30-31 instrument panel
 

I’m having trouble getting all 4 screws to engage when I recently re-installed the dash panel. I believe the issue is that the is a 30-years old reproduction part that sticks out too much, making the screws too short. The gas gauge almost sits slightly behind the instrument panel.

Have any of you replaced your instrument panel, and if so, were you happy with the fit of the replacement part ?

My options are either buy a new reproduction part, of have my original panel replated.

Thanks - JIm

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Repro panels will not fit. Period.

I got my original restored panel from Don Turley. Fit perfectly.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Remove the speedometer so you can look through the hole and see what is hitting or not lining up. Put the panel on with the two top screws, then look through the speedometer hole at the nuts for the bottom screws. Many times they are bent and need to be adjusted to line up with the screws. After you get them adjusted properly install your speedometer.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

CarlG - thanks for the lead ! I would much prefer to have my original panel restored and reinstall the original speedometer that went with it.

Jim

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

My original is hard to install, top screws first loose like a coupe of threads then with an awl locate the bottom nuts then install loosely, then the second, snug them all. Three hands would help but not a second person.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

The originals are tight to begin with, but the repros are too tight to the point of improper installation.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Maybe the screws you are using are too long thereby, bottoming out and preventing the dash panel to properly fit snug against the tank.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Yes you are right, I have originals that don't fit, someone messed with the screw hole alignment at some point.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Sometimes the lower threaded tabs need to be slightly bent or adjusted , if the lower screws don't reach . I never tighten any screws until all of the screws are started . Being a body man , I am use to having to make parts fit . Don't expect all body parts to fall in place . sometimes it takes a bit of straining and fitting .

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

My original doesn't fit worth a crap. The PO left the bottom screws out it was so bad. I got them in with a lot of patience and swearing.

I know it's original because it doesn't have the trip reset cutout. (Northeast oval speedo.)

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Here is a fix if your bottom screws are too short. They use the same screw size that the outside door handle screws. The outside door handle screws are longer than the dash screws..

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

My original 29 panel is a tight fit,I remember a repro panel years ago that one of the bottom screw holes was at least a1/4 off,watch out for this one at the flea markets.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

FWIW...

I've had cars with 28 - early-30 and late-30 - 31 panels. They were original - never had a repro. The bare panels fit OK but became obstinate with the gauges and switch in them. The problem was the ignition and speedo cables weren't very flexible and didn't want to bend enough to fit through the channel to the firewall. It helps to get the cables as far as possible into the channel first so they don't bind.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

After consulting with a couple of guys who restore instrument panels, we determined that since mine has some rust pitting in the horizontal lines on the front, it’s not worth replating, as the rust pits will still be there. Apparently restorable 30-31 instrument panels are hard to find, as most have rust pitting on the front.

So, I spent an hour buffing my original instrument panel, and it looks acceptable. It is missing some plating and is slightly pitted in a few places, but my car is a driver, and the original panel is just showing it’s age a bit. Ironically, the repro panel that I bought 30 years ago is beginning to rust through the chrome plating, so the 90-year old original panel now looks as good as or better than the repro.

I removed the repro panel and compared the original to it side by side - the repro is almost 1/4” deeper, which is why the screws would barely engage. The original panel is now back on the car - it’s a perfect fit and all screws engage as they should.

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Look for one of the brass ones, no rust there.


Bob

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

I just became aware of them today, so am looking !

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Mine is Brass. I bought it already restored by Don Turley. He's the best!

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

I read somewhere that the brass instrument panels were used on the open cars to prevent rust .

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

According to the Standards the brass panel was optional January 1931 through
February 1931.


Bob

Re: 30-31 instrument panel
 

Good Morning...I have fitted several dash boards by taking a rat tail file and opening up just slightly the round hole around the gas gage and then drilling out the bolt holes with a drill just one size larger than the original hole. Sometimes there are no lower bolts when the cars come into the shop. We usually have some new ones from Bratton's. With just a little more room, they will fit. Requires patience and sometimes a few short four letter words...not love or luck! Ernie in Arizona