Temp gauge doesn't function so wonder if an aftermarket mechanical unit will screw into the engine block inlet? What is the fitting size?
Understand Roy Martin was the go to guy to repair the temperature gauge. I called and unfortunately he has retired. Any other leads?
There is info on line on how to repair your old gauge providing your gauge at the instrument panel is OK. it involves purchasing a new mechanical capillary tube gauge that has a similar size bulb and splicing the tubes together . That is done with the new bulb sitting in a container of ice that encapsulates the bulb. I am in no way recommending you try that as it is not something I have done but it did make for interesting reading. I believe NAPA and other auto stores sell the new gauges. When I worked for an equipment dealer we used to purchase them locally and I don't ever remember having a customer that had a problem installing one so i am guessing the fittings are a fairly standard size.
It would be nice to have the original gauge functional but it appears to be a challenge. An aftermarket replacement may need be but it's not likely to look period. More important the car is functional and eliminate the threat of frying the engine unintentionally.
Bob's speedometer in Michigan has been recommended in the past.
https://www.bobsspeedometer.com/Here is a link for a how to as mentioned above;
http://www.ply33.com/Repair/tempgaugeDave
Wow, Roy recently did the one on my 1930 not that long ago, :!)
superb job, and quick turn around !!
as noted there were several places that stated they did the same. some listed in the AACA Mag and can google search them as well. i read the how to and figured i would leave it and pay someone that knew what they were doing and could test it for accuracy.
Actually I had used Bob's speedometer in the past. He restored a speedo cable for me and it turned out great. I didn't realize he could also do gauge repair. Appreciate the lead. Will follow up on it this week!
Did you happen to get the gauge fixed? I have a gauge stuck on cold and looking to repair. I see one on eBay currently but pretty pricey.
Unfortunately I didn't. Seems those that had the know how have retired. Apparently the tube leading to the block is filled with some kind of a gas. For now I have one of those remote guns to aim at the block that reads temperatures.
I’m curious what temp ranges are you looking for when pointing the temp reader at the block?
Between 140 to 160 degrees.
My gauge also does not work, Thinking about mounting an aftermarket gauge, but don't want to loose the original look. Does anyone have any leads on who might have a gauge or if Roy has retired where to go to get one fixed. If somebody would care to walk me thru removing the gauge from the dash it would be appreciated.
Roy is retired....
here is a list of places i talked with that do the repairs on these older capillary type temperature gauges.
D&M Restoration
57-B Creekside Park Court
Greenville, SC 29615
Monday-Friday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
864-254-9989
support@dandmrestoration.com
Mo-Ma Manufacturing
1321 2nd Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Monday-Friday: 08:30 am – 04:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
(505) 766-6661
jlobo@momamanufacturing.com
Gold Star Restorations
5780 Pacheco Pass Hwy
Hollister, CA 95023
Monday-Friday: 00:00 am - 00:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 00:00
831-636-3020
Gauge@gold-star-llc.com
Instrument Services, Inc.
4075 Steele Drive
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Monday-Friday: 08:30 am – 04:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
815-316-2921
sales@clocksandgauges.com
Bob’s Speedometer
10123 Bergin Road
Howell, Michigan 48843
Monday-Friday: …
Saturday & Sunday: …
810-632-0400
…
Great reference information,
Thank you BearsFan315!
When I call I asked
can they service, repair, rebuild a vintage temperature gauge - capillary
do they validate and test every gauge when done to validate temperature and range on the gauge face
time of turnaround
est cost to eval and service
the list was current when i called and had mine from my 1930 redone late 2020. Roy did mine, all new capillary tube and bulb, superb job. must have been one of the last ones he did.
Thank you BearsFan 315 that is some good information, with those leads i should be able to find somebody to repair mine. Thank you very much.