Hi Everyone,
Long time reader but first time actually coming to post. I have a 1963 that I am (close to) getting where I want it. A few months ago I got air core water temp and oil pressure gauges with matching senders from Autometer. I could not easily find a 12V switched hot so I made the questionable decision of wiring the gauges directly to the ignition wire (keyswitch to ignition coil) since I knew the gauges would hardly draw any current at all. I knew this was probably not the smartest but it has performed with no issues for about 200 miles. I just got the BOSCH FST 8050 tachometer in the mail and I've decided to clean up my previous gauge wiring with this install. Wondering if anyone knows any good/easy spots for me to tie into? Also I left out the illumination on the gauges in my initial install, if anyone has any advice on that I could wire that up while I'm at it. Thanks.
12 Volt Switched Hot For Aftermarket Gauges
Moderator: ABQTBird
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stevegintn
- Posts: 753
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2016 1:33 pm
Re: 12 Volt Switched Hot For Aftermarket Gauges
Sorry, no idea (but your question may be more approp for the 'Modified' forum?)
Steve G.
'62 TBird HT
'61 TBird HT (parts car)
'88 Ranger XLT
'02 Sportrac 4x4
2012 Dodge RAM 4x4
'49 Ford 8N
'62 TBird HT
'61 TBird HT (parts car)
'88 Ranger XLT
'02 Sportrac 4x4
2012 Dodge RAM 4x4
'49 Ford 8N
Re: 12 Volt Switched Hot For Aftermarket Gauges
If nothing else, you could connect to the power seat circuit.
Better yet, use the ign source to trigger a relay. The relay would send battery sourced power to a fuse block so you can provide safe power to any new items you choose to install. It's a good pratice even with newer vehicles so you can keep factory and add-on items as seperate as possible and keeps the cars original wiring from having to carry any new loads. It also keeps the hacking down in case anyone wants to return things to stock in the future. You never know, it could be you some day (exactly what happened to me!).
Scott
Better yet, use the ign source to trigger a relay. The relay would send battery sourced power to a fuse block so you can provide safe power to any new items you choose to install. It's a good pratice even with newer vehicles so you can keep factory and add-on items as seperate as possible and keeps the cars original wiring from having to carry any new loads. It also keeps the hacking down in case anyone wants to return things to stock in the future. You never know, it could be you some day (exactly what happened to me!).
Scott
1964 Coupe Wimbledon white/Rangoon Red w/black int. Owned for 42 years. It was my folks car before that (second owners). VTCI # 12013.
Re: 12 Volt Switched Hot For Aftermarket Gauges
Hey all,
Incase anyone needs this in the future I figured it out a few weeks ago. There is a terminal stud/nut on the upper right hand corner of the fuse box that is 12V switched hot, really easy access to run lines off of. Hope this helps someone in the future with wiring fun.
Incase anyone needs this in the future I figured it out a few weeks ago. There is a terminal stud/nut on the upper right hand corner of the fuse box that is 12V switched hot, really easy access to run lines off of. Hope this helps someone in the future with wiring fun.