I got a PM from a fellow member that is adding a starter and generator to his 1917 T. He wanted to know if I had any suggestions on where to place the switch and ammeter.
Since I only have one T, a 1924, I didn't feel qualified to answer, but I'm sure that other members here have faced a similar situation, can folks share their solutions here on this thread?
I have a starter on my '17 but no charging system and no ammeter. I mounted a Motorcraft starter solenoid to the underside of the fixed floorboard and a small push button switch right under the lip of the seat base out of sight.
I charge the battery with a smart charger after each drive or tour. The car starts with one pull of the crank, the starter only is used if I stall the car which is nearly never.
Solenoid:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MOT0/SW1951C.oap
Somehow I think a later dash can be added to that body...it contains an instrument panel with ammeter.
A standard T starter switch/button can be installed in the usual place. But how does the generator get installed on that engine? The ammeter must suggest that there will be a generator. Sounds like an electrical conversion exercise.
You can make a dash out of wood. There were accessory dashes made during that era for adding an instrument panel, speedometer, or extra gauges to your non-starter era Ford. They were made from 1" lumber and usually painted black. However, you can finish it as natural wood if you like.
John makes a valid point. An ammeter suggests a generator or an alternator. That means either a different engine or a belt driven aftermarket unit.
The post from Mark is for my car, 1917 touring. I have installed a motor with a generator and starter from a 1924 or 25 car, and used a wiring harness for 1924/25. The harness is used in conjunction with a switch and ammeter gage on the dash. I have the dash from the 24/25 car and will see if it fits in the 1917-thanks
a '25/'25 dash can be made to work, but a '20+/- would work better.
Here is how I did the Amp Meter on my speedster. It is made from a 2 inch threaded electrical conduit connector and 2 big washers welded on each end.