68 F600 Convert Alt gauge to Volt Gauge

[JPC1972]

I got a 68 F600 dash cluster for my 72 F250. I am putting in a Hi amp alternator and from what I understand the Alt gauge becomes useless at that point. I have heard most people replace it with a volt gauge. I am wondering (based on the unique restrictive design of the gauge pod of the F600) if I can convert the existing alt gauge to a volt gauge by changng the guts of the gauge and usng the face plate of the existing alt gauge (flip it over or reface it with voltage values). The current alt gauge appears attached to the gauge housing by some bent tangs (see pics) wondering if i can bend up the tangs, replace the guts with a volt gauge and put a new faceplate on the existing gauge for voltage. Of course a drop in volt gauge would be preferrable. Anyone have any ideas if this can be done? or is it a crazy idea? well i know it's crazy but it 'might' turn out cool.. if I can find a drop in I would rather do that but searching the net hasn't yielded much in the ~2" shallow, lenseless, gauges:D

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[SmoothJ69]

I had the same thoughts, replacing the ammeter in my 69 full guage panel with a volt meter. I found an article talking about doing it to a bronco so I think its entirely feasible. http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showth ... eter+stock

[JPC1972]

Hey thanks for the link SmoothJ69 .. i can't access any of the pics though .. looks like you have to be a member.. i got a wild hair and I have started it anyway.. i used and equus volt gauge.. took it apart as well as disassembled the Alt gauge from the 68.. looks like with some slight mods it will work.. not sure if the wiring on the original gauge is the same. on the Equus one is the positive and the other is the sending unit connection.. i think i hooked it up to a nine volt battery and it worked.. from what i have read the sending unit for a volt gauge is the negative side of the battery.. and since the other is the positive side it makes sense.. it did seem to go to nine volts so i think it works i will need to put some kind of adapter to mount the eqqus gauge to the eletrical tabs that connect to the harness.. a trip to the electronics store will be needed.

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[SmoothJ69]

about halfway down this page on post #6 there are a couple pics you don't need membership to see that have the basics.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showth ... p?t=192554

[JPC1972]

Thanks that is a great writeup .. i like the way the sunpro gauges have the needle at the bottom like the original gauges.. the equus has the needle in the middle of the face.