Hot Rods 1932 dash in a 1931 A' coupe

Before many of you tell me to search through old posts because it's been covered here many times, the information I am looking for does not lend itself well to the search engine here.
1) is a 32 dash the same size or wider than the stock 30/31 dash rail above the tank?
2) are the mounting holes in the face of the 32 dash in the same location as the 30/31?
3) an original 32 dash versus a Brookville or United Pacific 32 seem to be the only ones
currently available, unless someone knows of another source of a 32 reproduction ?
4) the current 32 dash panels that are stamped to fit into a stock A' do not have the
upper dash rail as part of the stamping . Do these 32 panels just hide behind the
30/31 dash rail or are they modified some way and then welded to the replacement
A/32 panels?

If someone has an original - but damaged - 32 dash panel for sale, I am planning on using one of the aluminum center sections produced by Alchemy, here on the HAMB, and it does cover the stock center hole completely (it accepts 6 gauges) so if there is a mangled center section 32 dash panel out there that someone wishes to sell, I would
be interested. Sorry for the long winded elaborate explanation. regards, Steve

 

I have a 30/31Brookville roadster and Just received there 32 dash that’s supposed to fit. It appears that there is a flange on the top that does tuck up behind the dash. There are 1/4 holes there for mounting and look close but it needs some trimming to make it fit. I can send pics of you would like. The dash comes blank with no cut out

 

Steve the stock 1932 dash doesn’t fit any of the model a but the slant window cars like a Vicky. The holes even line up in the Vicky with the 32 dash panel and the Vicky is wider then let’s say a coupe. You also will need the passenger dash panel as it is different then the truck to fit the cool panel @alchemy makes..

 

Here's an original 32 dash butt welded to a Model A dash rail. Threaded studs are welded to the back to go through the factory holes in the Model A dash support and hide the fasteners. Problem solved.

 

Steve, to answer question #4. They come stock from Brookville made to hide behind the dash rail.

 

There is an an original '32 dash on Ebay for $2000.00. The repro's are roughly 90% less. Since you are going to modify it to fit you gauge panel and put into an A, I certainly would look at the reproduction ones, plus you are starting with new steel. When I did my '31 dash (but in curly cherry) Bob Drake let me copy one of his dash panels onto paper. maybe someone can do the same for you with Brookeville/UP and help yo with the mock-up?
https://bobdrake.com/search?type=product&q=dash+panel

 

Here you go bolt-in deal.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/-1930-31-Model-A-Closed-Car-Steel-Dash-1932-Style,278331.html

 

I've used a 32 Pickup dash in a model A coupe before. 33/34 PU would work as well.

 

On a Closed Model A with the windshield open, air enters behind the upper dash rail flows in front of the dash towards the floor, it works pretty well. If you put the dash flush with the upper rail then air would come down behind the dash, your gauges etc. not as efficient.

 

Not a very good picture but another 32 dash welded to a 30 top rail. I used the stock dash rail mounting holes and stainless screws, air flow is fine with the windshield open.

 

I have a ‘31 A Coupe with a Brookeville ‘32 dash for a A.

To your questions:
#2) yes.
#4) yes.

John

 

Thanks for posting. Somehow yours looks narrower with more filled up space with that insert than some others.
I'll be interested to see the finished product.

 

I finished it today through the magic of photography. The upper panel has a few extra holes from the previous owner.

John

 

Thanks for all of the pictures, as it makes more sense now. I was looking for a more original form
and fit, like an original 32 dash panel, but none of the reproductions are offered in that style
or configuration. I did know about the flat 32 replacements that fit behind the A dash rail but was trying to avoid it if possible. The picture of the blue dash posted by "D-Russ" in the 3rd post is what my goal is / was, not quite sure how the 2 were fitted together but it gives me something to shoot for.
Thanks for the help, and at least it tells me what I can & can't do - I'll see what I can work around
in order to come up with the look I want. Great help from all. Steve

 

Steve a few differences are the radius on the top as the 32 dips down on the ends as the model a is flatter. Also the model a is thicker on the top 1.750 in the middle as the 32 is only one inch. The model a is 41.250 wide and the 32 passenger car is 40.625 wide so you’ll have to add a bit. The truck dash is wider on the 1932 1933 1934 and would have to be trimmed to fit in a model A Ford. Hope this helps

 

A 32 sedan/five window dash is about 3/4 inch too narrow for a 30/31 closed car but you can add a little to each end to use it. A 32 pickup dash however is just the right width. I'll take a few pictures to post in a few.

 

Here's an example of a late sedan/5 window dash on top and a pickup dash below

 

Here's a late sedan/5 window dash in my 31 coupe. On this car we welded it in and added 3/8" on each end.

 

Here's a late 32 sedan/five window dash the we put in my 31 Vicky. On this one we also welded it in place. It won't squeak that way and really it's easier, especially on the 32 car dashes that need to be slightly widened.

 

I suppose if for some reason that you still wanted to use your model A dash rail, you could trim the top off of the 32 dash and mount it under the A rail kind of like I did to use a 32 closed car dash in this 31 roadster. Strike that. On this 31 roadster I used an original 32 roadster dash instead.