 The stock dash face in our 1971 Olds "S71" project wasn't going to work for us. First off, the dash didn't have adequate instrumentation... it only had "idiot" lights for crucial items like oil pressure and temperature. Second, the dash just didn't look right with the 3-hole configuration and wood grain. So we decided to make a new dash face and load it with Auto Meter Ultra Lite gauges we obtained from the YearOne Speed Shop. We like large gauges, which made fitting them a trick, but we like the asymmetric look. We installed the silver faced 2 1/16" fuel gauge in the left lower corner, then added a 2 5/8" Water Temp gauge next, then a 3 3/8" Speedo and Tach, and finally a 2 5/8" oil pressure gauge. We're still adding a boost gauge and a volt meter to the hole left by the original ashtray, but that comes later. After measuring the size of the face, we plasma cut some 18 gage steel for the panel, and used Blair Holcutters and the HTP Plasma Cutter to make our holes. Tap Magic cutting fluid keeps the cutters sharp on the drill press. The last items to add will be the turn signal and high-beam indicators, and then we'll powdercoat the whole face with Eastwood's Wrinkle Black so the gauges "pop".
  
The original face used this plastic bezel - we wanted to re-use it because it makes a nice pre-made bracket to mount back in the dash. We'll put our new gauges over it.  
The original gauges lacked any real information with their "idiot" lights, so it's obvious why we are replacing them. Check out the vintage Ford Rotunda Tach!
 
 
 
Once we removed the harness and gauges, the new faceplate was cut from 18 gauge steel, and trimmed to fit the bezel hole.
 
Next we laid out the design of the gauges in green tape on the face plate. It takes some measuring to get them centered and spaced properly. The green tape is easy to write on and see.  
 
 
 
The smaller 2 1/16" and 2 5/8" holes were then cut with the Blair Holcutter kit. These bits cut perfect circles and last a very long time when lubed with Tap Magic cutting fluid. They are easy to interchange and range in sizes from spot-weld cutters to larger holes like these.  
The 3 3/8" gauges required slightly larger holes then our Holcutter kit offered, so we used the HTP Microcut 300 plasma cutter and a steady hand. Circles on small pieces like this can be tricky, but can be done with patience. We filed the holes and sanded them true after cutting. Then we installed the Auto Meter Ultra Lite gauges in the holes. We like the look, and the face will be powder coated wrinkle-black to match the plastic dash when we're finished. We will use a 3M adhesive to bond the face to the original bezel and trim out the bezel to accept the new gauges when we put it all back together. More on that later! SOURCES 
Auto Meter 
Blair Tools 
Eastwood
HTP Welders 
Tap Magic
YearOne Speed Shop
DISCLAIMER: Demonstrations and procedures contained in the V8TV show or website may not provide all necessary or relevant information. Applicable local laws and regulations may vary and should be checked before any project is commenced. Be sure to follow all applicable safety procedures. V8TV Productions, Inc. makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, or practicality of any such demonstration or procedure or any information with respect thereto contained in the preceding program. C. 2008, V8TV Productions, Inc.
» 1 Comment
1Comment
at Monday, 01 December 2008 11:42
Looking very nice so far! I'm curious to see how the turn signal and high-beam indicators fit in.
» Post Comment
Only registered users can write a comment.
Please login or register.
|
