12volt Mechanical Temp. Guage

[SKIPPER1]

While I am desperately searching for an NOS, or other suitable temp. guage for my 49 Ply. 3-window Bus. coupe, I purchased a "cheapy" mechanical Temp. guage at the local NAPA for $17.00, to use as a "backup"

Problem is, when I got home I realized this guage is for a 12 volt system.

Question is, can I make it work on a 6 volt system?

Thanks in advance.

SKIPPER1

[Don Coatney]

I purchased a "cheapy" mechanical Temp. guage at the local NAPA for $17.00, to use as a "backup"

Problem is, when I got home I realized this guage is for a 12 volt system.

Question is, can I make it work on a 6 volt system?

Thanks in advance.

SKIPPER1

The stock temperature gauge is mechanical. No electricity required for the gauge. Is the "mechanical" gauge you purchased actually an electronic gauge? If not I suspect the 12 volt requirement may be for the light bulb only.

[TodFitch]

The stock temperature gauge is mechanical. No electricity required for the gauge. Is the "mechanical" gauge you purchased actually an electronic gauge? If not I suspect the 12 volt requirement may be for the light bulb only.

Ditto Don's comment. And you can use a modern "mechanical" temperature gauge for donor parts to repair some types of problems with the original gauge in your car.

[SKIPPER1]

It's mechanical Don, OEM illumination, which I should not need. Just want to

know my engine temp. (for obvious reasons). Just want to mount it in a conspicuous place till I make alternate plans.

[norrism1]

SKIPPER1, Maybe you can use a 6 volt bulb to illuminate the gauge.

[SKIPPER1]

Thanks Don, Tod and Norrism1 for your replies. Will give it a try when weather gets better and my garage warms up, it's snowy and cold here in Denver, Co.

Thanks,

SKIPPER1