Projects 2 guages and nowhere to mount them..... UNTIL NOW!

This top panel was welded in from the factory but I had to cut it out to hammer out a huge shotgun blast right above the windshield. I'm making it bolt in now and I've extended the ends of it so it overlaps the existing pieces left in the truck cab. So while it was out I decided I was going to give two of my gauges a home along with an ignition switch and light, starter button, headlight switch, wiper switch and my electric fan over-ride switch. Here"s what I came with.

May not be everyones cup of tea but I like it!

 

Very creative!! With so very little surface area in the early p-ups, you have to utilize
every inch of space! Nice work.....
Robb

 

looks nice , having it above can really clean up the dash

the only thing i don't like about overhead gauges and switches is running the wires up to them through the thin opening in the A pillar. and with an ammeter you will need to run three 10 gauges wires off from it..i suggest you think about using a voltmeter

 

Looks great. May copy that on my Plymouth. Frank

 

I would rather see that then a bunch of gauge clusters under the dash.I have always hated those things, but then again I dont like anything hanging under the dash........

Very creative and it looks really nice!!!

 

Thanks! Ya im trying to keep the dash really clean, only my speedo water temp and oil pressure. as for the wiring I'm gonna run it all down the b-pillar. Finding a stewart warner volt gauge with vintage yellowing is going to be a pain.

Ask away if you got any questions. I will be adding studs off the back of the steel panel to hold the aluminum panel in place. the factory covers will be re-used on either side.

 

Thanks, i did buy one im not gonna lie, it was a finned aluminum one, but it just looks like an after thought.

 

As an avid active pilot, I just love overhead toggles, but I'd dump those 'clear' switch ones and go for the black and maroon covers. Aside from that small personal opinion, nice engineering. They are right about the amp gauge - go with a voltmeter - much safer no matter where you stick them.

dj

 

I agree...get some real aircraft switch guards from Aircraft Spruce...my .02 cents.

 

looks good

 

Me thinks I see a 35-37 Ford PU Cab from the look of the overhead panel. You can get the correct cover plates for the two wiper access holes on e-bay if you are patient and do not have yours.

That steering wheel looks great in there!

 

Great job! I was trying to visualize what my gauges would look like in the same area, and low an behold, exactly what I was looking for. With the wiring and gauges is it pretty much a given that you won't be running any windshield wipers? Or will the passenger have to wipe the rain off with a shirt tie like Lauel and Hardy? My gauges are Stewart Warner 2 5/8" and I haven't located a voltmeter yet. I did buy a shunt to for my ammeter. Any comments on the SW shunt would be greatly appreciated. Runningiron

 

thanks everyone, i kinda like the colours, clear for healights, blue for wipers, yellow for the fan.

ive got the 2 covers, but i might copy them in aluminum.

 

yeah i say change the switches out with something different as well

 

nope, lol