Projects "Jet age" pod type dashboard pics please

I'm in need of some inspiration... I stumbled on a "dash" component that goes well with my newly fabricated steering wheel, and it got me thinking about the cars from the late 40 and early 50s that had the "jet pod" gauge clusters in the dash.

I don't want to show pictures of the whole concept yet, because I'm not sure if it will work...or if I'm really gonna like it. If anyone has a collection of pics of jet age dashboards, I'd love to see some; just to see if I'm on the right track with this idea.

 

50ish nash...
http://www.billscars.com/images/1950Nash/1950Nash.dash.bg.jpg

 

That's close to what I had in mind, with everything out in front of the dash face. The "headlight bucket" is kinda weird though..

 

Would you happen to know what year and model this is? I'm assuming a Chrysler product from the push button shifter....

 

I think its an Edsel, judging by the "pickle" in the steering wheel. 60?

 

1958 edsel

 

One year only for Edsel in 1958. 59 and 60 are not as cool. That dash actually has a lot firsts for the industry, like warning lights for example.

 

early 1960's Chrysler Astradome

 

Now that's a little closer to what I have in mind... I'm looking at putting a large circular jacket around the steering column with gauges in the top half and switches in the bottom. I'd like that "pod" to contain all the necessary functions for normal driving, including a manual shifter...but in a way that hasn't been explored before.

Any more?

 

I'm working on an idea of individual gauge pods (both 2 1/16", and 3 3/8") sitting on a simple shelf dash. Maybe nothing new, but I plan to cast my own pods of a design that mimics the Edelbrock signature valve covers. Just one small problem, I've never made a pattern and cast anything metal before. Steep learning curve!

 

steering wheel looks too round for a chrysler

 

1952-53 Merc dash. Look like it came out of Buck Rodgers.
Or if you want something a little newer look at 1962 Olds cutlass. Nice pod setup as well.
Sorry i don't have any pics.

 

^^ Love the steering wheel! ^^

 

reminds me of a parking meter...lol

 

What the 58 edsel looks like in my coupe..

 

Google "imperial dashboard" for some of Mopar's best efforts. The '60-62 Chrysler AstroDome was pretty incredible, but the 'electroluminescent' lighting feature seems to either be finicky, or maybe just difficult to locate service parts for.

Also, any early to mid '50s GM product could be a candidate. There are a lot of jet-age oval shapes integrated into them.

 

Them Nash unipod things are pretty cool.

 

If it's a pod style dash you want, you can't go past a NASH!

 

Isn't that on the wrong side for you, Fatbros???

We covered the Nash dash a little earlier as well.

 

Something like this?

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That looks pretty cool! Not exactly the same as what I have in mind though.

 

Great looking dash! The Steering Wheel is Marine I believe? I Don't remember seeing those wheels in Metal Flake, did you custom cast it?
Great Pic.

 

I think I've got it nailed down. Thanks for the inspiration guys! Pics to follow when I get further along mocking it up...

 

The '60 Plymouth speedometer is an actual pod seperate from the rest of the dash.

 

I need a 67 Toronado speedometer head unit....BAD.

 

Gotta be careful with those upscale chrysler and Imperial stuff. they have what was know as electro luminescent illumination. It's cool but no light bulbs were used in their making. there isn't much in the way of repair pieces left around. the imperial club website has a tech section in their repair area concerning breathing new life into them.

 

Edsel speedo suits best with 58 Edsel :O)

 

Found a great one over on the "dream cars" thread:

Now that is "far out"!

 

Here's a few pics of a '61 Olds that I am helping Chopolds build for a customer. The center pod will house a clock (which is being repaired). The paint is Kandy Pagan gold, and the pinstriping is by 00 Mack.