may make a video out of the process. I have already disassembled the OEM gauge and drilled out the rivets. Looking forward to this mod as it's the last gauge I need. I finally got the clock adapted to quartz. Should get that next week! Getting there.....SLOWLY.