Any of you Model A guys do this?

I am looking for a picture, to see if anyone has put gauges in the panel above the original dash?

My plan is to install Speedo and Tach. in the center of the dash (original dash location, fuel tank face) Than 6 gauges like Fuel level,Oil pressure, Coolant temp. ,Trans temp.,Clock, and Alt. meter in the panel above the original dash area.

What do you think? anyone have this setup to look at?

 

If they would fit, it might look good. I'm trying to picture my dash in my mind, I'm not sure there's room.

 

There was an A/M dash offered sort of the same set-up you're looking to do. Not sure who made it or what it was called but it allowed the use of +/- 5 smaller gauges in place of the original model a dash.

 

yeah..I seen that..Im not liking it..call me picky
I have to measure the size gauges i want to use and how close into the center of the panel i can come before i dont have enough surface to make it look nice..But im thinking it would be a way to get a full compliment of gauges and still look clean..also it would keep shit from hanging down under the dash, as it is there aint much leg room, and the last thing i want is a 2 gauge pod hanging down under my dash for my knee to dig into when i get in. ( no offence to those who have those pods under the dash, but to me they look like an after thought.)

 

this is what im talking about..
just a crude sketch
i guess i should include it is a 28-29 dash im working with

 

I like the idea, but I don't think there is room behind the dash rail for the gauges is there? Not to mention I think even the smallest ones will be too big as you get towards the center of the rail.

 

Im going to be doing some measurements tonight..the gauges would not be able to be too "deep" or to large in diameter..may 2" or 2-1/16" if i backed away from getting too close to center with the ones in toward the middle..

that area behind that "cover" is the windshield vent area. Im thinking it isnt much deeper than 2"

 

here is a better drawing,,..the one i will use to get dimensions down on the design

 

I'm not familiar with the '28/29, but I think that there won't be enough space behind the dash rail, as it's called, with the attachment points for the dash itself and also the horizontal piece that connects the dash to the windshield. Might work though if you carefully measure-post pictures if you do.

 

it is kinda cramped for space back there..isnt it?
Im going to study it tonight...
the reason i havent seen any like this is probably because there isnt enough room to do it and make it look right.
and i dont want to use some cheap ass gauges that will end up looking like shit.

 

Yes, it is very cramped.

 

The idea is kinda cool but the gauges are too big to go in that dash rail aren't they? Maybe you could put your lights up there. The turn sigs, bright light indicator, warning lights are whatever you want. Work with it a little more, I think you're on the right track if you can make everything fit. Good luck.

 

im also open to using OEM gauges from any make that might fit in behind the dash rail and not be as big as the aftermarket or custom gauges of today.. ive got some out of a 62 f 500..medium duty truck.. but they are kinda plain..and no clock or trans temp..hummm

 

I like your idea, Fink, it looks good. Hope you can do it. You creative guys give me a pain.

 

Sonofabitch..it will not work. not enough height in the Dash rail..
crap!

but i do have 2 inches behind it once it is installed, so i havent given up..might canabalize a 53 or 54 chevy dash and use the flat oval gauges that are in that set up..? maybe..or some of the older square gauges, (although i dont think square would look good in that rail)..keeping the idea alive..it just will not be with 2-1/16" gauges..

 

You know, there isn't anything in an auto gauge that's not used in another application-water temp, voltmeter,etc. You might search various surplus sites for alternative gauges-maybe something linear? like airplane or marine salvage sites-maybe the Space Shuttle? Keep your eyes open.

 

I have seen it done and it dont really work or look that good in the flesh.

Dont do it!

I have also seen them in the header panel on closed car model A's.

Seems OK but no real impact of style.

Stay traditional and be cool.

 

I don't think that will work either. Your drawing isn't in scale at all.

 

I know..I realized that when i got home and measured it..
it was one of those things that looked good on paper..but it will not fit with the reality.
hey you cant blame a guy for trying..well than again i guess you could..so blame away

i was just getting tired of all the other styles..its all been done before type shit,, so i was looking for a bit of different.

 

have seen what done?..if it cant be done because the size isnt there what is it that you saw?
can you post a picture? or a drawing of what you saw?
i would really like to see it because i dont feel like letting this die just yet.

 

What if you section that piece add 1 or 2 inches then you have the space in the rail to mount the gauges, and it'll move them down and give you more clearance in back.

 

we are on the same wave length..but im thinking it might throw the proportions off..and when it comes down in front of the tank theres less space behind it..still havent given up on this idea yet either..as it is in my drawing thats close to what it would look like with the exception as to where the lower radius of the fuel tank would come in. and where the lower mounting bolts would be at...still a possibility

 

You may have to section that also or somehow tastefully add a radius on the bottom edge to move those gauges down and not bring down the whole dash on your legs.

 

yeah or just shit can the whole idea and go with plan B

 

use card board first if it looks right then go for it.If it sucks then plan B. This shit ain't always fun.

 

Hey I bought a 32 dash insert for a 28 29 closed caab P/U goes behind the top rail covers all the exposed dash/tank area could send pics of piece lends itself to gage installation very well and I sold the project n still have the piece if interested was not using gas tank but can do some quick measuring too with a tank
thanks
Ken

 

So you are still running with a gas tank in the original cowl location?

 

What about '50 Mercury gauges? They may be small enough.
i also like the idea of sectioning it down a bit. Maybe all you'd need is 1/2 inch or so?

 

Hope this helps. My ride, welded on a flat stock to the eyebrow, centered the speedo since its cable driving, tilted the whole thing out just a bit to clear the rear of the gauges

 

here is what I did in a model T touring I built. Used a bead roller to offset around the guages for a factory looking dash.