The Ford Barn

Al/Lindley · 07-07-2013, 11:10 AM

I bought a repo chrome dash panel for my 1931 Huckster. After installing the gauges I attempted to mount it on the dash. The gas gauge was recessed at least a quarter inch from the surface of the panel. There is really no possible way to actually use this panel. Has anyone else ever seen this problem?

msmaron · 07-07-2013, 11:12 AM

Welcome to the world of REPOP!!!!!!! they never fit, you need to make them fit...that is why you will start to see so many people preach only get originals and restore them...good luck@

Purdy Swoft · 07-07-2013, 12:31 PM

I haven't had problems with the gas gauge being recessed. Unless something is holding it off, I would send it back. In most cases with the repro instrument panel, the bottom two screws won't line up. I use a scratch awl or small punch to bend the lower tabs where the D nuts go, so as to align the bottom screw holes. This is sometimes needed even when fitting an original panel. I always try and fit the instrument panel before installing the gauges. Who knows what the previous owner did in an attempt to fit whatever panel was available at the time. good luck, it can be a pain but is doable in most cases.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 07-07-2013, 02:45 PM

Bought a "re-pop" oval panel from Snyder's, fits perfectly, really QUALITY! It was cheaper than replating my original, which I kept in my "stash" Bill W.

Purdy Swoft · 07-07-2013, 03:26 PM

Good move Bill!! Snyders sells the best repro parts that are available. Mark sullivan gave me a new round speedo 31 instrument panel when I bought my roadster, it fit perfectly. I lucked out and found an original butler finish panel from Don Turley in 05 and used it instead.

Ross/Kzoo · 07-07-2013, 03:44 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I haven't had problems with the gas gauge being recessed. Unless something is holding it off, I would send it back. In most cases with the repro instrument panel, the bottom two screws won't line up. I use a scratch awl or small punch to bend the lower tabs where the D nuts go, so as to align the bottom screw holes. This is sometimes needed even when fitting an original panel. I always try and fit the instrument panel before installing the gauges. Who knows what the previous owner did in an attempt to fit whatever panel was available at the time. good luck, it can be a pain but is doable in most cases.

I did the exact same thing.

glenn in camino · 07-07-2013, 07:50 PM

I have I of those. It's now laying on the floor of my storage room. Might make a good wall decoration someday.

Cockshutt Kid · 07-08-2013, 05:54 AM

I have been having intermittant problems with my pop out ignition switch. Would work perfectly on the bench every time, but inconsistantly in the car. After several removals and installs the repro dash panel has been adjusted with a 3 pound hammer and all is well.

Tom Wesenberg · 07-08-2013, 09:23 AM

Bill Bixby used to sell some nice restored original instument panels. I don't know if he has any left.

07-07-2013, 11:10 AM	#1
Al/Lindley Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lindley ny Posts: 15	Chrome dash panel doesn't fit I bought a repo chrome dash panel for my 1931 Huckster. After installing the gauges I attempted to mount it on the dash. The gas gauge was recessed at least a quarter inch from the surface of the panel. There is really no possible way to actually use this panel. Has anyone else ever seen this problem?

07-07-2013, 11:12 AM	#2
msmaron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 3,604	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit Welcome to the world of REPOP!!!!!!! they never fit, you need to make them fit...that is why you will start to see so many people preach only get originals and restore them...good luck@ __________________ A7191-Sport Coupe 29 Roadster 29-Town Sedan 29-Original Special Coupe

07-07-2013, 12:31 PM	#3
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit I haven't had problems with the gas gauge being recessed. Unless something is holding it off, I would send it back. In most cases with the repro instrument panel, the bottom two screws won't line up. I use a scratch awl or small punch to bend the lower tabs where the D nuts go, so as to align the bottom screw holes. This is sometimes needed even when fitting an original panel. I always try and fit the instrument panel before installing the gauges. Who knows what the previous owner did in an attempt to fit whatever panel was available at the time. good luck, it can be a pain but is doable in most cases.

07-07-2013, 02:45 PM	#4
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit Bought a "re-pop" oval panel from Snyder's, fits perfectly, really QUALITY! It was cheaper than replating my original, which I kept in my "stash" Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

07-07-2013, 03:26 PM	#5
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit Good move Bill!! Snyders sells the best repro parts that are available. Mark sullivan gave me a new round speedo 31 instrument panel when I bought my roadster, it fit perfectly. I lucked out and found an original butler finish panel from Don Turley in 05 and used it instead.

07-07-2013, 07:50 PM	#7
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit I have I of those. It's now laying on the floor of my storage room. Might make a good wall decoration someday.

07-08-2013, 05:54 AM	#8
Cockshutt Kid Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 81	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit I have been having intermittant problems with my pop out ignition switch. Would work perfectly on the bench every time, but inconsistantly in the car. After several removals and installs the repro dash panel has been adjusted with a 3 pound hammer and all is well.

07-08-2013, 09:23 AM	#9
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Chrome dash panel doesn't fit Bill Bixby used to sell some nice restored original instument panels. I don't know if he has any left.