12v. to 6v. instrument cluster

[TCLARK]

My temp guage is electrical which suits up fine with the 261 cu. in.
sender. Amps are amps and that should not be affected. A fellow
on ebay selling 60 dollar 12 to 6 units said that the guage polarity
does not have to be reversed. Tommorrow I will know as I am getting the
reducer and will experiment... look for explosions in the west!!
Terry

[Lynn Eades]

Just to clarify for those still in doubt, an ammeter is not polarity sensitive, but will read the wrong way , if connected wrong.
If its showing a charge, when the lights are on, and the engine is not running, swap the wires around.

[Tony Wheeler]

Lynn, I think you mean the ammeter IS polarity sensitive, but won't be harmed by reverse polarity. As you say the Charge/Discharge reading will simply be reversed, which is easily fixed by reversing the guage connections. I imagine this will have to be done if converting to negative earth system.

As far as I'm aware the other guages are NOT polarity sensitive because they don't need to detect current direction. In any case I imagine they'd be designed to survive reverse polarity, at least temporarily, in the interests of making them foolproof!

Interestingly Ford continued to use their 6V guages long after they introduced 12V systems, by fitting a 12V to 6V converter of some kind behind the dash. Eventually they got around to making 12V guages, which simply involves recalibrating the shunt resistor inside the guage.

[Lynn Eades]

Ok Tony, I submit! You are of course correct!
However, what I did achieve, was to prompt a more accurate response
At the end of the day, I am trying to help those who fear the vageries of electrickery.
Thankyou Tony for putting it so clearly.

[Private_collector]

Thanks guys,

I have been reading this thread with much interest, as I would no doubt be asking similar questions in coming months. I have examined a number of photos showing rear of instrument clusters (Ford), and tried to work out if they showed a common pattern of wiring. They dont, as far as I could tell, so this info will assist me greatly.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

However, what I did achieve, was to prompt a more accurate response

Now that is a good answer. I may well write it down to use in case I am ever wrong.

[Lynn Eades]

Rob, What you said, I took as a compliment...until I read the last four words.

[Ganmain Tony]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

Ok Tony, I submit! You are of course correct!
However, what I did achieve, was to prompt a more accurate response
At the end of the day, I am trying to help those who fear the vageries of electrickery.
Thankyou Tony for putting it so clearly.

Lynn if your ever over the ditch, look Howard and myself up in Ganmain.

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

Ok Tony, I submit! You are of course correct!

Your message was perfectly correct Lynn, I was merely clarifying the context, which alters the meaning of the term "polarity sensitive". In other words I was being pedantic!

[Lynn Eades]

Tony W., your pedanticness (is that a word) Is the bit of info that the guy who didn't know, needed. He should now have a pretty good understanding of what he needs to know. That was my goal, and with your help, he has it pretty clear. (I hope) ( I tried several smart arse lines in here, but the wisdom that comes with age finally prevailed) I am happy as, with your post.