amp gauge?

[john rod]

after many years, I got busy and fixed the small black wire which goes to the amp gauge. I disconnected the printed plastic, tested the gauge, and the needle swings max. both ways. however, with everything connected, the needle only moves about 1 needle width.
I soldered a piece from the salvage yard at the driver side connection. could not find another one for the pass side. the original had been eaten by Batt. acid. I replaced it with a universal plastic fuse holder. is it possible there is too much resistance in the circuit now? or is there something I am overlooking?
thanks Rod in AZ