Temp gauge sending unit help

[KenI]

I need help finding a temp gauge sending unit.  The temp gauge (electric) in question is located in the lower left portion (7 o'clock) of a round instrument cluster, of which the speedo is the dominate gauge, and the fuel gauge is in the lower right (5 o'clock).  I was initially mislead in my search because this instrument cluster is centrally mounted in the dash of a 1947 CJ2a.  It looks like it belongs there but I now know the CJ2a had individual gauges.  Now I believe this CJ2a has been rebodied at some point, with a body that had a redesigned dash, made to accommodate a later instrument cluster.

The folks on the CJ2a forum helped me identify the gauge cluster as a model that was first used in the early 1957 CJ3A, then subsequent Jeep models, and was manufactured by Stewart Warner.  That info matches with the stamps on the back of the gauges.

The Jeep was using a mechanical temp gauge in recent years, and I want to return it to the electrical gauge.  I am unable to find any info on the correct part number for a sending unit, or a source for a new or used part.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!   

   

[BillT]

Sorry I can't help with your problem. But to aid in your search the cj3a production ended in 1953 I think. Perhaps the early cj3b has what you are looking for. Do a search for the CJ3B page/forum maybe that site will have the info you are looking for. Good Luck.

[1955CJ-5]

Here is a picture of the speedo/gauge cluster in my 1955 CJ-5....It is also 6 volt. I think they went to 12 volt in '58. At some point they swapped sides for the fuel and temp gauge...

I think the early DJ used the same speedo unit, or similar...maybe you have a DJ-3A?

You may need a temp.sender for a F-head CJ...

Found this on Walck's site

https://walcks4wd.com/sender-temperature-gauge-1957.html

Pictures will help identify what you have.

I used to live in Gardnerville...how long have you been in Minden?

[KenI]

Thanks for the model info Bill T.  I'm learning the models as I go!

1955CJ-5, the pictured speedo is similar to mine with the following differences:

No silver circle in the middle, speed numerals ends at 9, and no provision for turn signal indicator lights.  Also, on the face, at the top, mine has the numbers (like a part number) 424434.

I tried several times to post a picture but was unsuccessful.  I can get the picture in the "choose file" box but can't get it attached.  I'll try again.

The suggestion that this instrument cluster is out of a DJ3A is probably correct.  I didn't realize they weren't produced at the same time s the CJ3A.  This is part of my ongoing education!

That sending unit at Walck's looks promising.  I searched Walck's previously and didn't find that but that was before I learned more about the models.

I've lived in Minden 1 1/2 years.

Thanks for the help.

[KenI]

Okay, so I got a picture in and it's the wrong one!  Let's try again.

[athawk11]

After seeing you dash area photo, your guess of a "rebody" is likely.  I believe it is a DJ tub.  Now that you can post photos, can you show us more?

[KenI]

Sure athawk11, here we go.  Any info/knowledge is great!  Even though this Jeep has been in the family since 1949 (in-laws side) the original owner (grampa) passed a number of years ago and there is much history we don't know.

[1955CJ-5]

Thanks for the pictures!

It looks good.....looks like a CJ with a DJ dash...I'm stumped..!

But I see you have a 12 volt system, with a solenoid start and a replacement starter....

Is that the old temp sender just above and to the left of your distributor?

I lived in Gardnerville from about '64 to '80...guess our paths did not cross...

Watch for an old green jeep pickup with a camper shell on it....might see it at the historical museum that used to be the junior high school that I attended! Used to see it all the time...

[athawk11]

Thanks for showing us!  Another "tell that it is an original DJ tub is the large diameter covered hole on the passenger side, just behind the fender.  The rear wheel well is also a DJ/CJ3A style.  The DJ tub is similar to a 3A tub.  Although, there were versions of the DJ tub that have some unique characteristics that help identify them from a 2A or 3A tub.  There were also options available that can be confusing.  For example, they were available with a closed back side, similar to the MB tub, and also DJ versions with the familiar tailgate.

It's had a few mods over the years, but looks like they were well thought out.  Good luck with it.

[KenI]

Yes, 12v system with an alternator and reduction starter, and upgraded wiring.  Most of the upgrades and work do appear well thought out and well done, but there were some boo boo's too.  A few years ago when my nephew first brought it to me for some work, I could hear a knocking from the lower end.  Upon teardown of the fairly fresh "rebuild", I found that the rebuilder had left out the locating pins for the main bearing shells.  A crank grind and bearings AND locating pins cured that problem.

The sending unit in the head is for an aftermarket gauge, which formerly was in the hole in the dash to the left of the instrument cluster.  It was in-op and I replaced it with a cheap mechanical unit which died after about two years.  I left the sending unit in to plug the hole and used the hole in the top rear of the head for the mechanical gauge.  Nephew wants it back to stock ( or stockish, and I agree) and we will put an oil pressure gauge in the dash hole.

1955CJ-5, I ordered that sender from Walck's.  Looks like what I need.  I drive by that museum all the time but have yet to visit it.  One of those things you always intend to do but don't seem to get to.  I'll make an effort.

Thanks for all the input, it was very helpful.  When I get the sending unit and gauges back in I will post the results.