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Projects Need some opinions on some gauge panels I made up

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by twenty8tudor, Dec 12, 2015.

  1. loudbang
    Joined: Jul 23, 2013
    Posts: 40,343

    loudbang
    Member

    Like the others number 2 for the all in one spot reason.
     
  2. NashRodMan
    Joined: Jul 8, 2004
    Posts: 1,989

    NashRodMan
    Member

    You stated..." I could do a step by step on how I made it."

    Please do!!! Lol. Nice work!
    Paul
     
    Hnstray likes this.
  3. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,100

    dan31
    Member

    I kinda like #3. To me #2 looks a little busy, taking away from the centered stock gauges.
     
  4. brady1929
    Joined: Sep 30, 2006
    Posts: 9,581

    brady1929
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  5. NotSoNewKid
    Joined: Nov 29, 2015
    Posts: 19

    NotSoNewKid
    Member

    I think I like 2 best as well. This is something I'm going to have to figure out too.
     
  6. You could go with this option I filled the dash pod holes and split the dash pod fabricated a new center section to insert the gauges on my 37 Plymouth.

    IMG_2570.JPG

    IMG_2571.JPG
     
  7. i.rant
    Joined: Nov 23, 2009
    Posts: 4,725

    i.rant
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. 1940 Ford

    I'm all in on the column panel, number 2 is a close 2nd option. :)
     
  8. Kevin Lee
    Joined: Nov 12, 2001
    Posts: 7,657

    Kevin Lee
    Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Huh... I liked the first one. Super simple and didn't strike me as a parts store thing at all.

    To me the second one was so "designed" it's just screaming "Hey guys! But look at all of these extra gauges down here!" And my eye isn't really sure what's more important – the main gauges on the dash, or the extra gauges below. But maybe that changes when the panel is painted?

    All of that said, looks like great work no matter what shape you end up using. Thanks for taking the time to post the pics.
     
  9. Petejoe
    Joined: Nov 27, 2002
    Posts: 12,545

    Petejoe
    Member
    from Zoar, Ohio

    Two or HRP's #4.
     
  10. xpletiv
    Joined: Jul 9, 2008
    Posts: 938

    xpletiv
    Member
    from chiburbs

    #2 has the same design shape as the original so it looks like it belongs, plus it looks like you really paid attention to what you were doing when you made it. :)

    Now, if you could fab a cardboard one like Charlie Stephens posted, but with better style.
     
  11. David Gersic
    Joined: Feb 15, 2015
    Posts: 2,802

    David Gersic
    Member
    from DeKalb, IL

    Do the cardboard one the same way you did #2 and you'll have a winner.
     
  12. twenty8tudor
    Joined: Oct 5, 2010
    Posts: 889

    twenty8tudor
    Member
    from Ohio

    Ok here we go....

    First time posting a how to... Let see how this goes

    Put tape on the tank to find the center of the column
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027111.554797.jpg

    Held the gauge up with the clamp on the back to make sure I had just enough room for it in the side
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027157.692520.jpg

    Marked the center of it on the tape and measured down to see how far I needed to be off the tank.. Made the mistake on one of the others I was trying and after setting it in I seen that if I installed it I would not be able to get the gauge in or out due to the curve of the tank..

    Transferred those marks on the tank onto cardboard and made the mark for the column..
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027265.713569.jpg

    Marked the center of the gauges down and also measured the edges of the drop so the arch would cover it.. Used a compass to mark the holes inside and outside to make sure it looked right..
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027337.330735.jpg

    Used 2" holesaw for the gauge holes and 1.5" for the column.
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027448.636790.jpg

    Cut a slit in the column hole so I could slid it over and set the gauges in
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027518.336324.jpg

    Cut the template straight down the middle so I could make sure both sides were exactly the same.. Used a compass again to mark out 1/4" farther so I would have a track for the roller to run in.... Also left extra at the top so I have some extra to cut off to make it fit the tank
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027547.150783.jpg

    Went over the marks with a sharpie to see better
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027640.928578.jpg

    Only vise I have solidly mounted is on the mill... Putting a harbor freight bead roller in a Bridgeport is about the same as putting vending machine ring on a supermodel....
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027679.081438.jpg

    Stepped up the pressure over a couple passes
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027846.847183.jpg

    Ruff trim on the portable bandsaw.
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027891.969874.jpg

    One nice thing about a cheap roller and putting some pressure on it is it will leave a scribe mark which I sanded the edges till it was gone
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027978.161184.jpg

    After sanding and used the carload to mark the holes again..
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450027999.921502.jpg

    Used same hole saws to cut the holes
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450028046.245255.jpg

    Ground the top down to fit the tank and enough to let the drop clamp the column. Then Set the gauges in
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450028119.962931.jpg
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450028161.317611.jpg

    Thinking of a starter button in the middle to fill the extra void..


    Thoughts on this panel compared to the others...???
     
    BradinNC, Tim, David Gersic and 3 others like this.
  13. Bad Eye Bill
    Joined: Sep 1, 2010
    Posts: 841

    Bad Eye Bill
    Member
    from NB Canada

    That's the one. Nice work.
     
    twenty8tudor likes this.
  14. '52 F-3
    Joined: Sep 30, 2007
    Posts: 961

    '52 F-3
    Member
    from Central PA

    thanks a lot for all the pics/posting this.... it's something I've been pondering myself. I wanna use my 29 fuel gauge and update/add other gauges. I like what you've done also. I'm considering adding "wings" or something to the original panel but the depth is an issue.
     
  15. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 33,611

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    last one , with influence by HRP, looks good. since you lost a place for a voltmeter, how about putting a "idiot light" in center?
     
    twenty8tudor likes this.
  16. xpletiv
    Joined: Jul 9, 2008
    Posts: 938

    xpletiv
    Member
    from chiburbs

    Since I don't know what goes where ("you eedeeot!"), what are you filling the 3 (or 2?) holes in the original with?
     
  17. twenty8tudor
    Joined: Oct 5, 2010
    Posts: 889

    twenty8tudor
    Member
    from Ohio

    The hole in the middle I will put the original instrument light back in.. And the key back in the left side.. Not sure on the right where the amp gauge went
     
  18. Since there is not a lot of room behind the panel an original amp gauge might be a good idea.

    Charlie Stephens
     
    twenty8tudor likes this.
  19. twenty8tudor
    Joined: Oct 5, 2010
    Posts: 889

    twenty8tudor
    Member
    from Ohio

    Problem is I have a high output generator/alternator in case I run an electric fan.. The ones from macs only go to 30 amps..
     
  20. 40ragtopdown
    Joined: Jan 13, 2015
    Posts: 35,150

    40ragtopdown
    Member

    #4 is awesome going to try that thanks for posting
     
  21. Canuck
    Joined: Jan 4, 2002
    Posts: 1,104

    Canuck
    Member

    twenty8, a band welded around the edge and metal finished gives a nice finished look and hides the side view of the gauge can.
    [​IMG]
    I masked off the raised bead and sand-blasted the flat area before painting, to give it a little texture,

    Canuck
     
  22. 40ragtopdown
    Joined: Jan 13, 2015
    Posts: 35,150

    40ragtopdown
    Member

    Canuck your right that band really gives it the finishing touch.
     
  23. twenty8tudor
    Joined: Oct 5, 2010
    Posts: 889

    twenty8tudor
    Member
    from Ohio

    That's the next step is to add a band around it.. And hope I don't mess it up haha
     
  24. stronga
    Joined: Aug 1, 2008
    Posts: 402

    stronga
    Member

    I vote for #2
     
  25. Canuck
    Joined: Jan 4, 2002
    Posts: 1,104

    Canuck
    Member

    Like the looks of #2, just have to make the bead follow the shape of the gauges on the ends better.

    The best is the column mounted version, again just have to make the bead follow the shape of the gauges on the ends better. On the initial cardboard template they were good, just ended up squarer somehow. Also if it could be done following closer to the steering column and following the column's diameter I think it could look better.

    With a band. :cool:

    Canuck
     
  26. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 33,611

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    Canuck is on to something - but, not only that - tighten amount of metal around gauges and have the flow go part way around the upper part of gauges - instead of a full flat edge like now. end up with a shorter flat mounting surface - this would help the extra gauges set up compliment the original dash center form more - (0 0)
     
  27. twenty8tudor
    Joined: Oct 5, 2010
    Posts: 889

    twenty8tudor
    Member
    from Ohio

    The problem I run into with trying to have the bead go around the top is I then have to move the gauges out to clear the column drop.. Due to it being wider as it goes down..


    I have two more holes to drill and then tap in the could but I think it will work till I can drive it for a bit..

    I added a band as suggested to hide the back of the gauges and strengthen it since it's only 22gauge..

    Outside of weld
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450575085.336203.jpg

    Inside of weld... I don't know what I did before I had a tig....
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450575117.067631.jpg

    Grind and sand the weld down
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450575168.941954.jpg

    And I think I'm gonna call it done enough..
    ImageUploadedByH.A.M.B.1450575253.651418.jpg
     
    harpo1313 likes this.
  28. The 39 guy
    Joined: Nov 5, 2010
    Posts: 3,724

    The 39 guy
    Member

    Great project with a excellent outcome! Thanks for posting your process!
     
  29. David Gersic
    Joined: Feb 15, 2015
    Posts: 2,802

    David Gersic
    Member
    from DeKalb, IL

    I like it. Nice.
     
  30. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 33,611

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    yep, at some time gotta stop. can keep modifying some stuff and not make any real progress. but, when you watch Chip Foose on his TV show there are some elements that worth going above and beyond for.
     

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