'30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

I bought a 1930 roadster that came in parts. I put the dash rail in and it doesn't fit very well at the corners around the door and the escutcheons. Its screwed in as tight as it can go.

See pictures attached.

Were there different dash rails for different models?

Re: '30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

Is it a reproduction??

Bob

Re: '30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

Not sure if its a repo or not. It came with the car and was suppose to be either be original or for a 1930 roadster.

Re: '30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

It looks like a repop . I have heard that they don't fit very well .
It's quite a complicated part, lots of contours in a small space.

Looks like you will have to cut it to fit your car and have it Tig welded.

I have an original one for my roadster project , But some one beat it flat with a hammer many years ago probably because there was dirt in the gas tank !!!
[ Not a remedy to reccomend ]

John Cochran

Re: '30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

Thanks for the feedback, looks like I'll have to cut and weld it to make it fit.

Re: '30 Roadster Dash Rail
 

Maybe, maybe not. It is a difficult part to fit. Mine was turned upside down, bent and rusted but was the original part. Yours actually doesn't look that bad and is probably an original part. I tried a repro dash rail on my roadster and it was so far off that I sent it back and ended up fixing my original part. Don't expect most body parts to lay up there and fit. You may need to use a punch and sometimes a rat tailed file to get bolt holes to perfectly align. You may have to bend or use a clamp to squeeze the part into place while the bolts are fitted. In many cases , don't tighten anything untill all of the bolts are in place. The welt and lead spacers when installed will alter the fit and help close gaps. Some will simply not be able to fit this part and will need professional help. I am a retired bodyman and know that it can be a real pain to fit. Good luck .