Here is a picture of my new instrument panel. I measured the original and drew a template in AutoCAD, then cut it out of two scrap pieces of sheetmetal and welded together. Now I'm waiting for new sending units from Summit....
Jseth,
That is nice! You should sell those, they are sweet! I looked for a alternative to the stock one, but no one makes them for our cars.
Thanks,
Tim :unitedstates:
Very nice!
Very Very Nice! Like Kustom said "you should make those, if fact what would you charge to make me one of those?
About 6 or so years ago, Dolphin gauges had a dash insert for our cars. I saw them on ebay, there gauges don't have a good reputation, but maybe they still have the dash panel. What brand are those gauges? Nice work. Mark
Mark,
Dolphin has one listed, but it is only a flat plate. There is no brow on the one they sell. They want $140 for it, with no gauges.
Tim :unitedstates:
that is a nice dash panel, if i were going to change from stock that would be the way i would go, i don't know if there was a mention of what kind of gages used, i think i heard Summit, can u give stock #'s?, thanks jerry
Guys:
While at the Grand National Roadster Show last Saturday, I talked to several vendors about doing some LED back lighting on the stock 57 gauge cluster. I think that is something I may do in the near future. Just a thought.
Bob
57 AGIN
I installed LED replacement bulbs in all my dash sockets, really brightens everything up! They also come in different colors, if that's your thing.
Tim :unitedstates:
Nice indeed!
I may want one of those dash inserts!
Where to get the LED replacement bulbs? Model number for just white/clear?
Do tell!
Rob
Rob, I got them off evilbay, just search 57 Ford under parts and they will be listed. I got the clear or white. They illuminate great, my boy doesn't like them, says the old yellowed light looks better! Heck, what does he care, he doesn't need to read the gauges! Lol
Tim :unitedstates:
Sorry I'm way late here, but I didn't realize that there were responses. Those are VDO gauges, and the LEDs came from a vendor at cruising the coast. The only thing I didn't like is that the middle led (blue high beam indicator) is disproportionately bright, borderline blinding. Dangerous at night lol. My brow angle was a little off, but it was close enough that the screws pulled it in to fit. I drew the layout on autocad to be sure everything would fit, and welded studs on the back to attach it.
where did you put your gas gauge and voltmeter?
Quote from: pepfalcon on 2014-11-08 16:41
where did you put your gas gauge and voltmeter?
I was wondering about that also... Good thinking Phillip
Dakota Digital has recently released a version of their VHX digital gauge for the 57 Ford. I'm unable to post the link, but if you look under Ford Vehicles 1932-54 you can check it out.
Not trying to hijack this thread, but here is mine that I just finished up tonight.
That is the way I did mine..looks cool
Quote from: jseth83 on 2014-11-08 11:05
Sorry I'm way late here, but I didn't realize that there were responses. Those are VDO gauges, and the LEDs came from a vendor at cruising the coast. The only thing I didn't like is that the middle led (blue high beam indicator) is disproportionately bright, borderline blinding. Dangerous at night lol. My brow angle was a little off, but it was close enough that the screws pulled it in to fit. I drew the layout on autocad to be sure everything would fit, and welded studs on the back to attach it.
Ron Francis wiring has the indicator lights available in both bright and dim, in a variety of sizes and styles. I bought the bright indicators for my turn signals that I am installing outside in the hood scoop, and the dim version for my high beam indicator light that will be in my billet dash panel. If I install idiot lights to go with the gages, I'll use the dim versions there also.
Both of you guys did a nice job on the panels..they look great.
I just checked out the new Dakota Digital dash...kinda pricey at 800, plus for senders, but you know your getting quality. This is a great option for those wanting digital input with an analog almost stock looking appearance.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=964/category_id=433/mode=prod/prd964.htm
Looks good kcode. Thanks rich. My high beam indicator could burn a hole through my forehead. This was the first electrical speedometer I've ever had in an old car. ...I hope I never have to go back, I love it.
Sorry for the HIJACK but that Dakota Dash will be mine! it is really cool and uses the factory dash panel! Totally awesome pricey but awesome!
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2014-11-09 05:49
Ron Francis wiring has the indicator lights available in both bright and dim, in a variety of sizes and styles. I bought the bright indicators for my turn signals that I am installing outside in the hood scoop, and the dim version for my high beam indicator light that will be in my billet dash panel. If I install idiot lights to go with the gages, I'll use the dim versions there also.
Both of you guys did a nice job on the panels..they look great.
I just checked out the new Dakota Digital dash...kinda pricey at 800, plus for senders, but you know your getting quality. This is a great option for those wanting digital input with an analog almost stock looking appearance.
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=964/category_id=433/mode=prod/prd964.htm
Just another gauge layout.
gasman, I like it! I thought about that same layout but was worried I'd run out of room. A couple of questions, did you weld the instrument panel in solid? What did your steering setup come from? and where did you mount your radio? It looks good.
Welded up all the dash holes except the glove box...even the speaker. Small gauges are 2-1/8" and tach and speedo are 3". I used mini snap-in lights for high beam, turn signals, and a very bright oil pressure light to backup the gauge. The column is '74 Lincoln...tilt, cruise, 4-way switch, better ignition switch, better wiring, smaller steering wheel and it's Lincoln...and it is what I had. No radio...just the loud pedal. With open fenderwell headers, radio was a waste. Future modes would include a console with radio.
First picture is an example of sever scope creep...mock up of '64 Thunderbird complete interior in '57.
Second picture is the model.
Gary...I hope I'm not the only one that's confused....is the modified 57 panel with the round gages in the wagon or sedan, or no longer in the sedan because your installing the 64 tbird dash, or you've abandoned the idea of the tbir dash. lol...What the heck is "sever scope creep"
NO...you're not confused. The red '57 dash with the round gauges was Version 3.2 and was in the black '57 Custom I'm still working on. That dash no longer exists. It went to scrap a few years ago. Version 4.0 is the Thunderbird dash in the same black '57 Custom. Most of that interior is awaiting upholstery. I've got the tack strip, windlace, headliner, and glass installed. As you well know, it takes time and life gets in the way now and then.
Typo on the sever...severe scope creep is a term used to describe how a little project can easily become an over budget, blown time-line monster...the realistic project goals have been exceeded to where there is no budget and will never be completed.
Picture 1 is TBird dash mocked up one more time before tear down for upholstery.
Picture 2 & 3 is with tack, windlace, headliner and glass installed.
gasman I think you made my head explode a little bit. That's going to take me a while to wrap my head around lol... Very cool ideas.
Here is a link to the Dakota Digital gauges. Nice looking gauge cluster. I saw it in person at one of the Goodguys shows. http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=964/category_id=433/mode=prod/prd964.htm (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=964/category_id=433/mode=prod/prd964.htm)
That is a really nice looking kit!