Some pics of the Dash I did for the Model A Coupe I've been working on... The Original Dash was almost completely cut away. only the lower lip was still there. So I made a Hammerform to get the oval shape which I welded into a flat panel ( sunk in about 1/2" ), and cut holes in it for gauges. The flat panel went where the old Dash used to be. Because the cluster on the old Dash used to stick out quite a bit, the Toprail looked out of place on the new Dash. So I tucked that in closer to the Dash. I cut it in the middle, and widened by welding in a insert. This slimmed down the shape of it some more... Cut the extra material off the sides and welded that in as well. I also made a new piece for the middle of the lower lip of the Dash, so the shape doesnt get interupted by the huge dimple that is normally there.
That looks really nice. Have you figured out how to make the Stainless engine turned panel to go inside?? Is the top rail still going to work to deflect the air down when the windshield is out??
Dang it Alex; THAT sure looks good! Wouldn't mind a dash like that that in my "A!!" Now ... if I could just figure out how to keep the gas from "leaking" out from around the gauges!!
Liquid Filled Gauges? That way you could see your Fuel Level too... ( dont try that, just kidding...) The thickness if the steel is 18 and 20Ga.
As much as this MIGHT sound crazy; if "cups" - like the kind used for column mounted gauges - were carefully welded in place behind the openings, with tubes connecting the cups - for the wiring - one could incorporate your design, and STILL keep the original gas tank. (with gas in it) I have a set of original "Moon" gauges - tach, speedo (electric), volt, oil pressure, temp and fuel; that I want to use, and at the same time keep the original tank. The tachometer I would mount in a "cup" off the steering col. ('28 "A" Tudor) Next problem would be, how to hold the gauges in place.
I like it! A lot!! In fact, you have inspired me! I've been trying to think of how to keep an original tank look in my A, but mount gauges like you have! I may have to do some slicin' and dicin' soon.....
Looks great...all your effort show. Here is what I did on my '28 coupe, wanted to use the original tank and a small cluster. The insert is aftermarket panel for a '55 F-100.
Well ... I lay awake half the night thinking about HOW to have a gauge cluster like Alex's; and still use the fuel tank - this is in a '28 "A" - for holding fuel. (I'm keeping the original tank because this is a Tudor Hiboy, and I don't have anywhere else to put the tank) Then it hit me ... RECESS the area behind the gauge panel - yeah, I know it would reduce the already sp**** capacity of an "A" fuel tank - just enough to clear the back of the gauges mounted on a separate panel. (an original "A" tank has a recess behind the stock gauge panel; just doesn't have the room for the additional gauges) There is an accessory gauge panel for "A's" that was made to use two more gauges. It hung off the fuel level window and allowed for the ignition switch an AMP gauge - those were stock - an oil pressure gauge and a temp gauge. But, I like Alex's design better! Taking Alex's design to the next level - well for my idea - the panel would be removable; - good time to "Machine Turn" - and held in place with a couple of "****on Head" Allan screws. For the fuel gauge; well a "measuring stick" down the filler neck works pretty good! (and carrying a small gas can in the back seat!!) The recess would need to be VERY CAREFULLY welded to prevent any leakage. Alex, do I have your permission to "copy" your design??
Hahaha... You dont need my permission, dude... I hope you'll post some pics of your Dash, when you build it.
Alex, already got started. Dug out a "deep drawn" sink - 16 ga. - (it's a steel sink - NOT stainless) that I can cut down for depth, leaving the top edges to roll out slightly to the dash face, and cut into 1/4's to create the oval shape. I have a "tig" man (former Air Force airframe welder) that does absolutely gorgeous welds. (that don't leak!) A couple of "tabs" welded on either side of the recessed opening to hold the panel - "machine turned" aluminum maybe - with the appropriate holes for the gauges; an appropriate wire tube, and ... "BOBS YOUR UNCLE!!" (quoted from the "World's Fastest Indian!") There is another side benefit to making this modification; every time I put gravel in the tank to try and knock some of the "crud" out; MORE would appear! So ... cutting the front of the tank out to install the "ALEX DESIGN DASH" (got to give credit, where credit is due!!) will allow for some more aggressive cleaning of the inside of the tank. (like go as far as sand blasting the inside!) Thanks man for getting the "creative juices" flowing! Will take pictures as things progress.
The Jalopy Journal
