Install an Ammeter

[spacecrow]

Hello all:

I like the idea of keeping an eye on my charging current and want to install an ammeter under the dash of my 1972 Chevelle. This should not be a difficult project for me. However, to read electrical current, the meter has to be installed in series. Has anyone installed an ammeter and got a good reading? Thanks for any replys.

[MagicRat]

This is an easy installation.

Locate the positive battery terminal. See the fat wire that goes to the starter? Somewhere along this fat wire, you will find a thinner wire that extends from it. This thinner wire feeds the rest of the positive electrical system.

It may extend from the positive battery terminal, or from where the fat wire bolts to the starter motor or somewhere in between.

The gauge is wired in series with this thinner wire. Use 10 gauge wire to extend the thin wire to your gauge. It's a good idea to use a high amp (80 amp or so) fuse, circuit breaker or fuseable link where the 10 gauge wire meets the positive terminal.
If your gauge ever shorts out, the fuse will blow instead of burning your car down.

Also, when you install the gauge, make sure you use a plastic (not metal) mounting bracket. I have encountered several ammeters where the entire metal housing becomes positively energized when you connect the wires. If you use a metal mounting bracket you run the risk of creating a short-circuit and will blow the fuse or burn the car down.