Ammeter to Voltmeter Conversion

[crf250r]

After recieving my AAW kit I decided to install a voltmeter in place of the factory ammeter but wanted to keep the factory look.
-First I found a 1976-87 voltmeter gauge from the local junkyard and removed the needle (pops off), then drilled out the rivets on this and the factory ammeter gauge.
-After the faceplate and needles are removed from both, place the stock ammeter gauge faceplate onto the 76-87 voltmeter cup and attach with small nuts and bolts. I used M1.6
-Next punch a hole for the third upper leg of the new voltmeter gauge in the factory tin, similar to the temp gauge next to it. Then bolt the ceramic piece back down which will also secure the gauge to the tin.
-Looking from the backside the left leg is positive and the upper is the ground.
-At this point I put 13V to the gauge and set the needle in the middle of the faceplate.
-Now just reassemble the cluster and pick somewhere to draw voltage from, I ran the ground wire to the upper screw that holds the tin in. Note: I am in the process of wiring my truck so it is up to you to decide where to draw the 12v from.
Now you'll have a factory looking cluster with a voltmeter.

I wasn't able to figure out how to attach pictures throughout the text to show the steps so they are below and in the second post.

[crf250r]

More Pictures

[leftybass209]

Thanks for a more recent version of this, but we do already have a couple conversion threads hanging around here.

Nice work!

[yuccales]

Turned out great.

[engineer_gregh]

Nice post. Once you're back up and running please post some pictures with the gauge in use.

[General23cmp]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but one question. Was the old needle reused, or did the one from the newer voltmeter match that well? Looks factory correct. Well done.

[XwalkerX]

I also did this voltmeter conversion but I just swapped needles and kept the squarebody gauge face

[crf250r]

Thanks, it's worked quite well, and yes I used the original needle because it's just pressed on there and easy to swap.

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by General23cmp

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but one question. Was the old needle reused, or did the one from the newer voltmeter match that well? Looks factory correct. Well done.

You can use either needle. Because they are 90 degree sweep, you only see the upper 3/4 of the needle. They are different though, and is personal preference. Some people don't mind 5 different brand gauges in their panel. Then some like myself, would be bothered if the needle didn't match! Best of luck with your swap!

[General23cmp]

So dumb question, but what keeps the 12v legs from shorting through the tin?

[hdff]

Originally Posted by XwalkerX

I also did this voltmeter conversion but I just swapped needles and kept the squarebody gauge face

What kind of light bulbs do you have in your dash, they look clean and sharp