[red72truck]

I'm converting a 1972 Chevy C-10 Truck dash from one with only speedo & fuel gauges to one with a full set of gauges. I've got everything squared away except the Ammeter. The wires in the harness and the traces on the flexible printed circuit on the back of the dash are way too small to be connected in series with the Alt & Battery. Anyone know how this mess should go together. I already know a Voltmeter is better, but I have to hook this Ammeter up...Thanks! Bryan

[bullheimer]

you got it. an ammeter HAS TO BE installed in series. run a big freakin wire at least 10AWG from the battery to the ammeter and out of that to your fuse box. at least that's how my 55's works

[hotwheels55]

A voltmeter is a much better manner to read what you electrical system is doing. What you're describing using an ammeter is an antiquated and archaic gauge that hasn't been used by any manufacturer in years.
A voltmeter can be easily hooked into a circuit with small gauge wire. It doesn't need an 8-10 gauge wire that is a fire ready happen.
Go to this site operated by Mark Harmon of Mad Electic <a href="http://www.madelectrical.com/" target="_blank">http://www.madelectrical.com/</a> and go to his tech section. There is an article there about ammeter gauges vs. voltmeters. You'll learn alot very quickly.

[horvath]

I agree with hotwheels55 - read the article!

I'd scrap the ammeter and put a votage meter in it's place ... much SAFER, too!

Alan Horvath
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/54chevy/" target="_blank">54 Chevy Pickup</a>

[Dave E Shank]

HEY BRYAN: To answer your question about the ammeter. It is a series device, meaning it reads current FLOW. It goes in the wire in which you wish to measure current, just cut the wire an insert the device. DAVE