I wanted to post an update on the burned up ammeter problem on my '41 Super Eight 160 coupe. We found a replacement ammeter at Max Merritt's and also a replacement front clear panel for the instrument cluster. We also replaced the burned cable and took the ammeter out of the circuit. (still haven't got it out yet, it is waiting until week after this one) The car runs fine with the cable replaced.

I had the replacement ammeter, which needed to be rebuilt anyway, rewired as a voltmeter. It will look the same, but it will indicate if the generator is charging, not the amps that the car's electrical system is drawing. I think that is safer.

The car is entered for the St Michael's Concours this fall, if I can get time off from work to attend it. Thanks to all for the help and advice and I will post again when we have had it all out of the dash and figured out what shorted the ammeter.

MUCH obliged to all who have posted to help. I will report back with diagnosis and progress.

I agree. There would have to be a short, and all that current would have to go through the ammeter to burn it up. Still trying to figure out how to get it out of there to see what happened.

Thanks to all who commented!! I figured we would have to take it all apart because the window is now opaque and I will have to determine how to clean it or replace the glass or plastic. We'll look at it again. I may indeed need your extra ammeter, Chris- I'll call Merritt's today and see if they have one, if not, perhaps I can buy yours. First I have to see what we have in there. Also we need to check the charging system; someone pointed out it may be overcharging and that's why it burnt up. As to the shunt, sounds like it's not needed, but it would be good to know why this happened in the first place.

We brought my 160 coupe home from the shop and next thing we knew smoke was coming from under the dash. We think the ammeter shorted out and burned up the wire supplying it with current. Fortunately the car did not burn up!!

Some questions, any help much appreciated:

-any sources for a replacement ammeter? The little window that the ammeter was visible in is now opaque- I think this is heat damage.
-will an ammeter from another 1941 Packard fit and work?
-can a shunt be installed to lessen the load going through the ammeter?

Any other suggestions would be very helpful. I have sent off for a shop manual(s) to help get the dashboard out so we can see the full extent of the damage. Hoping to get the car back on the road soon.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.