coupe updates

moose · January 09, 2011, 09:33:51 PM

Finally got the dash inthe Coupe.

I started with a stock 1946 Chevy Pick-up dash

I rough trimmed it to fit in

The dash has a Vee shape and was too tall so the next step was to cut it straight then change the radius to match the A dash rail

Because i wanted to be able to remove the dash if needed I formed a new dash rail to bolt where the original dash rail covered the tank. I cannot find a pic of this piece seperately so here it the back side tacked to the dash

As you can see it has a radius that matches the mounting area. I welded blind nuts to it so it is now bolted thru the front

This shows how the mount rail and dash now transition. I still need to trim the front edge.

The next step was to trim the width and start to form the end pieces.

The center area had a hole that originally held a crank for the windshield that had to go so I cut it out.

and replaced it with a filler piece straight at the top

it is almost finished. i still need to do the final welding and metal finishing but fits well now

I am undecided about gauges. Here it is with three mocked in the panel that came with it. I am using a 40 Ford style wheel and collumn.

I am well pleased with how it fits an it gives me the look I was after.....

enjenjo · January 09, 2011, 09:47:04 PM

looks good Moose.

phat46 · January 09, 2011, 09:52:35 PM

Looks good, nice job!

phat rat · January 09, 2011, 09:56:57 PM

I like it

chimp koose · January 09, 2011, 10:01:09 PM

nice work! Did you know that an'80 ford courier steering wheel looks almost the same as a '40 ford? The courier column has no ignition switch but has the lights/dimmer , washer /wiper and hazard lights switches on it.

moose · January 09, 2011, 10:06:44 PM

Quote from: "chimp koose"nice work! Did you know that an'80 ford courier steering wheel looks almost the same as a '40 ford? The courier column has no ignition switch but has the lights/dimmer , washer /wiper and hazard lights switches on it.

No but I will look for one next trip the the yard. There are not many earlier pieces in the yards around here.....

Carnut · January 09, 2011, 10:41:50 PM

Heh, heh, that is so cool, I am so envious of you folks who can do that kind of metal work or even thinking you could make it fit and look good like that.

unklian · January 10, 2011, 12:25:08 AM

Quote from: "moose"
I am undecided about gauges. Here it is with three mocked in the panel that came with it. I am using a 40 Ford style wheel and collumn.

The sharp 90 corners, framing the round gauges,
creates a bit of a visual conflict.

What if those corners were softened ?
Maybe try a 1 1/2" rad.

unklian · January 10, 2011, 12:25:51 AM

Fantastic progress, as always.

rumrumm · January 10, 2011, 07:56:06 AM

Nice work! It is always the unique choices that really make a car stand out.

Mikej · January 10, 2011, 08:22:32 AM

Looks good Moose. Enjoy watching your progress.

348tripower · January 10, 2011, 09:04:39 AM

That is looking great!

moose · January 10, 2011, 09:32:04 AM

Thanks All.
Ian I know what you mean. The dash came with that panel so I stuck some gauges in to get a look, I may create something similat to the original by putting the gauges behind squarish holes. Just something more to figure out

Tim

GPster · January 10, 2011, 10:24:00 AM

Maybe instead of gauges you could make that opening have a blacked out screen with digital read-out? GPster

unklian · January 10, 2011, 01:12:36 PM

Quote from: "moose"
Ian I know what you mean. The dash came with that panel so I stuck some gauges in to get a look, I may create something similar to the original by putting the gauges behind squarish holes. Just something more to figure out

Tim

The 52 Pontiac dash has a softer shape around the gauges.

Similar deal on the 41 Pontiac