Classic/Antique Car Repair/Gas and Temp Gauge

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Expert: - 5/27/2009


Question
I have a 1964 galaxie 500 and the temp. and gas gauge do not work at all. The car has the original gauges and would like to get them working again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time and trouble.

Answer
The 1964 Ford used a constant voltage regulator mounted on the back of the dash. This takes the voltage from the ignition switch and drops it to around 5 volts and keeps it steady. Since both the fuel and temperature gage are out it would appear that it is a common problem. You will need to get a voltmeter and check the voltage going into the regulator, it should be battery voltage with the key on, and the voltage going out to the gages. The dash pod can be removed by disconnecting the speedometer cable and then the six retaining screws. The pod will then tip outwards and rest on the steering column. Pad the column first to protect the paint. Then you can work on the back of the panel.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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