Is a 1968 Alternator Guage unit rebuildable?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Big Block
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Alternator Unit
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the rebuildability of a 1968 alternator gauge, specifically a Stewart-Warner model, and the potential for restoring or replacing it. Participants explore the gauge's condition, possible repair options, and wiring considerations related to the alternator circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the original gauge is 'smoked' and expresses a desire to save the casing, suggesting it may be rebuildable.
  • Another participant asks about the presence of a manufacturer logo and the vehicle type to gather more information about the gauge.
  • Several participants provide links to parts suppliers and restoration services, indicating potential sources for replacement or repair.
  • There is a suggestion to bypass the gauge until the starter issue is resolved, with a warning about potential wiring problems.
  • Some participants discuss the possibility of running new wires from the ammeter to address the gauge's functionality.
  • Questions arise about the gauge's specifications, including its diameter and whether service parts are available from Stewart-Warner.
  • One participant mentions that there is no equivalent gauge listed in their catalog, indicating a potential challenge in finding a replacement.
  • Another participant advises sending the gauge to a specific company for a rebuild quote and provides wiring safety tips.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on whether the gauge is rebuildable and how to approach the wiring issues. There is no consensus on the best course of action, and multiple viewpoints regarding repair and replacement options remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific vehicle models and gauge specifications, but there are unresolved questions about the gauge's rebuildability and the exact wiring connections needed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in classic car restoration, specifically those dealing with electrical components and gauges in vintage vehicles.

Big Block
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
The 1968 alternator gauge is 'smoked' The replacement Stewart-Warner gauge is different - it reads "Amperes" instead of "Alternator". I would like to save the casing on my unit...There is a detent on the rim of the casing and looks to me like the main cap would "pop-off", like a watch case.
If this is rebuildable could you recommend someone...If not, would you know of anyone selling this model...
Any thoughts...
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
First & foremost, is there any sign of a manufacturer logo, label etc on the original gauge you have?

Second, what make of vehicle or machine is this gauge installed in?
 
http://www.yearone.com/
i got a lot of parts for my 68 plymouth road runner from year one...not cheap but the y are oem of close to oem
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bigblock have you read the other thread since you last posted in it?
 
Fahlin Racing said:
First & foremost, is there any sign of a manufacturer logo, label etc on the original gauge you have?

Second, what make of vehicle or machine is this gauge installed in?

Fahlin Racing,
Yes, SW. The gauge is installed in the console (next to the oil pressure guage) on a 1968 Ford Mustang 428CJ FB equipped with a 4 speed manual trani.
 
Are looking for a new http://www.stewartwarner.com/" gauge or to restore the original one ? In the last case, talk with guys like these ones:

http://www.autoinstruments.com/"
http://www.dandmrestoration.com/"
http://www.tachman.com/"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
My final piece of advice to you is to quit pursuing the alternator fix UNTIL you get the starter to work. you can by pass the gauge as it is not required to start the engine. chances are a wire is shorted out to the point is is brunt in two..the gauge may be the faulty connection.
in any event you can run new wire from the hot side of the ammeter to the connection if need be...BUT
as far as you have told me..the starter has not spun since the original smoke event.
until you can get the starter to work..you have a classic car stationary monument...
end of comments
rm
 
^^^^^^^^^Which would be the opposite of my advice as previously stated. Haha.
 
Ranger Mike said:
you can by pass the gauge as it is not required to start the engine. chances are a wire is shorted out to the point is is brunt in two..the gauge may be the faulty connection.
in any event you can run new wire from the hot side of the ammeter to the connection if need be...BUT
rm

Ranger Mike,
To the Ammeter guage: Run a new wire from the hot wire to what connection?
 
  • #10
Big Block have you read what I've posted in the other thread?
 
  • #11
Big Block said:
Fahlin Racing,
Yes, SW. The gauge is installed in the console (next to the oil pressure guage) on a 1968 Ford Mustang 428CJ FB equipped with a 4 speed manual trani.

Have you checked with Stewart Warner for service parts yet?

Is this a two-inch diameter gauge?

I could check in the catalog at work, although it won't list them in a application order in our gauge catalog. Picture of the face possibly so I know what to try to look for?
 
  • #12
Fahlin Racing said:
Have you checked with Stewart Warner for service parts yet?

Is this a two-inch diameter gauge?

I could check in the catalog at work, although it won't list them in a application order in our gauge catalog. Picture of the face possibly so I know what to try to look for?

Yes, I believe so Fahlin Racing. This is the best I can do picture-wise. This is a Stewart-Warner gauge from the year 1968.

IMG_0154_converrt_1.jpg
 
  • #13
Well, right off the bat, there is no gauge in the catalog like that. Like Mike mentioned, Yearone and other sites that were mentioned by others. I will try just to make sure though.
 
  • #14
bigblock..call these guys...


http://www.cal-mustang.com/1969-70-MUSTANG-ALTERNATOR-GAUGE-C5221.aspx
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #15
Big Block said:
The 1968 alternator gauge is 'smoked' The replacement Stewart-Warner gauge is different - it reads "Amperes" instead of "Alternator". I would like to save the casing on my unit...There is a detent on the rim of the casing and looks to me like the main cap would "pop-off", like a watch case.
If this is rebuildable could you recommend someone...If not, would you know of anyone selling this model...
Any thoughts...

Fahlin Racing, rm, or anyone else can reply...
Q:
Is this alternator gauge rebuildable, or not?...There is a detent on the rim of the face and looks to me like the main cap would "pop-off", like a watch case.

The Stewart-Warner (SW) model is from 1968. If not, I would like to restore this one or purchase NOS (identical to this model).

Q2:
Option- to disconnect my faulty alternator gauge and safely wire up this circuit. How do you connect these 3 wires (live, return and ground)??...


Pictures of -
the alternator
IMG_0154_1024.jpg

and oil pressure gauges
IMG_0155_1024.jpg
 
  • #16
i would send the amp gage to the link i gave you in California ..have them give you quote on cost to rebuild...
on wiring ..simply connect the to wires from th e amp meter togeather and MAKE SURE you do not connect a ground wire to these two hot wires..also tape the connection so you do not chance grounding it and causing a fire..
and...make sure the wires are not fried, or have melted any insulation off ..be carefulllllllll
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
683
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
703
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
12K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
26
Views
9K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
54K