John's right.56 is the only year that everything was 12 volt.Previously they were all 6 volt and from 57 on they used the dash regulator to put 6 volts to the gauges.NAPA has the regulators.The last one I got there was about $11.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Thanks All;  Jeezes John-- thought 55 and 56 used the volt reg. then 57 went to 12 volts.  Will see if it's going to work tomorrow!!!

Eddie

Lake Forest, Ca. 92630

Eddie:

You said you put in a '56 gauge and sender.  "56s did NOT use an instrument voltage regulator.  So you should be good to go running 12 volts to the gauge.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

You can also order a product called "Runtz" from 5th Ave Auto Electric in Kansas.  It's a small solid state device designed specifically for stepping 12V down to 6V for dash gauges.  I installed them in both of my 55's when I converted over to 12V.   

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!

Thanks Mark---  The Heat is something to think about!!   

Eddie

Lake Forest, Ca. 92630

Hello Eddie,Back in the sixties some if not all Fords had dash gauges that actually worked on six volts.On the back of dash panel was a regulator that was basically a small housing with  a set of points that opened and closed.12 volts in and six out.The average voltage was 6 to the gauges.I don't know if Ford still sells them.If you check with a dealer tell them you want a basic #10804 for a 66 Mustang.If available still it may be less than Mac's.I see that Mac Antique auto has something similar for $24.95.Part#B9MZ-10804-C.I am sure there is also a resistor you could use but they will tend to get hot I think.Hope this helps!Regards Mark

  

Hey Steve-Charlie-John-Frank and all you other guys that have helped sooo much.  Got the overheat taken care of was in parade yesterday-- outside was 90  deg and 3 miles long we where # 56 entry so did idle a long time.  Temp never went over  190 deg.   Many thanks--sure feel better.  What I need advise on is the original gauge.( put auto meter sender in pass. side head and oem  sender in the drivers side.  Would like to have the oem gauge working, but will keep the auto meter also.)  I am not running the volt reg under the dash, will I need to put a resistor in the hot wire to gauge and if so what size???  Have 55 bird--with 12 volt conversion.  Ron Franis wire loom, fuse panel in trunk,just easier especially with bad back!!!  Put in new 56 dash unit and 56 sender, but understand the 56 bird used the volt reg.  57 birds use a 12 with out the reg.  Sure appreciate all your help. sorry this is so long and maybe help someone else thathas the same problem!!   Hope all had a great 4th and many thanks to you service guys!!!God Bless

Eddie

Lake Forest, Ca. 92630