M135 guages 12v?

[machelko]

Can anyone help me on info whether the original 24v guages from an M135 can operate under 12v conversion. I got some great info on the BO switches on a previous thread that was a great help. I would like to keep things as close to original as possible even though it has been converted by previous owner.

[rob love]

Simple answer: No. At least not without a great deal of manipulation. Remember that a guage is a balance of electromagnetic fields, a variable input, possibly a spring tension, and a fixed input. Mess with one part of the equation and you have to mess around trying to balance it all again.

[Robin Craig]

do yourself a favour and the owners who will follow after you, put it back to 24volt and keep it original.

R

[machelko]

Nothing I would love more and feel better about than to convert back but since the proper engine is gone and it is somewhat motor pool ready to enjoy, for now this is what I am stuck with until time and money let me do it they way it should be. I know there are dueces out there with decent powerpacks but I,m not in a position for that yet. My wife is supportive so far... don't want to push it.

[chris vickery]

You can still have a 24v system and start your engine on 12v only if it is setup with a 12v starter.

[Grant Bowker]

Originally Posted by machelko

but since the proper engine is gone........ for now this is what I am stuck with until time and money let me do it they way it should be.

It sounds as if the truck has been re-engined, possibly significantly modified along the way. It might be difficult for him to hang the 24 volt generator from whatever is in the truck now.....
If that's the case, perhaps a cheap set of Princess Auto (or similar) guages might get him on the road and enjoying the truck until time and resources come together.

[machelko]

Exactly
I picked the truck up for a few hundred dollars. I checked the emerg brake, oil and coolant, started it and drove it home an hour away..slowly accompanied by a follower vehicle. The truck has been somewhat unmolested except for the powertrain. The 302 and autotrans along with most of the 24v components had been removed by the previous owner and replaced with a gm 292 and manual trans with low range creeper gear. It starts and runs fantastic but.. just isn't right. However, with little cosmetic work and tuneup, its a gem. All BO components, convoy lights, compressors, most data plates, switches and buzzers are present. It looks good, just not under the hood.
I could use a better hood as well as the troop seats, but all in good time. Someday, I may come across an original powertrain. As for guages, Sterwart Warner has almost exact replicas in 12v, might be my answer to enjoy her for a while.

[chris vickery]

Lots of bashed up dueces still kicking about in running order. You might keep your eyes open for one that is a total wreck bodywise but a decent runner for the motor and transmission as well as a donor for all the missing pieces.
Cheaper to buy a wreck than buy up individual parts.
Seems most wrecks are pretty much scrap value these days.

[rob love]

The old hydromatic tranny on the duece was always problematic. Very likely that was why the powertrain was changed.

There were a few converted in Saskatchewan to use the cummins diesel and transmission from the Dodge 3/4 tons. Not sure how those old diffs handles the extra torque....we were breaking diffs just on road tests towards the end of their service in the 80s..

[Stan Leschert]

There is no need to put in an old engine and a grumpy tranny. Go to E-Pay and get a Hummv 24/12 V alternator. You'll need 2 batteries, but you can keep the old stuff, and still have fully functional modern conveniences. The cost is really not that bad!

Imagine , not having to worry about invertors or problematic battery taps to run back up lights and cd players .... The only way to go!