Custom instrument panel

[WarbirdAL]

I am playing around with redoing the instrument panel. I have always liked the Coupe dash so I tried this. I got 2 pieces of oak from Home Depot type store and bought a couple of hole saws. I had to rewire the oil pressure gauge so it would reach. The others were ok. After driving one time I realized the fuel gauge is too close to the steering wheel. So the 2nd version is in the making. I plan on including the rheostat and the wiper thingie and also the brake and hazard lights. Just hadnt gotten around to it.

[WarbirdAL]

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj15 ... G_0583.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj15 ... G_0585.jpg

[mbouse]

very interesting. that spreads all the stock gauges out... no consideration to add gauges?

[baltobernie]

I like it. And since I don't have wiper or dimmer switches, all I'd need is a brake indicator somewhere. Al, if memory serves, there's not enough depth in that center area to accomodate two rows of gauges, is there?

[racydave]

Al, that looks familiar! If you pull the lens covers there is a spacer that looks neat painted...

[pope]

How come you dont have the instrument panel and the glove box wood panel the same height. Would make it look more streamlined. Kind of an interesting design.

[mbouse]

bernie, that center piece has some stamped steel reinforcement riveted onto the dash board itself. if you recall, the dash is some sort of a composite cellulose or paper machet like substance that has very poor structural qualities.

when i added my gauges, the holes left over from the rheostats had to be cut out to make room for the gauges.

I'd imagine if one were to get really creative, the whole stamped plate could be yanked, and another fabricated and set in its place to allow two rows of gauges, and still give the structural support that the dash center needs.

whichever, that work done in the center plate represents a LOT of work. and it looks great from here!!

[WarbirdAL]

I yanked the metal back plate out where the rheostat goes. It was riveted at the top and sort of attached at the bottom. came out pretty easily. then I jusdt used a hack saw to cut out for the gauges. I originally had the gauges a little higher but there isnt enough clearance behind the windshield ventilation ducts are in the way. That was the first panel that I had to ditch. Didnt think that one out far enough.
The glove box is a little crooked, I will adjust that tomorrow. I ran out of time before I had to go to work. I wanted to see it mounted.

[WarbirdAL]

Ok I worked the past two days on this and I am very happy with the results. This is cool. I cant say how happy I am how this turned out. I was able to put everything on the dash, the rheostat the wiper thingie and the brake hazard and seat belt warning lights. I adjusted the glove box so it matches the top of the dash. The glove box itself is somewhat out of shape due to years of use or whatever.




this is an early Sport COupe dash which is what I was using as a guide. I have always liked this layout better than the Spider's

[rlux4]

I like it! Nice job Al. Are you going to do the lower console piece also?
Ron

[ROOK1]

I now know where the red 38 on the hood of my parts car came from.



BTW The dash looks really good. I am considering some changes to my dash as well, but I think I will go the brushed aluminum route.

[Tappy]

nice setup congrats

[pauljdav]

I thought about redoing my instrument panel with carbon fiber. It is easy to work with and is very sporty. I just have too many other projects in the way right now.


Paul

[WarbirdAL]

Yup Chris that is where those numbers came from lol! I was going to paint those on one of my airplanes but wanted to make sure the paint can was ready and there was this old FIat body sitting there... and that's the rest of the story ( said in my best Paul Harvey voice).

Ron, I am going to do the lower part where the stick shift is. I am planning ongetting an older radio to put in the lower console so that would close up that opening. I might end up using a newer radio. I would prefer finding one of those easy to install radios from the 70's you know with a red wire and a black wire then the speaker wires. Man the stereos that are out today you almost need an electricians certification to install!

[pope]

Dont forget to install an A-track player.