By Richard - 10 Years Ago
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I converted my 54 Ford Wagon to 12 volt. Using what I think is a stock Ford instrument voltage regulator. I have two of these regulators, slightly different style but both behave in the same manner. , I get two issues. Measuring voltage in is 12 and out is 11. 9. The wiring is hooked up correctly. When I remove the wire to the gages/output the voltage goes up to 12. The other issue is when I mount the regulator to the metal above the kick panel the idiot lights flash and the fuel and temp gauge go to off. When I pull the regulator away or let it dangle the idiot lights, fuel/temp gauges seem to work ok bu the idiot lights seem brighter then I remember. In looking at a 57 Ford Manual the regulator is mounted to the rear of the speedo pod. Not sure that is significant.
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By RB - 10 Years Ago
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It sounds like your regulator is shorted. The input should be 12V output should be 5-6 V. The case needs to be grounded when you bench test it. I just went through this with my 57 Mercury.. I went to radio shack and bought a 2 dollar 12v to 5.4 v solid state regulator.. If you can solder small terminals it works great.
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By Barry L - 10 Years Ago
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Here's some from Mac's Auto http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_mercury_late/catalogsearch/result/?q=guage+volt+reducer&x=21&y=12 Barry L.
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By Jeff - 10 Years Ago
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The Ford voltage reducer is a mechanical/electrical device. It functions much like the flasher for your turn signals. The voltage can vary from 5.5 to 7.5. An electronic regulator is a much better solution as it will supply a constant voltage although some electronic regulators mimic the mechanical regulators with a varying voltage output. The first items on the Mac's link are required for each individual gauge you are converting. I don't know anything about the other devices.
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