Send temperature gauge in to INSTRUMENT SERVICES in MacHesney Park, IL twice or maybe three times and still not correct. John tells me that Ford gauges are 6 volt even thought Ford went to 12 volts in 1956. I was advised to buy a voltage reducer. Got one from VINTAGE AUTO GARAGE in California. Installed it and same negative results. (Haven't talked to these people yet)
Let me add one more bit of information. The engine 1957 engine 312 and the temp sending unit is different than 1956 temp sending units .
Yes, the gauge is on "H" when cold and goes to "C" but before the coolant temperature hits 170, the gauge is all the way over to ''H'' (and it is not HOT, it is only 165 or 170 degrees.)
Tim, Problems are my middle name.
Florida Ford Fan

To use the '56 gauge - use '56 sender unit. You will have to change the "adapter" bushing pressed in the head - but its no big deal to get one and install it.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve’s right about the 56 gauge requiring the 56 sender. When you buy the right inset, buy the tool to replace it. Most of the tbird suppliers show it with the senders.

My 55 bird got 56 gauges when I changed it to 12 volts. I could have run a voltage drop, but the gauges needed replacing and the dash was out. IIRC, 56 used 12 volts to the gauges, and in 57 Ford went back to the drop resister for 6 volt gauges.

Those gauges are a different design, King Seely if I’ve got the spelling right. You google that there’s a ton of information that might help out.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

We did that, tapped out the '57 head and installed the larger '56 sending unit. The gauge worked for 6 or 7 months and the quit. I sent it to INSTRUMENT SERVICES  in Illinois and now it won't work.
Any other helpful hints ?
Tim in Florida

I assume You removed the Voltage Resister and its still not reading correct? 1956 was the only Year that Ford used full 12 Volts to the Gauges. Have You tried another Sending Unit? The 12 Volt Gauges are pretty durable. 

  

Who ever "John" is is wrong  56 gauges were 12 volt as every body says.  Is Instrument Services the one saying they are 6 volt?  If so, get somje one new.  You might try Williamson's in Arkansas.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

John at INSTRUMENT SERVICES says all Ford gauges were made by Kind Seeley and that they are all 6 volt and he should know 'cause he has been fixing 'em for over 26 years. He also wants me to buy a voltage reducer for $70.00 plus freight !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm going to talk to Williamson's in the great state of Arkansas 

Good idea because "John" is incorrect about 1956 only. All other Years up to the late 60's at least are 6 Volt because of 6 Volt Electrical System or the 12 Volt Systems use a voltage Drop Device usually on the backside of Dashboard.

  

Well, he's full of sh*t. 56 was 12 volt as stated. Was the only year that I'm aware of that the gauges were 12 volt.

Durham Missouri