Amperes Gauge

I bought a used Vintage Speedster. It has these very pretty "vintage reproduction" gauges, all of which seem to be working well. One of the gauges shows amperes. When the engine is on, the guage generally points straight up to zero. Occasionally it fluxuates mildly.

Why exactly do I need to know amperes as opposed to volts? Is zero a good place to be? If it falls into the negative side of the gauge what would that imply? Are the occasional fluxuations on the positive side normal?

'C

Brandon,

Amps is work, or the amount of Amps being utilized to perform a task (Lighting, Radio or an electrical device that is operating). If your Speedster has a generator or altenator they both produce a certin amount of power for the electrical devices in your car to utilize if operated. The + side would indicate the Generator or Alternator is having to produce enough Amps to maintain the 13-14 volts of DC Power to maintain your battery as well suppling additional power for work being performed by the electrical device that are in the "On Position".

The - side would indicate the charging system isn't keeping up with the demand and the system could be discharging.

Others owners will have their own way of explaining their answer, but this is mine.

Best Regards,

Jack Blake