I wanted to use a Model A Gauge cluster for it, so I started laying out the shape on a piece of Sheet Steel. First I tried a shape with a Deuce Dash as a pattern, but the curve was wrong for in a T. So I drew my own. Plus I drew a wing like shape next to where the Gauges are going to be...
Then I made a template of the wing shape so I could copy it on the other side, and after that I put those shapes in with my Bead Roller. I made a lower lip for the dash ( a 90 deg folded piece, same thickness as the rest of the Dash, with the end folded over on itself, for strength and so there will be no sharp edge, when its done.) And I put the curve in the lower lip with my Shrinker and Stretcher.
Cut the lower part of the Dach to size. Cut a hole for the Gauges. Clamp and Tack the lower lip in place, and weld it...
Excellent... I spent about an hour today mulling over my dash. Hmmmm... Now I have some more to think about..
Thanks Zman. This Dash is a lot stronger than the old one was so I can mount colomdrop right to it. I'm pretty happy with it...
Not to kiss ass, but I am constantly amazed by what I see done by HAMbers. Someday I hope to bring something half as cool as this to the table. Dave
that is wicked - great job, - I didn't know you could turn such tight turns with a bead roller - did you use a special small roller?
This post should be at the top of the HAMB for days... Something is broke if it's not... Awesome alex...
Thanks guys... Tudor, I use a Mitler Bros bead roller, with their regular step rolls. You can pretty tight with it, but it gets kind of tricky to judge where you are and stay on the line, because the top roller is hiding it. You can see it in the pic with the Test panel I made before I did the Dash. On the Dash I fucked up, because when I rounded the corner I ran out of room, and the opposite side of the Dash hit the end of the slot in the Machine. I had to switch Rolls, flip the Dash, and match up the bead with the one I already started... 41, I used 18 Ga. Another little practice panel I did a while ago is the one with the Flames. I layed out the Flames with a Sharpy, Rolled a Bead in the panel, and then cut around the Beads with Tin Snips...
Wow, Looks great! Just your typically outstanding Hamb creativity. The dash looks as though it was built like that originally. Good work!
GREAT tech Alex! Thanks for taking the time to post and explain. Your effort is very much appreciated.
You guys inspire me to go do this stuff....and screw it up...and try again...and screw it up....and try again........but it'd be easier to do if I had more than a courtyard to do it in! Thanks for showin' off....
Cut & weld, cut and weld......... top stuff M/Shapes, you consistantly come up with impressive stuff. Cheers, Drewfus
Nice job as usual Alex, by the way that T looks familiar! As I remember those gauges were paper faced Stewart Warners.
Yet another fine example of creativity, DIY, saving money and customizing! Love it! Yes, I agree, I hope that I can some day contribute something equal in value. I've learned and taken so much.........just that I'm a rookie newbie and some of these guys are like NBA ball players againt a biddy basketball team! ......good time to thank Ryan, all that contribute. You know, some of us bicker and argue, but we all come back again, only to go home laughing! wimper, wimper....
The cool thing is that he admits his goofs like all the rest of us human beings. thanks, 'shapes. Tech-O for sure. d
I bet it does...Although there aren't to many parts left of the car you sold me. 2 of them are, if I can find anybody to rebuild them for me, I'll use them in my Special.
outstanding work! And what i think is especially neat about it is that someone could do something similar without any special tools. Obviously it would be as detailed as this one, but the idea is originality.
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