Instrument Panel

[AL in NY]

I have an original 30-31 instrument panel that I don't think is complete. There is nothing on the back of the panel for securing the pop-out switch. Could someone post a close up photo of the back of the instrument panel showing the pop-out switch area? Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!

[Marshall V. Daut]

The metal "shroud" where the pop-out switch head mounts apparently has been removed. Who knows why, but it sticks out like a muddy elephant in a snow storm. Its absence should be quite noticeable. I don't recall seeing just that metal surround area being reproduced and sold separately. You may need to replace the panel with a complete one and hang yours on the garage wall as a decoration.
Marshall

[art ebeling]

Do these help?

[JohnB15632]

Mine is the same. I thought that I had done something wrong and did not want to say anything. But seeing your situation, we are in the same boat.

Let me know if you figure anything out.

Thanks,
John

[AL in NY]

Marshall, do you think that a shroud from a re-pop instrument panel could be fitted to an original steel IP?

Art: thanks for the pictures, that's just what I was looking for. Can I ask you to post a photo of the front side near the pop-out switch so I can see how the after market shroud is mounted?

[art ebeling]

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Originally Posted by AL in NY

Marshall, do you think that a shroud from a re-pop instrument panel could be fitted to an original steel IP?

Art: thanks for the pictures, that's just what I was looking for. Can I ask you to post a photo of the front side near the pop-out switch so I can see how the after market shroud is mounted?

This is an original I had nickle plated.

[JohnB15632]

That looks exactly like the one that I have.

Thanks,

[Marshall V. Daut]

AL in NY -
If you plan on having the panel re-plated anyway, you could solder or braze the new piece in place, assuming you can take one off a cheap repop or a damaged original. Be sure to note its orientation before removing it, though! The placement of the notches and screw holes is critical. I wouldn't try using an epoxy to hold the shroud (or whatever the heck it's called!) against the panel's backside because the pop-out cable is under quite a bit of bending pressure as it comes out of the head. It could easily become dislodged from the head and kill the engine or even create a short behind the panel.
I have several original oval speedo instrument panels in the basement somewhere. I'll see if there is one beyond repair or is not a candidate for re-plating, yet still has the shroud. Should there be such a poor soul in my dungeon, you may have it. If that doesn't pan out, there surely must be a reader here who has a damaged panel with the shroud still in place that he'd be willing to give up.
Marshall

[Marshall V. Daut]

Art Ebeling -
That is one BEAUTIFUL plating job and instrument panel restoration! The finish looks so much better this way than in a blindingly shiny Chinese chrome plating.
Marshall

[Ed H.]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

AL in NY -
If you plan on having the panel re-plated anyway, you could solder or braze the new piece in place, assuming you can take one off a cheap repop or a damaged original. Be sure to note its orientation before removing it, though! The placement of the notches and screw holes is critical. I wouldn't try using an epoxy to hold the shroud (or whatever the heck it's called!) against the panel's backside because the pop-out cable is under quite a bit of bending pressure as it comes out of the head. It could easily become dislodged from the head and kill the engine or even create a short behind the panel.
I have several original oval speedo instrument panels in the basement somewhere. I'll see if there is one beyond repair or is not a candidate for re-plating, yet still has the shroud. Should there be such a poor soul in my dungeon, you may have it. If that doesn't pan out, there surely must be a reader here who has a damaged panel with the shroud still in place that he'd be willing to give up.
Marshall

I may have one, will look tomorrow. If so would be glad to donate it.

[art ebeling]

Originally Posted by Marshall V. Daut

Art Ebeling -
That is one BEAUTIFUL plating job and instrument panel restoration! The finish looks so much better this way than in a blindingly shiny Chinese chrome plating.
Marshall

Thanks, The plating was done by Craig Riker. He also plated all my interior pieces and chrome plated the bumpers leaving the backsides unpolished. The black painted areas on the instrument panel were done by Jim Brand using a stencil so there are soft edges. He also did my bumper clamps the same way. I plan on having Mr Brand do the pinstriping also. Now if I could just get the body painting finished.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Yup - Jim Brand's the best!
Marshall

[Tom Wesenberg]

I'm thinking Don Turley had some restored instrument panels for sale. If not, then maybe Dan Bixby has some.

[CarlG]

I got an original restored gauge panel from Don Turley. Perfect in every respect.

[Marshall V. Daut]

I looked through the instrument panels in my basement this morning, but couldn't find a suitable sacrificial candidate. All are good examples for restoration and it'd be a shame to destroy one just to take the ignition cable head shroud off. 'Sorry.
But it looks like others have chimed in with offers and suggestions, unless you insist on keeping your car's parts intact. That will be almost impossible to do, however.
Marshall

[AL in NY]

Marshall: thanks for the offer of an original shroud. No epoxy, I was thinking of possibly attaching the shroud using small screws. They would be hidden by the on-off plate.

Ed H: Thanks for the offer, if you have one send me a note and I'll pay for the shipping.

Art: thanks again for the photos. They are really helpful.

[jhowes]

Al in NY; I may have a donor you can have. I will look today and repost. I don't know where you are in NY but I am near the Mass border in NY. I might be close enough to hand carry to you. Jack

[cjkohnast]

Al Im in northern New Jersey I have an original that needs to be replatted or you could take parts off it $20 973 835 1472

[AL in NY]

jhowes: Sent you a private email.

cjkohnast: where in northern NJ are you? Would you be willing to ship if I paid the shipping?

[Art Newland]

I've got a nasty one you could have... speedo seems to work when spun with a drill.

[AL in NY]

Art: thanks, but I have contacted "cjkohnast" in NJ and will be see him Friday.

[Art Newland]

Hopefully his is prettier than the one I have!

[AL in NY]

Art: Let's hope so.