Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Late V8 (1954+)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-27-2021, 07:29 PM   #1
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Padded dash install question

I am working on replacing the cracked a worn out dash pad on my 1957 thunderbird.
The dash was not in the car when I got it, so I am unsure of the correct configuration of a bracket.
Where the dash would fasten to the steering column, on the dash panel there is a bracket that crosses the dash that has two holes to fasten it to the under dast where the column attaches. It is made out of a heavy gauge sheet metal.
On mine, on both sides it appears to be bent symmetrically. I am not sure if this is correct, or if it got bent a some point.
Has anyone had one out , even better, have one out ?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 100_3292.jpg (58.3 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg 100_3293.jpg (38.6 KB, 27 views)
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-2021, 09:21 PM   #2
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Photos of that dash support bracket for a '57 Bird.
The one you have looks very much like this one except for a slight twist across the top of yours.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dash support bracket 1.jpg (49.6 KB, 26 views)
File Type: jpg dash support bracket 2.jpg (49.4 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg dash support bracket 3.jpg (39.9 KB, 25 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 12-27-2021 at 09:57 PM. Reason: add photos
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 12-27-2021, 11:44 PM   #3
miker98038
Senior Member
 
miker98038's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,373
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Been a long time, but doesn’t that also anchor the heavy bracket that the pedals hang from? And that is the main structural support?
miker98038 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 12:44 AM   #4
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by miker98038 View Post
Been a long time, but doesn’t that also anchor the heavy bracket that the pedals hang from? And that is the main structural support?
The large bracket the pedals hang from is bolted to the firewall and the cowl support. The end closest to the steering wheel supports the steering column and bolts thru that large-ish dashboard bracket. Likely mutually supporting each other.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20201217 no dash.jpg (60.8 KB, 25 views)
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 08:23 AM   #5
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmsfrr View Post
Photos of that dash support bracket for a '57 Bird.
The one you have looks very much like this one except for a slight twist across the top of yours.
Thanks DMSFRR, that is what I was looking for.

I was not sure if the two bends on the side panels were correct.

Before I got this car it had been used as a drag racer. It had, I am told ,a rather large oldsmobile motor installed.

I have been correcting minor issues ever since, frame crossmember, firewall and tunnel sheet metal.

I am still a little gun shy when I see bent sheet metal. Thought I should inquire.

Thanks
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 08:29 AM   #6
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmsfrr View Post
Photos of that dash support bracket for a '57 Bird.
The one you have looks very much like this one except for a slight twist across the top of yours.
DmsFrr,
I am noting in your photos that the under side of your dash is painted. Mine is not. Did you paint it ,or was painted from the line?
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 04:02 PM   #7
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick brophy View Post
DmsFrr,
I am noting in your photos that the under side of your dash is painted. Mine is not. Did you paint it ,or was painted from the line?
It's a handy thing to do, makes it easier to see when working under the dashboard. I'm not sure when it was done.
The '55 Bird I have looks to have a thin-ish coat of gray primer on the underside of the dashboard. Photo 1 below.

The '57 was repainted in other colors a few times. The most recent previous owner was returning it to the (nearly) original colors, and he did repaint the dashboard. (photo 2)

I've seen a few other Bird owners comment about painting the underside white so I'll assume it wasn't that way originally. If you do it make sure the extra layer of paint doesn't interfere with Grounding the gauges and panel lights, etc.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg dash map light c.jpg (33.9 KB, 12 views)
File Type: jpg dash c.jpg (55.3 KB, 14 views)

Last edited by dmsfrr; 01-02-2022 at 01:12 PM.
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 07:52 PM   #8
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Thank You, mine is just a fine coat of rust on the under side [patina]. It has never been painted. I probably should paint now that it is off.
I do have a new wire loom, and the grounding issue is a concern.
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-28-2021, 08:38 PM   #9
miker98038
Senior Member
 
miker98038's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,373
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Kind of OT for this post but - Do yourself a favor and put a couple ground busses under the dash, just like a fiberglass boat or car. Old metal has a lot of resistance in the bolted joints. I usually end up with 2 under the dash (where convenient on both sides) and another in the trunk. Straight to the battery with #8 or #10 wire (depends on the vehicle loads). Then tie what’s needed back to the ground bus. Especially if you get involved in more “street rod” accessories and electronics.

Here’s the Ron Francis version from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Ron-Francis-W.../dp/B00AQM9MTM
miker98038 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2021, 08:06 AM   #10
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by miker98038 View Post
Kind of OT for this post but - Do yourself a favor and put a couple ground busses under the dash, just like a fiberglass boat or car. Old metal has a lot of resistance in the bolted joints. I usually end up with 2 under the dash (where convenient on both sides) and another in the trunk. Straight to the battery with #8 or #10 wire (depends on the vehicle loads). Then tie what’s needed back to the ground bus. Especially if you get involved in more “street rod” accessories and electronics.

Here’s the Ron Francis version from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Ron-Francis-W.../dp/B00AQM9MTM
Great idea,thanks.

Patrick
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2021, 03:18 PM   #11
56sedandelivery
Senior Member
 
56sedandelivery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 521
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by miker98038 View Post
Kind of OT for this post but - Do yourself a favor and put a couple ground busses under the dash, just like a fiberglass boat or car. Old metal has a lot of resistance in the bolted joints. I usually end up with 2 under the dash (where convenient on both sides) and another in the trunk. Straight to the battery with #8 or #10 wire (depends on the vehicle loads). Then tie what’s needed back to the ground bus. Especially if you get involved in more “street rod” accessories and electronics.

Here’s the Ron Francis version from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Ron-Francis-W.../dp/B00AQM9MTM

Along those lines. I will be rewiring the whole car because of so many non factory items. Anyone have experience with the wiring kits out there such as Ron Francis or Painless?
56sedandelivery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2021, 07:04 PM   #12
Gene F
Senior Member
 
Gene F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,915
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Where do you buy a new padded dash panel for a 57 Bird, or a 57 Fairlane?
Gene F is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2021, 07:11 PM   #13
miker98038
Senior Member
 
miker98038's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1,373
Default Re: Padded dash install question

56sedandelivery. I’m going to start a new thread on the wiring harnesses. Hopefully, you’ll get some more responses than just mine.
miker98038 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-29-2021, 08:18 PM   #14
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,412
Arrow Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by miker98038 View Post

56sedandelivery. I’m going to start a new thread on the wiring harnesses. Hopefully, you’ll get some more responses than just mine.
The new thread being located here - https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...09#post2089809

(POSTED SO AS NOT TO LOSE INFO)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-2021, 02:04 PM   #15
Patrick brophy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Alabama
Posts: 169
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gene F View Post
Where do you buy a new padded dash panel for a 57 Bird, or a 57 Fairlane?
I purchased mine thru Hill's auto,for my T-bird.

They had a large assortment of colors.

They do not give them away...........

I use them because there service is good, and they are very helpful. I my case ,that means a lot.
Patrick brophy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-2021, 06:16 PM   #16
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,412
Thumbs up Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
I use them because there service is good, and they are very helpful. I my case ,that means a lot.
They seem to have their stuff in a neat pile ...
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2022, 12:25 PM   #17
totto
Senior Member
 
totto's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Midland, MI
Posts: 221
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Kultulz:

Do you have info on Hill's Auto? Contact info? I have 1957 Ford and looking for a padded dash.

Thanks
totto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2022, 12:44 PM   #18
dmsfrr
Senior Member
 
dmsfrr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
Posts: 3,598
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Quote:
Originally Posted by totto View Post

Do you have info on Hill's Auto? Contact info? I have 1957 Ford and looking for a padded dash.

Thanks
A link to their website...

https://hillsresto.com/

They may or may not be able to get a dash pad for 'full-sized' cars, call them directly and ask.
dmsfrr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2022, 01:29 PM   #19
KULTULZ
Senior Member
 
KULTULZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY
Posts: 6,412
Arrow Re: Padded dash install question

Keep an eye out here - https://rhinofabrication.com/12852/

C&G advertises but I would make sure of the quality first.

I didn't know a 57 had a padded dash ...
__________________
*****

- DISCLAIMER -

The above posted information is in my opinion only (IMO) and may contain copy and paste material(s).

In addition, any above tech information is supplied in good faith. No responsibility implied or otherwise can be accepted for the way others use or interpret provided data.

Your experience(s), opinion(s) and mileage may vary.

DIAGNOSED CDO - (OCD In Correct Alphabetical Order)
KULTULZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2022, 08:58 PM   #20
paul2748
Senior Member
 
paul2748's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Midland Park, NJ
Posts: 3,965
Default Re: Padded dash install question

Part of safety package ? - started in 56.


Quote:
Originally Posted by KULTULZ View Post
Keep an eye out here - https://rhinofabrication.com/12852/



I didn't know a 57 had a padded dash ...
__________________
48 Ford Conv
56 Tbird
54 Ford Victoria
paul2748 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:12 AM.