Can someone tell me what model Auburn this panel come out of. It does not have the "V" peak at the bottom that seems to be common. It come from a Sacramento California hot roders estate. The lower black wrinkle paint switch filler insert and jeweled studs are from the period when it was modified to the 40's hot rod. Holy Grail ? The second picture is one I paid 355.00 for. Holy crap I should have bragging rights for finding that, and already restored as pictured.
Uh...I would say the first one was modified to fit another style dash....never seen another like it. Jeez, you stole the restored one...last one I heard being that nice sold for 5G's and headed to a fat wallet guy in Texas. Where'd you find it? Auburn restorer? John
The back of the bottom is original, not hacked up. A few big holes drilled in the upper for lights. Covered up by insert. Found the restored one cause Someone parted out a old project.
OK, lets say for a moment it hasn't been modified. Why would the manufacturer punch holes in the lower portion of the panel then cover it up with an insert if it was meant to go into another application? And why would they punch half circles where the bottom comes in? There have always been metal magicians even in the age of hot rodders and I think what you have there is a skilled alteration. Modifying an Auburn dash isn't unheard of, its kind of a tall panel. Heres a nicely modified one in deuce three window survivor.
The holes at the bottom in my other Auburn panel are totally different. Size and spacing. I still say it is not altered, the insert with the jeweled sutds was most likely added.
There were different size holes in the lower panel from year to year and model to model (8 and 12 cylinder). Not all Auburn panels were created equal, clocking of the studs to hold the gauges were different too. I guess it's possible it has always been that way but I've done a fair amount of research and talked to guys that could be considered knowledgeable on the subject and I've never heard of such a variation. I'm surprised no one else has weighed in on the subject but then again its a pretty rare item. Who knows? Maybe it's a prototype of some kind? John
Thanks for the reply, and knowledge. The post has not been out there very long. Maybe someone out there that knows more will come along. This panel sure should go in a 40's barn find hot rod.
The Jalopy Journal
