I am waiting for a definitive answer to Brian's question, from someone.
Mike C. the LP2 carrier has the resistor for the coil (6v to 4.5 v) and the vibrating regulator for the generator if my memory serves me correctly.
This depends on the type of generator (2 or 3 brush) I think the other type has the cut out in the dash unit. I may be wrong about this. I can't remember.
Mike K. That is how it was supposed to work with Henry's set up.
When you turn on the key, you get 6 volts to the coil, which equals (hopefully) a big fat spark while cranking to start (It might drop anyhow because of the load)
A few seconds on, the Nichrome wire has heated up (the guard has a purpose) generating its internal resistance to flow, and dropping the output voltage to 4.5 volts, the operating voltage of the old Ford ignition systems.
Brian. I imagine you are on the right track. The Ford commercial gauges were the same for all (early?)vehicles, either 6 or 12 volt. The 12 volt vehicles had the resistors fitted to the back of the instrument cluster.
Macs sell them, and you need 3 of them for the fuel, oil, and temp gauges. I understand there is a more expensive single unit that will do all three.
Can you post photos, details (resistance) and a price for what you have for sale, please?
It would be interesting to know what the operating voltage of the T16 coil is.
If it is 9 volts, then it will have a resistor. It's all about an easy starting system.
What I learned from Mike K. tonight is that it is called Nichrome NOT the lifetimes misconception that it was Michrome wire.
BTW Rob, you can buy the Nichrome wire, if you wanted to rewind your original resistor.