I have a ‘32 sedan with no dash. I like the stock ‘32 dash, but as long as I am on the hunt, does anyone have any suggestions for an updated dash that would look cool in a 1960’s rod?
It's kind of what ever you feel like doing and how much time you want to spend doing it. A heavily modified 38' ford dash converted to bolt into my model A. Around 35 hours labor. But it's one of a kind.... .
Many options starting with a 40 Ford. The 49 Ford car pie sectioned to fit is good. The list is very long. My suggestion is to look at pics until you see the one that you want to look at every time you get in. Top of the hood, gauges and the steering wheel are what we look at most. Choose wisely.
I would use the stock instruments with additional gauges around the steering column or in the right kick panel. Of course looking at my AVATAR you might have guessed that. The stock ammeter can be used with a higher output electrical system by running a shunt across the ammeter (see photo). Charlie Stephens .
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/anyone-recognize-this-idk-where-to-even-start.1306917/ A current thread / link showing a number of good choices. A number of 28 to early 30’s upper scale cars had beautiful dash designs that fit nicely in Model A’s and 32’s. The Essex and Hudson ‘Acorn’ designs are just one example. I used a 28 Chrysler dash in my Model A. I have bought a number of older instrument panels on eBay that would work nicely in a car like yours and be very traditional. Also browse through the Mother of All Dashes thread for many more ideas.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/new-pierce-narrow-dash-panels.1251191/#post-14690594 I make these panels that fit on a stock 32 dashboard. Still have a couple left.
I’ve used the aluminum pierce arrow style ones a few times. I really like how easy it is to change up the insert (for a different look) when I get bored or decide to change the gauges. That said, if I ever find a decent 40 ford dash (for the right price) I will be modifying it to fit my sedan project.
On the deuce tudor we just finished I used the Auburn style panel from deuceguy. On the identical car to this one I did many years ago I filled the stock dash and drilled it for gauges. Never go wrong with that look.
My personal preference is for a dashboard that has a flat or mostly flat bottom edge in my 32. I prefer for my guages to be directly in front of me when driving. I think the 32 Ford dash has a nice shape as far as aesthetics go, but I prefer moving the guages to the left. I also think it makes for a better interaction between the steering column. I think that Chevy looks great.............just another example of a Chevy in a Ford......so to speak.
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