stupid tech question

[beetlemandan]

i'm putting in a 914 tach and speedo in my 69 bug, and i need a fuel gauge. the only one i have is this :
http://img241.imageshack.us/ifs/7842/img406/4/img6485xq9.jpg

it says 6 volt on the back, can i force it to work on 12 volt with magic wiring? or do i need a 12 volt gauge?

tradesies? for this ? http://www.cip1.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VDO%2D301%2D020

[HeliMike]

Don't quote me on this as I'm no electrical expert, but can't ya just buy one of those 12-6V voltage drops from CIP for using a 6V wiper motor on a 12v car? I'm sure there's generic ones out there but again... don't quote me on that

[Geoff]

Those wont really work for that aplication, you are better off looking for a 67 bus or ghia 12v round fuel guage.

[beetlemandan]

Those wont really work for that aplication, you are better off looking for a 67 bus or ghia 12v round fuel guage.

thats what i thought, i was hoping someone had some majic ninja powder i could sprinkle on the gauge that would force it to work

[oldbugger]

6v gas gauge works just fine hooked up to 12v I have never had any problems at all There is no difference in the gas gauge sender between 6V and 12V. VDO changed the gauge in 67 to 12V by adding an 82 ohm 1 watt resistor internal to the gauge. The same resistor is used on early bay gas gauges so you can get one there if you have a dash cluster handy, or just buy a 100 ohm 1 watt resistor at Radio Shack and it will be close enough.

You can use a 6V gauge on 12V without the resistor but it will eventually burn out or break off the needle. Put the 82(100) ohm resistor in series with the power lead to the gauge and the 6V gauge will last a lot longer and read more accurately on 12V. 6V gauges aren't getting any cheaper these days, save 'em while you still can..

[Geoff]

6v gas gauge works just fine hooked up to 12v I have never had any problems at all There is no difference in the gas gauge sender between 6V and 12V. VDO changed the gauge in 67 to 12V by adding an 82 ohm 1 watt resistor internal to the gauge. The same resistor is used on early bay gas gauges so you can get one there if you have a dash cluster handy, or just buy a 100 ohm 1 watt resistor at Radio Shack and it will be close enough.

You can use a 6V gauge on 12V without the resistor but it will eventually burn out or break off the needle. Put the 82(100) ohm resistor in series with the power lead to the gauge and the 6V gauge will last a lot longer and read more accurately on 12V. 6V gauges aren't getting any cheaper these days, save 'em while you still can..

Great info! Thanks.