Hot Rods Not a 40 ford

I'm looking for an idea or 2 for the instrument cluster in my 1940 Ford dash
A "Reputable" vendor ripped me off for my beautiful Gennie cluster.
I'm on the hunt for something that will fit within the original dash cutout and look like it belongs
35-36 Studebaker??
Any and all ideas welcome!!

 

'40 gauge clusters can still be found. I have seen them at swap meets and here in the classifieds recently. Did you look in the classifieds?

I assume your first preference would still be an original? I can't think of any others that are an easy fit.

 

You might buy some vintage guages and make something cool yourself.

 

'40 clusters regularly show up on eBay. Deluxes seem to be more plentiful than Standards. Both are getting pricier all the time, though.

 

There is a deluxe in the classifieds now, and a standard just sold in January for $200 (or less?).

 

Huh?

 

I filled my cluster opening with new sheet metal and cut out holes for my autometer oldies gauges. Another option for you.

 

Take your time … they are out there and parts to make them nice are available … even later gauges that accept stock faces.
A butchered 40 dash is one of the worst things ever ... IMO but its your car

 

My dad built a plexiglass panel and filled it behind with off the shelf stewart warner gauges. This was back in the early sixties. just an idea.

 

Rusty truck, that is cool^^^

 

As many have said--40 clusters show up on various sites on a regular basis. Stds are a little tougher but a decent looking one just sold on ebay for $100 and change. Lots of rebuilders out there who are reputable--have 2 that were recently rebuilt for my upcoming projects.

 

Wow, that is a awesome interior! I love the shifter notch in the seat.

 

Whats the story with your old gauges and this "reputable" vendor?

 

Lots of dash ideas for a 40 Ford a stock opening have been tried over the years. One that comes to mind (but doesn't look like a Studebaker?) is the early Chevelle units that bolt right in behind the stock trim ring (std). I can't find the photo now but will keep looking. Here are some more but expensive and modern looking examples. I see stock standard units for $50 bucks at the Long Beach swap meets. Be creative and make your own. Good luck.

 

I took a piece of aluminum and polished it, mounted gauges and early style gauge lights and found an original chrome surround piece for the edge. Presto change-oh, hot rod style dash. Sorry, this is the best picture I have right now.

 

I am thinking of going with one of these from www.dcstreetrods.com as I already have the Autometer antique beige gauges and since the dash will be painted red and cream two tone in my 1940 Coca Cola fleet liveried Sedan Delivery, with a matching 16" 1940 ford steering wheel. I am hoping it will look right at home.....

 

gosh, a 40 dash is a thing of beauty

 

I'm pretty sure that the 42-47 pick-ups use the 40 standard gauge cluster.

 

black and white rolls and pleats---wow they look great...

 

'40-'47 pickup cluster is same as '40 Standard. Big truck is also same except big truck speedo only goes up to 60 MPH and has marks on speedo telling you when to shift gears.

 

Is Haneline still going? They made killer engine turned dash inserts for 40's (and others)

 

Last I checked, they are an alliance vendor.

 

I seen that-but I could not get to their website-maybe technical difficuties..

 

That is pretty cool, dash details following thru!!
THX

 

Shweet!
A contender for sure!!

 

Now THIS I like!