Model A dash replacement questions

What all is involved in replacing an old 70s wooden dash, with a correct Model A steel dash? It's in a 30 Panel Delivery.

Thanks

 

Original dash was the face of the gas tank. No idea whats going on there

 

I can feel your grief. Thats a big piece of wood for those three little gauges. Whats behind that front porch step ? Is that big dash hiding all sorts of things like pedals that don,t look nice or a brake booster, etc, etc ?

 

Have you stuck your head under the dash to see whats left of the original dash? If you cant get under there for some reason you are going to have to pull it out to see whats under there and move forward after that. Would give you a good chance to change that steering wheel too.....

 

I've used a 32-34 Ford pickup dash successfully in a 30-31 model A

 

God, i hate that whole GM tilt-column era.
There's a lot in that cab that shouldn't be there. First step would be to remove that plank.
You might be able to cut up an original donor tank and use the visable part as a mounting surface. It depends on what's behind that wood dash.

 

need a little more info... like is the gas tank in use....but, looking at the pic.... the gas tank dash is probley behind the wood as it's set back about 4'' and there a sheet metal trim piece that comes out to the door edge,, my guess is if you take the wood out.... the gas tank dash is behind the wood... hopefull they didn't damage the face of it.... if so.... you'll have to change the tank out to put it back to stock.......all the ones I've seen they just hook the wood cover to the top where the stock piece goes, then make a trim to match the stock metal piece.... this was a common thing the T & A guys did 50 years ago... I personally never liked the wood look, and fix'd a few.. or should I say returned to stock look ....

 

take a picture from under the dash looking up to see what, if anything its attached to.

 

I really appreciate all of the input fellas. So this is a trade deal in looking into. Im going to ask the current owner to send me photos of the underside of that wood. I'll go feom there. And yes, the dash, steering column, seats, etc, all need gone. But it's a pretty rare old truck. It also has a Heidts independent front wnd too, so it may be more of a project than I want. Here's a photo of the truck.

And yes, the furl tank has been relocated to the rear framerails, but we shall see what's left of the orginal tank/dash.

I keep yall posted, and thanks bunch!

 

wow, thats a rare find.... the fix would be minor compared to the find... myself and many more would quickly take that off your hands if you trade and don't want it..

 

There a lot that needs changed. Not sure I want the headache.

 

if the tank is moved to the rear you are miles ahead...you and do what ever you like for the dash...guess it all depends on how much you have to give on the trade... I would say in todays market the number would have to start with a $1*,***.**

 

He just sent me a video. Here's a few screen shots. I'm not liking what I see. And as for as trade, it's title for title on a nice 68 C10 I own.

 

The owner is claiming that the fuel tank is still there... Im not seeing it, plus there wouldn't be room for all of the visible clutter, correct?

The issue is that we're eight hours feom each other. So I'd need to look it over really well first, and I'm not into wasting anyone's time.

 

Photo of the car does show a original gas cap. Does,nt mean much on this car though. Thats a lot of stuff to hide behind a original dash. Actually if the original tank was gutted all that stuff would be up higher in the gutted tank. I enlarged one pic, do i see the flange for a original speedo cable tunnel which could be the lower original tank. Someone else here might see different. The plot thickens. Twilight zone.

 

Yea, I'm not sure? He's claiming that it's still under there. I may have to do a video call with him and solve this mystery myself Scooby Doo!

I feel like the old truck has a ton of potential, and being as rare as it is, and in such amazing shape, im really torn here. I'm afraid this dash is going to either make or break this deal. I'll attach a photo of the 68 I'd be trading.

 

Brookville makes a nice bolt-in 32 style dash that could replace that slab of tree. Replace the column and wheel at the same time. Then maybe a little fresh wiring, and your interior would leave 1990 behind.

 

Ideally you’d want the new dash set back like the original that way you can take advantage of the way the airflow is routed when the windshield is open. There are holes that direct air towards the floor. You can find the upper dash the screws to the upper rail fairly easily. I’m building my own dash for my coupe.

 

I'd have a tough time parting with the c10.
If it has ifs, does that mean it has a 350/350?
That could complicate your steering swap as well.
I am no expert, but in the 80's the sbc, th350, and a gm steering column practically came together as a kit.

 

Yes sir. 350/350, AC, tilt, dual over head foot rest and high speed ball bearing ashtrays. Lol... It's Eighties Rodderriffic as some would say.

 

If a Model A has A/C, where is the condenser that is usually in front of the coolant radiator (but hidden by the grill in other cars)?

 

I have seen very very few cars, especially customs, hot rods etc that there isn't something I wouldn't change if I bought it.

Either because I didn't like a certain aspect of it or to make it "mine".

Now with that said, changing the dash out along with at least the steering wheel wouldn't bother me a bit IF I liked the rest of the vehicle. And it does seem like a very nice ride.

There are several good options open to you on a model A, run a 32 dash which are easily available to fit it. Or build one out of sheet metal, which again isn't that hard for a simple model A. Cut the face off of a stock tank and make it bolt in, again not terribly hard. I redone a 38 ford dash that simply bolts into my model A with 4 bolts.

Point is it would be easier, cheaper than upholstery, cheaper than paint, etc.

If you like the rest of the car I'd say go for it !!

...

 

To me it's a pretty good looking truck. Change the wheels(all five). I would pick red wires and a banjo or '40 steering wheel. I would revere the Big Daddy Roth dash and not hang it on the wall.

 

I'm definitely torn. Especially considering the Ed Roth dash, but it would definitely be a wall hanger.

I'm waiting onhim to send me more photos and info once he gets home.

 

What would be the work around for the 350 and installing better column?

 

That's a really nice '80's -'90's era street rod.

If I wanted a traditional hot rod (based on the changes you're proposing), I think I'd buy (or trade my C10 for) something closer to what I actually want.

Just a thought.

 

How much do you value your truck at? To sort that Model A out you could start spending real money and might be best served sliding a complete rolling chassis under it. By the time you source wheels etc etc you could be well past $10K to save it.

 

i've re did dozens of the wood dash conversions... they were done during the custom van era... middle 70's... they all had the stock tank, and the wood plank dash... where's the model A ... maybe some one could go look at it for you...and where do you have the c-10 listed for sell??? the model a is a rare find..

 

I just went through this on a '28 that I rewired. Ended up having to cut notches in tge wood dash to get it removed. Ended up replacing the steering column and mounting as well as steering linkage, making a new mount for the column, ect. One thing led to another. The owner had a new dash fabricated along the lines of the original modelA. One thing leads to changing 10 more it seems.