Amp. Guage
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Amp gages read all of the time ingnition on or off. They are a magnetic coil that simply moves a magnet one way or the other depending on direction of current flow. How do you fix them? Making sure nothing is wrong with the electrical system is the first step. If ok, remove the gage and unwind the wire wrapped around it. Measure it, then get some coated copper wire of the same diameter and cut a piece the same length. wrap it around the gage as neatly as you can and solder the ends back on. It will work as good as new and you will retain the original gage. I did that when mine began to flutter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Plenty of corvette instrument services around Tom. Just do a search on C3 forum. And yes, sounds like you need a repair/replacement on your ammeter. You can buy replacement amp gauges from our supporting vendors. But once I got my plastic instrument cluster into little pieces I decided to send mine out.
Good luck. cardo0
Good luck. cardo0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
The repair I described took about fifteen minutes but I had the wire on hand by chance. Just be VERY careful with the lettering, it comes off at the slightest touch. It is satisfying to fix somthing and have it work, and I didn't have to wait ten days.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Tom.. If you decide 
to go with a new (repro) gage beware that they are noticably different. The face is attached with two screws vertically and the original is two rivits horizontal. The fonts, color and overall quality of the repro stand right ou as very poor. It won't blend well with the rest of the gage's.
to go with a new (repro) gage beware that they are noticably different. The face is attached with two screws vertically and the original is two rivits horizontal. The fonts, color and overall quality of the repro stand right ou as very poor. It won't blend well with the rest of the gage's.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Oneida WI
I am going tor try rebuilding the amp. gauge myself along with converting the clock to a quartz movement. I will be doing this during the winter months. If I fail to get the amp. gauge working correctly where would you suggest purchasing a good one? Thanks for the heads up Larry.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Centerville La
I thought about just resoldering my amp meter but I was worried about some sort of fail safe in the wire or solder,anybody else done this. Sure beats shelling out coins for a repair or replacement the one I have was used and a little irratic.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 868
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by jeaux
I thought about just resoldering my amp meter but I was worried about some sort of fail safe in the wire or solder,anybody else done this. Sure beats shelling out coins for a repair or replacement the one I have was used and a little irratic.
Rewrapping the wire is the best thing to do,but you need the same style wire or your readings will be different.
And the replacement gauges are ok,There are two one is very correct the other is the one mentioned above with the screws(they're junk).
I have new coils that I replace on those gauges.
Jason
VetteInstruments@aol.com
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Corvette instument service in south Floida has a lot of stuff and is verty helpful www.corvetteinstrumentservice.com
Last edited by Larry B.; Jul 11, 2004 at 05:27 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by Tom Johnson
Where can I purchased the correct replacement amp. gauge for my 71?
