I'm at this swap meet and pick up a fiberglass dash - I know its for a 32 which I need, but wanted to make sure it wold fit and not one for a Model A. I spot a super rusty old 32 roadster way across the field so I walk over to it and the dash fits like a glove - I lay down my $70 and off I go - until I get home and realize it was a coupe dash and it is not the same. IT must have been a coupster. Here's what it looks like just hanging there. I kinda of like it. So here's the question - for a traditional roadster, is it "wrong" to go with the coupe dash? It would be easy to sell this one and get another - heck Speedway sells them for $69. ANY opinion is appreciated - its my first build and believe me this won't be a perfect show car.
The important question is Do you like it? I think it's fine. As far as a show car, it's what you make it.
"can you believe this guy, putting a coupe dash in a roadster, sheesh" if that statement bothers you, what about when EVERYONE points out its fiberglass?
Actually, the coupe dash most likely adapts to your car a LOT BETTER than a real 32 roadster style dash would. A real 32 roadster dash ... does up under the body rail and then bolts in ... where the coupe/sedan dash mounts flat to the body and has a re-enforced beltline across the top of the dash. In the above photo of my 32 Ford roadster dash, you can see how the dash bolts to the body by the " Pretty, shiny " bolts going thru the dash to the body. In the below photo, ( that I got here off the HAMB in a post by Flop ) ... you can see the body rail ... where the roadster dash goes. See how it is rolled ?? the dash goes up into the roll. I like the coupe/sedan dash in your car.
Have a buddy who put a coupe lower on a roadster upper to see if anyone noticed. It's pretty cool because it sets the gauges further in and changes the angle.
Why does everyone ask how their car should be built? Isn't it YOUR hot rod? Btw, fiberglass isn't "traditional".
It may not be but it gets his car together this month or year and probably a month's or more worth of hot rod kitty sooner. It's a hot rod not a 100 Point restoration.
Thanks guys. I'm not hung up on making a perfect car. I was just curious as to what people thought making sure it wasn't a total ding dong move. Kinda like putting 80's high back velour seats in a 69 Chevelle is a no-no. I need some inspiration to get moving on it.
Trim the top of the dash till it fits like the roadster dash does.....easy fix! Look in a late 50's or 60's hot rod mag....you'll find fiberglass parts. There's a lot that isn't considered "traditional" that did happen back in the day. Clark
Anybody wanna buy 80's high back velour seats .........................just removed from my Chevelle today.
I have an old Henry roadster body that has a coupe dash in it but its trimmed on the top so it fits and looks like a roadster dash if you just glance at it. You might try trimming the dash. good luck
No I agree, nothing wrong with using fiberglass parts and not trying to call anyone out. I thought the irony in asking if it's "wrong" to go with a fiberglass coupe dash in his "traditional" build was amusing!
You said you liked it,you"ll like it alot better with some guages, build it,drive it and there ain"t no perfect cars,just the perfect one thats yours.
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