Starter Conversion on a 1917 - Where to Put the Switch and Ammeter?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2015: Starter Conversion on a 1917 - Where to Put the Switch and Ammeter?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange - Hillsboro, MO on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 10:20 am:

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? :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 10:37 am:

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


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John McGinnis in San Jose area, CA. on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 11:20 am:

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.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick J. Gunter -- Sparta, Missouri, USA on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 12:24 pm:

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.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 12:57 pm:

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.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Curtis Wells on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 05:23 pm:

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


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John McGinnis in San Jose area, CA. on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 05:58 pm:

a '25/'25 dash can be made to work, but a '20+/- would work better.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 08:31 pm:

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.


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