What are folks doing for gauges to replace the stock gauges in a '39 Ford dash with 4 3/8 diameter holes?
I used the New Vintage gauges. I really like em, the fonts, the look, curved glass, made in Ferndale, MI. They're in my 39 dash. Ok, 2 things here. 1st there's an indexing notch in the side of the housing. I filed it off vs tring to cut a receiving notch for it in my dash. 2nd, and it's not a hateful deal but I'm my own worst enemy, once in the dash panel the gauge bezels are straight or flat. Once in and snugged up you can see a light white edge top and bottom because the 39 dash has a very slight curve. I fixed that by giving the housing a light scuff and coloring it in with permanent black marker. Now it effectively disappears and all you see is chrome. I really like em and conceded to the digital odometer. They also come complete with the senders and harness plugs as well as detailed instructions. You will have to get a trans speedo adapter to run the electronic speedometer. Was also very easy and any 3 wire will do. Reach out if you want more info, good stuff, and no I don't work there...
Thanks! I saw these online and they look pretty good to me. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Does your temp gage work? I put a NV gage in my 41, and it looks OK. Problem is the elec sender is so short I'm not sure it even gets wet.
I don't know yet, but I'm sure it'll read coolant in the flathead. You can check your gauge with a gentle conservative warm up using a lighter. That might tell you if it's a flow or sender issue. Or you could hit it with an ohm meter cold then again warmed up. If you get a proper change it's the gauge, if you get nothing it's obviously the sender, which should see a rise in temp even if it's not in the water as it would pick up heat anyways.