12 Volt Switched Hot For Aftermarket Gauges

[aaustin]

Hey 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? My Thunderbird does not have power seats, windows, AC, convertible top or any of the other factory goodies so no dice there as far as hookups. 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.

[stevegintn]

Austin, back on the main (non-modified) 61-63 forum, I posted about powering for the OEM gauges and another post for powering an electric choke.

Firstly, no idea about your aftermarket gauges, but the stock temp & fuel gauges only use 5v (stepped down from 12 via an IVR, which is behind the clock).

Re powering my electric choke, I moved it from the coil to the power window relay on the firewall (I know you said, you don't have pwr windows). But another guy said he ran the power from the hot wire on the voltage regulator - so that would be an option for you?

[aaustin]

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.

[stevegintn]

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.

Austin, is that on a 62? (62 has a totally diff fuse panel and loc than 63)