Fukn' A I would do it. Just be aware of how the back lighting usually works....reflect off of....is usually exactly it. Light placement is therefore, key. If in doubt, have a great conversation.......using as many nuclear holy anal retentive innuendos as possible........with your local vintage gauge specialist.
Another option: I have a couple of these that SW made in the 40's out of bakelite... They are super rad and would do the trick if you have the room.
I've got to say all you guys haven't mentioned another important fact here LOL In Ryans first photo the gauges are working - the engines running- 65 lb oil pressure - water temp starting to rise 5oorpm on the tach - Woo Hoo it runs too!!!! Now that's neat - great looking gauges that work as well.
ok.. well game on then... here is my dilemma, I do not want to hack up these rare gauges, I like your add on dash light but, that being said, my dash is a '42 Mercury dash and anybody that has ever tried finding the bakelite gauge surrounds know they are next to impossible to find. I mention that because the gauges are raised off the dash in these bakelite pieces so the only place to mount the lights to get above the gauges would be to drill into these parts. This is what I am contemplating so... what's you guys opinion? I am leaning towards the headband flash light from REI.
So show us the rest of the truck!....we all love pictures...and I really love ford trucks! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Only in the conversation of damage to a rare part......and knowing that this is a traditional forum.......LED lighting is pretty cool, in so far as being minimally invasive. I am not an expert, but when building computers was cool...I used to take an inverter with LED's, and a dimmer wheel....and literally go from full bright"blinding" to low dull dim"nightlight" status. These days....you can literally drill a "zit" sized (and smaller) hole, and run an extremely low voltage wired bulb to the same hole. Easy to pick and choose locations....behind gauge, especially if you know where the factory gauge shrouding starts and stops. I'm positive that one could also use a dimmer/inverter in this equation. Just a minimally invasive thought......I'm shuddering a little....knowing this is a traditional forum. Delete me if needed.
Ryan, great looking dash. I have a 64 F100 also and plan to do the same kind of dash cluster. Does somebody make a plug? I would like to wire up my cluster and be able to unplug it to remove it.
Just about done... Still trying to figure out what to do with the instrument cluster seal... looks like shit to my eye... That and my old SW speedo gave up the ghost... I think it's stripped.
I'm sure you could get one of those modern multi-plugs... I just used quick disconnects on mine - most of my gauges are mechanical anyway...
I really like the look of my stock style 62 cluster except for the newer style auto meter gauges, I'm going to fix that with S&W eventually. When you said you were gonna do some sort of engine turned insert loaded with gauges I was thinking it would be ok, but too over the top for my tastes ... I was wrong, looks great, now I want one like yours.
Does your OE panel have connectors? My 65 C10 does so I just clipped the wires and tied my aftermarket gauges into the factory harness/connector. Olskool, if you ask nice maybe on of the girls at a the hotel during LSRU will hold a flashlight for you.
Damn, BIG improvement. Hell, I'd even class that as "pussygood"! (no offense intended to the fairer sex..............)
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