Not a big fan of multiple gages or knobs on a dash panel. Seems to look busy and seriously, why ? Installing a 3 window dash in my deuce Vicky and looking for ideas for the headlights and choke knobs.
Do you rally need a choke living in Lotus land? I would get the most obscure headlight switch I could find and mount it in the lower left hand corner of the dash panel. If you want clean, you don't want switches or gauges hanging from the bottom of the dash. Warren
I've never done it (or really had to) but always thought a flip-up hinged panel under the dash could hold other "extras" or necessities / modern gauges. Flip it up when you get where you're going to look cool; flip it back down when it's time to cruise. Maybe spring loaded to keep it from falling down when not in use.
If you want to get tricky, many late-models have 'automatic' headlights that use a dash-mounted photocell to turn the lights on/off according to ambient light. Mounting the photocell would probably be a challenge on a model A, but you could put the switch under the dash out of sight...
Found pics on the HAMB. Bottom pic is how it will look installed. I have some similar art deco style knobs. I am using a 34 Buick instrument panel and until I get the car home, not sure if there is enough clearance behind for the switch because of the gage back lighting system
That's one thing I had planned on my 65 Lemans was hiding switches. My plan was using the older mopar rocker switches that they had for the wipers, headlights etc and mounting them to the bottom of the dash. This way they'd be almost invisible and should have been heavy enough for the loads of rhe components, then I started pricing them.... .....
If space behind the panel is your concern, there are small light switches around which are much shorter than the standard GM or Ford type switch. I used one from an early BMW and it was fairly short.
I used one of the old Knecht panels in my 32, but I needed a couple more. I used flush mount rockers under the dash. You’ve got to find them by touch, but it worked out well. I like the dash you’ve got and can see why you want to keep it clean. Waytech has some pretty good quality rockers, various configurations. Might be something worth looking at. No ideas for an ignition switch though. https://www.waytekwire.com/search?query=Rocker switches
I am using an original 32 Ford steering column mount which is where I have the pull start switch, similar to the 4 cylinder without the cable. That takes care of one switch as there isn’t anything on the column itself.
"deucepickup32, Not a big fan of multiple gages or knobs on a dash panel. Seems to look busy and seriously, why ? Installing a 3 window dash in my deuce Vicky and looking for ideas for the headlights and choke knobs." If you want to eliminate the clutter, eliminate the switches altogether. You could set the headlights up like a motorcycle, where they are on as soon as the key is on or motor running. As far as a choke, does your setup not have the option of an electronic choke? Or like my setup I have a 1953 331 hemi with the stock 2bl that has a hot air riser from the manifold that opens the choke after the engine heats up properly. Keep it simple and eliminate the offending items from being required. JMO Joe
The car, 32 Vicky, dual Edelbrock AVS2 carbs on a Nailhead. Owner opted for manual choke and Edelbrock states that they can’t be converted to electric. Reading mixed opinions on that. The wired to the key or engine run for the lights is an option.
I like minimum clutter in my A Stock fuel gauge, gps speedo, headlight switch, charge and temp warning lights. Turnsignal in the steering wheel boss. Lever behind the wheel is original and functioning advance/retard Nothing hidden, just basic functionality.
My AC controls are visible. Headlights, wiper switch, are mounted vertically under the dash. I can see the knobs when I am seated. I use a VW electronic dimmer switch. The momentary button to activate it is on the back of the column mounted turn signal switch.
What Edelbrock means is , they don't make akit to convert to an electric choke , anything can be converted .
What's the difference between an AVS and a Performer series carb's primaries? Why won't a Performer series electric choke kit work on an AVS?
I made a little panel attached to the bottom of my dash to mount an ignition switch, headlight switch and a place in the center to mount an 1897 Indian head penny that I found in the car when I got it
If you're going w/the dual-glovebox look on the dash, convert the dr-side to a real opening glovebox lid, put the switches there. Open as needed to use the switches. Otherwise, keep it closed. Marcus...
The Jalopy Journal
