TexRiv_63 Posted June 3, 2022 Share Posted June 3, 2022 I have bought and sold Motometers for a long time and have a modest collection. I was working on some recent acquisitions and realized there were some questions I have never found a good answer to so here goes. The smaller Midget and Junior sizes are self explanatory and the larger Universal series are also quite uniform in size and application. My questions involve the largest "Standard" series classification. Although all Standard meters are the same height and diameter there are at least three different styles regarding body thickness, thermometer diameter, and threaded base diameter. The smallest version has a body thickness of 7/16", thermometer diameter of 1/8", and base diameter of 7/16" (Similar to Midget and Junior) The middle sized and most common type has a body thickness of 9/16". thermometer diameter of 1/4", and base diameter of 9/16". The fairly rare largest size has a body thickness of 3/4", a thermometer diameter of 5/16" and base diameter of 11/16". My questions are: Why were the three sizes made, and how did Boyce classify them in their marketing? Were they intended for specific vehicle groups? Such as smallest for a Dodge or Chevy and largest for a Packard or a truck? Did the different thermometer and base diameters affect their accuracy or suitability for specific vehicles? Thanks for any help you can provide. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 3, 2022 Author Share Posted June 3, 2022 A correction to my post, looking at the photos again it appears that the thermometer diameter for the middle and largest meters are the same, the rest of the dimensions stand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 (edited) This should help answer your questions about the different sizes that were available. As you can see in the advertising, the larger sizes were intended for larger, more prestigious vehicles. The second ad lists the Delux model as specifically for "high-grade passenger cars." An example of the Delux model is shown in the third photo. I have seen the Delux version also referred to as a "Senior" model. I have a selection of motometers NOS in original boxes that I'll take some photos of later when I have an opportunity. It was up to the vehicle owner to determine which model would more appropriately fit their vehicle. Name plates with car and truck names could be purchased and installed on them making them specific to a particular vehicle. Some dealerships had their own name plates made and installed them on dealer supplied motometers. I suspect that over the years they were produced, there were some running changes in them so that might add to the confusion. I have no data on how efficient the various models might have been but they were one of the most popular automotive accessories ever marketed. There are many internet resources to learn more about the history of them. They are a great thing to collect, although there are a lot of evil-bay sellers who think they are worth a small fortune. I recently purchased an excellent early example on a superb dog-bone cap for $45.00. Terry Edited June 4, 2022 by Terry Bond (see edit history) 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 Thanks Terry. I always thought the Deluxe name referred to the fully plated versions of the Standard, Universal, and Junior models with the wreath design bezels and filagreed screws. How were they marketed compared to the plain bezel models in the pictures? This also does not explain the small mount version with the full size top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Marketing? Well, as one of the most popular accessory items ever produced, they were marked through auto accessory stores, catalog operations, garages, repair-shops, and even dealerships, where many accessories were sold, whether or not they were actually endorsed by the manufacturers themselves. Many dealerships were independent and sold multiple brands of automobiles, so they always had a good line of accessories available too. Even country gas stations represented marketing opportunities for Boyce products. I have about 150 accessory catalogs in my collection and many of them have ads for Boyce Motometers. However, the multiple nuances in them is not usually explained in those ads. Logically thinking, a smaller size mounting flange would have been produced for installation on smaller radiator caps. Such information is most likely explained in original Boyce catalogs or technical information that would not have been available to the public. Perhaps the AACA Library has an original Boyce catalog or other literature than can help answer your specific questions. Boyce Motometers became obsolete of course when external radiator caps began disappearing and when auto manufacturers started supplying in-dash temperature gauges. The photos are from a display case in the recreated old auto parts store I've set up in my barn. I'm more of an "accumulator" than a collector but do have interest in them, especially new or in great condition. There is also a photo of one that was given to me by a friend that has a faceplate advertising the Cruise-Crawford truck. The last two pics are of my recent find in a North Carolina antique mall. It was in plain sight in a showcase clearly marked $45.00. It included the nice dogbone cap it sits on. I'll buy them like that anytime! Happy collecting, Terry 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Thanks Terry, that is a beautiful display, love all the original boxes. You got a fabulous deal on that last one, dogbone caps are also selling high these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 My MotoMeter catalog 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 10, 2022 Author Share Posted June 10, 2022 Terry, love that catalog, especially the prices! I do find it interesting that none of the models shown include the wreath bezels and matching screws often seen, and the only Standard model shown is the black painted body type even though many were nickel plated. Do you think that was based on the time period of the catalog or ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 My guess it’s the printing era of the catalog. Certainly making the device more ornate would aid in its sale to people who want something to dress up their car. I don’t collect MotoMeters but I sure do enjoy seeing the many versions that are out there! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted June 10, 2022 Share Posted June 10, 2022 That's a great catalog. If you want to print a few good copies I'd gladly buy one. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBKissel Posted June 13, 2022 Share Posted June 13, 2022 Does anyone know of a site the explains how to repair one? I have a Sr model on my 1925 KISSEL Speedster. I have successfully disassembled and will buy a Sr thermometer from Restoration Supply, but would like to get started removing the glass tube from the housing. Thoughts? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted June 13, 2022 Author Share Posted June 13, 2022 DBKissel, I would also be interested in the same thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron hausmann Posted June 13, 2022 Share Posted June 13, 2022 3 hours ago, DBKissel said: Does anyone know of a site the explains how to repair one? I have a Sr model on my 1925 KISSEL Speedster. I have successfully disassembled and will buy a Sr thermometer from Restoration Supply, but would like to get started removing the glass tube from the housing. Thoughts? I’ve taken several apart. The old thermostat and tube come out of the housing and can be replaced with new ones you can buy. Restoration used to have replacement thermocouple body and tube sets. Maybe they still do. All the other parts disassemble. Getting everything to face correctly is a pain in the posterior. Ron Hausmann 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Harley Posted August 21, 2022 Share Posted August 21, 2022 I've had a bout a 50% success rate. For restoring the Moto-Meter thermometer fluid level from the top back down to the normal level. I used boiling water, ice cubes and about a 3 ft length of heavy duty twine. First you dip the Moto-Meter stem into the ice water for while. Then into the boiling water for a few minutes. Next tie the twine to the disassembled Meter on the top. Last but not least you spin the heck out of the Meter. Holding on to the end of the twine so the centrifugal force of the spinning will bring the thermometer fluid back down to the normal level. The boiling water and ice water are used to help shock and free up the thermometer fluid. With the spinning forcing it back down, hopefully... I think I read about doing this little "trick" somewhere in the archives of this forum. Capt. Harley😉 "Back when Men were Men, Women were Women and Cars were Cars. And everybody liked it that way." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
29 Chandler Posted September 4, 2022 Share Posted September 4, 2022 I found this Moto Meter underneath the seat in my 1914 Chandler after I brought it home. Wondering if you can date these? The housing looks to be chrome which would make it newer than my car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porsche 68 Posted September 5, 2022 Share Posted September 5, 2022 On 8/21/2022 at 4:37 PM, Captain Harley said: I've had a bout a 50% success rate. For restoring the Moto-Meter thermometer fluid level from the top back down to the normal level. I used boiling water, ice cubes and about a 3 ft length of heavy duty twine. First you dip the Moto-Meter stem into the ice water for while. Then into the boiling water for a few minutes. Next tie the twine to the disassembled Meter on the top. Last but not least you spin the heck out of the Meter. Holding on to the end of the twine so the centrifugal force of the spinning will bring the thermometer fluid back down to the normal level. The boiling water and ice water are used to help shock and free up the thermometer fluid. With the spinning forcing it back down, hopefully... I think I read about doing this little "trick" somewhere in the archives of this forum. Capt. Harley😉 "Back when Men were Men, Women were Women and Cars were Cars. And everybody liked it that way." I did the same for my 25 dodge woody worked like a charm! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted September 5, 2022 Share Posted September 5, 2022 2 hours ago, 29 Chandler said: I found this Moto Meter underneath the seat in my 1914 Chandler after I brought it home. Wondering if you can date these? The housing looks to be chrome which would make it newer than my car. Sure it is not nickel? Is so, it could be period correct. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted September 6, 2022 Author Share Posted September 6, 2022 On 9/4/2022 at 6:15 PM, 29 Chandler said: I found this Moto Meter underneath the seat in my 1914 Chandler after I brought it home. Wondering if you can date these? The housing looks to be chrome which would make it newer than my car. Nice one, that logo plate is quite unique. I once thought there were chrome plated original Motos but now I doubt it. All the chrome ones I have found are either replated (obvious upon disassembly) or newer reproductions. Yours has original logo plates and nickel plated bezels installed in (I think) either a replated or reproduction body. By the way, the back plate should be behind the thermometer. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted February 16, 2023 Share Posted February 16, 2023 Came here looking for a Buick motometer I could have sworn @West Petersonhad for sale. While I was searching, American Pickers was on and I snapped these shots 😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Bond Posted February 16, 2023 Share Posted February 16, 2023 Saw those for sale in the store in Iowa We stopped there while at the AACA meet in Moline last year. Prices were not ridiculous for some nice ones. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted February 16, 2023 Share Posted February 16, 2023 I thought his bulk price was only a bit below retail . Some nice ones though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fordy Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 Can someone please explain how to determine if the one I have is a junior or senior? I need a replacement thermometer and restoration supply only have the senior ones. I need to get it to Australia and don't want to wait on crazy shipping to be disappointed that it may be wrong and difficult to return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 5 hours ago, Fordy said: Can someone please explain how to determine if the one I have is a junior or senior? It is the face diameter, model a Fords used the junior size, and I think the senior was 1/2" larger. Chevrolets & Fords used Jr. and large cars used the Sr. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted April 28, 2023 Author Share Posted April 28, 2023 The top part of the Junior is 2 3/4" high by 2 5/16" wide, The Universal senior is 3 1/2" high by 3" wide, and the Standard senior is 3 13/16" high by 3 3/8" wide. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fordy Posted April 28, 2023 Share Posted April 28, 2023 Thanks for the info - on that basis I am calling it a universal senior. much appreciated 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted August 10, 2023 Author Share Posted August 10, 2023 (edited) Double posting here but I have a number of Boyce Motometers and associated accessories for sale on Ebay right now. Included are a Buick Universal Deluxe meter, A chrome Junior Deluxe mounted on a Stanco pop-top cap, a very nice nickel brass drilled dogbone cap, and a very rare Essandee Glo-Light accessory lamp to fit a Boyce meter. Thanks for looking. https://www.ebay.com/sch/rusty_packard/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686 Edited August 19, 2023 by TexRiv_63 some sold (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dissLiLmiss Posted Tuesday at 08:01 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 08:01 PM any knowledge of the templar motors co.moto meter.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dissLiLmiss Posted Tuesday at 08:04 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 08:04 PM And hi there,I' really enjoyed everything new I've learnt just by reading u guys posts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted Tuesday at 08:48 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 08:48 PM Information here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templar_automobile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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