Need a gauge brainiac

[elgemcdlf]

Ok here is what I am doing. I am putting the dash from a '57 Fairlane in my bump. The Fairlane has 2 gauges (fuel & temp) & 2 idiot lights. I seen a cluster that was customized and had all 4 gauges in it with a smaller speedo. Anyway my question. If I get my hands on pair of gauges from a '57 can I use them for volts & oil? How does each of these gauges work? Is the oil and temp gauges the same in design just reading from different sending units? I believe I can use the speedo from a '56 Merc as it is possibly smaller than the '57 speedo.

Another thought is the '56 Merc has all 4 gauges. Possibly taking those gauges and mounting them into the '57 face. Ideas? Thoughts? Infinite wisdom from the cluster guru of all times?

[basketcase0302]

No guru here, but maybe just a little help to start the wheel rolling.
I believe that each gauge has a corresponding sending unit-that's matched in reference to how many ohms of resistance. You'll see all kind of reference to our trucks gauges and how different sending units can be used as long as the resistance is the same.
Maybe TF or someone else can chime in here that know a little more on this?
This will be a real neat cluster, that's for sure.

[elgemcdlf]

I hope it turns out well. Sounds like I need to do some reading. Problem is I don't even know where to begin. Were '57's 6 or 12 volt systems?

[forrestbump]

Were '57's 6 or 12 volt systems?

They were 12 volt.

[Thunderfoot]

I hope it turns out well. Sounds like I need to do some reading. Problem is I don't even know where to begin. Were '57's 6 or 12 volt systems?

Looking forwards to some pics of this when you get it done.
On the 6-12V ? all gauges up until late 80-90 are 6V, this is what that Instrument Panel Voltage Regulator IPVR does, it takes 12V down to 6 for the gauges to work correctly. Do double check the sending unit part number for the 57 with the ones on your engine, ford was pretty good at keeping the same sending unit (rated ohms) through the years.

The Speedo should work just fine as well.

[elgemcdlf]

I hope it turns out well. Sounds like I need to do some reading. Problem is I don't even know where to begin. Were '57's 6 or 12 volt systems?

Looking forwards to some pics of this when you get it done.
On the 6-12V ? all gauges up until late 80-90 are 6V, this is what that Instrument Panel Voltage Regulator IPVR does, it takes 12V down to 6 for the gauges to work correctly. Do double check the sending unit part number for the 57 with the ones on your engine, ford was pretty good at keeping the same sending unit (rated ohms) through the years.

The Speedo should work just fine as well.

Here in lies the beginning of my dilema. They never put a volts (or amp for that matter) or oil gauge in a '57. So let me see if the rated olms for the temp gauge and the oil sending unit match I can use an extra temp gauge for oil? Cross 1 bridge at a time. I guess for checking accuracy I could set up a mechanical and take a reading then see how the electric looked or are the gauges in '57 mechanical?

Here is a stock cluster.


Here is the look I am going for but with evenly spaced gauges and speedo.


I want mine to go left to right Fuel, Volts, Speedo, Oil & Temp. By maintaining the fuel and temp gauges in the original positions I am hoping to keep it looking more stock than not. I plan on shaving the '57 dash & putting in my bump. I will use the switch area on the left for Ignition, headlights & hazards. The switch area on the left for heat/cool controls. My wipers are shaved so I don't need anything for wipers. Ashtray, glovebox, original heater controls, radio & clock all shaved. I am planning on keeping the wrap around & cutting the ends off then weld them on to my doors finishing out the look.