I have a 1953 ford with with a deluxe cab. There is hole that is for the stock radio. . Now, I'm not building a all original vehicle, and I also know that a non working original radio is pretty pricy. So my question is.... Has anyone put anything else in its place? I remember the size being a weird measurement and there isn't a single gauge that fits there. But hopefully someone can prove me wrong. I need some helps guys!!!!!!
Clock, tach, photo of the kids. I think that I used a vacuum gauge out of a big truck in a Ford car with a missing round radio. pretty sure it was a vac gauge.
I like the vac gauge idea, but its been about a month since i last researched this and i forget the diameter of the hole.. i just remember not finding a single gauge that size. (truck is currently in storage and i keep forgetting to measure it again)
I may have had to file the hole a little bit, it would have been a gauge out of a big rig as I was working as a heavy mechanic at the time and spent some time at the salvage scrounging.
If you know anybody with a lathe, have an 'adaptor' ring machined, then you can install pretty much anything. Or how about covering the hole (and some of the dash) with a engine-turned applique ala the '56 T-bird? IIRC, Speedway sells this for a reasonable price...
Ive got one of those trucks junked out. It came from Chicago must have 55 gallons of bondo on it. The radio is still present. probably don't work because it have a 12 volt battery. How much is pricy. make an offer ill sell you the radio.
For an 'adaptor ring', use a 1/4-3/8" thick hunk of aluminum, turn it to a slightly larger diameter than the hole, then turn part of the outside edge to the size of the hole. You now have a 'plug' that fits the hole without falling through. Get a bit creative on the 'face' of the plug, you could have a 'factory appearing' block-off plate or cut a smaller hole for a gauge. This could possible be done on a drill press with a grinder, files, and sandpaper, although you probably couldn't be quite as fancy as what a lathe could do. Engine-turned panels here: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Engine-Turned-Aluminum-Panels,5390.html
x2 on the radio if you can snag it... if not, i might be able to get you an adapter made on the cheap for a gauge.
Yes still have the truck and radio. I also have a 56 short bed frame and a 53 thru 64 rust free stepside short bed in not going to use. I was gonna convert my 56 long bed to a short box. But have decided to keep it long bed.
I can take a picture tomorrow. The orginal mounting for a Y block is on the very front of the engine. It uses a stamped metal bracket and a different timing cover water pump mount casting. Ive got one someplace have to dig it out. Or are you looking for the part of the frame that it bolts to?
F.Y.I. 55 Radio is 6V and 56 is 12V they are a direct interchange. They also have 6Vor 12V stamped on the housing. The Wizzard
yes I plan o keep it long bed. I first drove the 56 in the hayfield when I was 12. It had a 272 and factory automatic back then. I got a chance to buy it in the early 70,s. I installed a boat anchor 292 and my wife and I drove it until 77. later I installed a 430 merc and granny 4 speed. Its now powered by a stock 66 ford 250 hp 352 and top loader 3 speed nine inch rear with 325 gears. Better to keep it like it is. I put everything new in the front end. New kingpins tie rod ends and bushings in the steering sector. and it still drives not the best.
Ok Ok here are the pictures. still has the radio clock and ignition key. The speedometer and gauges are gone. I have the frame crossmember also.
Does the glove box door knob have a key lock in it. Also is that a cigarette lighter. Thanks for all the work you are doing for me Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app