1946-48 ford car gauges

Working on my 48 coupe dash,gauges were missing and was wondering if anyone replaced the gauges with something other than stock.I was qouted 2000.00 to restore stock gauges if I could find some.I like the look of the dash,but its the square gauge holes that are holding me back.Anyone got any ideas?

 

I made a panel that held 4 gauges, behind the trim piece. All I can see is the the top part of the gauge(numbers and needle) Painted the mounting plate the same color as the gauge faces oit sort of blends in. I put a piece of clear plexiglass in front of the gauges/but behind trim so it sort of looks like it belongs. If you want to take the time, just buy what you need from Classic(movements and needles) and screen your own.

 

I did it with Autometers.

here is a part of my build thread that shows them
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4878804&postcount=30

 

I suggest filling and smoothing the dash holes for the original gauges and redrilling for round guages which are readily available in many styles
That is what I have planned for my 47. I have the original guages but do not like them.

 

I found some good 48 Lincoln gauges. Not a direct fit but worth the trouble.

 

I bought the parts that allow you to use the small ( 2-1/8 or 2-1/16) diameter gauges in the location where the rectangular gauges were. It included the bracket for mounting the gauges and the front panel that looks like the original , but with round holes. If interested PM me and I'll dig out the info on where I bought them and could e-mail a picture . John

 

I built a plate that the gauges fit in .I used two inch gauges cut a half moon at top lookes real close to orig.

 

The optimum dash in a 42-48 is a 51 ford.

 

Smooth the 48 dash and cut the peaked part and gauge hole out of a 50 ford dash and incorporate the two together. Then you can use the gauge pod, all in one unit. That's kind of what I was going to do to my 42 dash but had a total change of mind after looking at a 49 nash ambassador gauge pod.

 

These are available from rodtechhrp.com

 

Bought a Bitchin Dash and Dakota Digital gauges for less then $1000 for my 46 Ford.

 

Hi OkieDokie. I have Rod Tech's panel too, but the holes in mine are round, not rectangular. I have had them for about 6 years. Wonder if they changed their design. FYI inlinr6, Rod Tech also has a tach set up that goes in the clock opening and a pretty nice radio plate too. Take a look.

 

thanks for the great advice! I like the idea of putting the small gauges behind.I kind of like the 50 ford idea too.

 

I didn't notice the square holes, mine are round in my 46 also.

 

This is what my father did for the 47 Merc we're building for my mother. Filled and drilled, and turned down a piece of aluminum for the speedometer. Not 100 % traditional, but cheap!

 

Do you have a wiring diagram for the oil and volt meter on your custom gauges?

 

fordy6 - Old Thread - do not wait for a reply

 

Here's mine with some round SW gauges fitted.

 

They are standard autometer gauges, no custom anything except for the installation.

 

On my 46 convertible I used a Bitchin Dash with Dakota Digital gauges.

 

I HAVE A SET NOS 1942 FORD GAGES STILL IN THE FORD BOXS FOR SALE, THEY WILL FIT 42 TO 48 FORD, $200. PLUS SHIPPNG

 

I replaced the gauges in my 46 coupe with gauges and constant voltage regulator out of a 67 ford Bronco. had to tack them in and they look like the originals from the front

 

I know the post is old but maybe. Can you post here where you purchased your kit for round gauges?

 

48FordFanatic hasn't been on the HAMB for over a year

 

don't know how old this is but just googled ,http://vehicles.oodle.com/detail/used-1946-ford-2-door-coupe-for-sale/4263325866-lincoln-ne/