New ammeter for 8N doesn't fit in the dash hole

DanInKuna

Member
I ordered a new ammeter for my '49 8N (early) recently since the old one was trashed and was surprised to find that it doesn't fit in the dash hole. The hole seems to be 2" diameter which i think is pretty standard even for later models and other manufacturers. The new ammeter seems to be about 2 and 1/16". Might be 2 and 1/32". I think this one came from Dennis Carpenter.

I'm trying to decide whether to order a different new ammeter or grind out the inside of the dash hole to accept the new one I have.

Interested in opinions or alternatives i haven't thought of. Maybe i can find a way to crimp the body of the new ammeter without damaging its functionality?

Dan in Kuna, ID
 
That sounds familiar since you say something. It. Has been a
few years, but I think my new one was a little big. I took my
Dremel tool with a sanding drum on it and went around the
inside of the hole until the new one would slide in. I had
forgotten about that.
 
They fit tight, take some abrasive or 1/2 round
fine file and ream the hole wont take much she
should slide in.
 

I used a hand file. One of those half moon shaped ones (heck if I can remember the name) and slowly worked the opening until the gauges fit.
 
Now thats a damn good post, as u can tell hes going to get the fever anyway nothin like that advice to help it along.
 
I had the same problem. I used a Dremel tool with a reamer.
Cuz I just love that "fingernails on a chalkboard" sound! :)
 
yeah Dan.....the NEW replacement gauges are j u s t slightly larger than original......gottcha, eh? And it don't matter who you buy it from, DC or YT or yada-yada-yada. NO FILE!!! Dunno iff'n Dremel has 1-1/2 dia DRUM sander but thats the WAY to go. New DRUM sander at yer local hardware store to fit 1/4" drill motor. Justa whizz or two. Simple, eh?

I got semi-bitt when I installed a 3-ft capillary tube temp gauge opposite my 8N's proof-meter. I hadda fish it behind my oil filter canister and up to the boss that I'd already drilled in my cylinder head per "Hobo's" instructions. It was Stewart-Warner and had matching printing to all my other gauges. Most capillary gauges come with 6-ft tube and you end up winding it in a circle. I got mine from a Jaguar Sports Car dealer in San Luis Obispo, just outside Pismo Beach .......HTH, Dell
 
doesn't take muxh oxidation on the ID of the hole to make a 2" meter not fit a 2" hole.

a drill with a flap cylinder will work without removing metal, just rust, or a sand stone in that drill will get you a hair more agressive.
 
(quoted from post at 00:50:32 01/26/15) I had the same problem. I used a Dremel tool with a reamer.
Cuz I just love that "fingernails on a chalkboard" sound! :)

Reminds me of getting root canal work. Hate those dentists.
 

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