Finally started working on my 48 Ford 1/2 ton. The truck was factory green. The exterior was repainted 'cream' a few decades ago which looks OK for a beater but the interior is still green. Just scored a really nice blue seat so gonna repaint the inside factory dark blue. My dash is in good condition so I'm going with a 'stock' look. I'd like to paint just the center part (the raised portion with the gauges, ashtray and glovebox) a contrasting color BUT around the glovebox door recess is irregular and could turn out goofed up looking because of the shape. If you have any photos I'd appreciate them, especially 2-tone. Might as well post up what you have. Custom, mild, wild or stock. Inquiring minds want to know...... I'd love to put in a custom dash from another vehicle in there but I'll be lucky to drive this thing before I die of old age. Still gotta' rewire it.... oh and get it running... ~Mark 48-50 dash looks like this, it's not mine. dash photo from http://www.fatfenderedtrucks.com
I am about to put a 1955 Mercury dash in my 1950 f-1. The gauge cluster from the Mercury is what made me want to do it. The f-1 will also be getting a steering column and wheel from the same Mercury. I'm thinking about 1949 Mercury tail lights also. Maybe I should think about some wheel covers....
can't post photos as I'm well away from home base BUT if you want the stock look with a bit of an edge think about using your stock dash panel & adding a piece from another F-1 to make it like a big oval. That flat right side doesn't work but if you blend in another to the left viola!!
I just got a 51 dash for my 48,it has a nice style to it and will fit with no real problems. Removed section between guages ,filled it in and cut holes for 4, 2inch guages. It`s painted bright Yellow and is right here beside me in my man cave.
WOOO-HOO Got the truck running tonight!! Ran a hot wire and used a 12V battery (wiring harness is toast) This truck hasn't been started since 1982. I didn't have a clue if the motor was good or not. I screwed with the usual stuff then it farted, coughed and lit off. I had a couple plug wires switched so was running rough. Fixed that and it purrs. Carb didn't even leak. It is leakin' some oil though, looks like I have a harmonic balancer seal replacement in my future. I'm so stoked! wiring and brakes and I'll be cruisin'
I have seen those billet gauge panels installed on one with SW gauges put in...looked kinda cheap and busy. Just my 2 cents...
I "mirrored" the stock oval, framed it in brake line and made a new insert. It came out ok and let me use all the guages I wanted.
im thinking about putting a 59 belair dash in mine. have to cut about a foot out of it to get it to fit.