49 f1 instrument cluster mounting
#7
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#8
I installed my cluster, chrome bezel sticking out the opening a bit, and the nuts on the back side hardly go on the studs. The cluster is bottomed out on the dash and there still is a space between the cluster tangs and the bottom of the stud. I measured it and the mounting tangs will never sit at the base of the studs, its just free floating and I dont believe thats how it was designed. Some piece is either missing or it has to be jamb nutted. If thats how it was designed it gives this mechanical engineer a bad rash.
#9
I installed my cluster, chrome bezel sticking out the opening a bit, and the nuts on the back side hardly go on the studs. The cluster is bottomed out on the dash and there still is a space between the cluster tangs and the bottom of the stud. I measured it and the mounting tangs will never sit at the base of the studs, its just free floating and I dont believe thats how it was designed. Some piece is either missing or it has to be jamb nutted. If thats how it was designed it gives this mechanical engineer a bad rash.
#10
I can tell you are an engineer because I thought of those same things BUT I am a purist and tend not to stray from Henrys designs. Those engineers back then were damn smart, no doubt about it. The tangs/studs look fine and in the right location but if you decided to crank down on the nuts you would distort the tangs on the cluster, no way an engineer with a brain would design that, especially back in the day where men were men. Would be nice to see a virgin dash from behind that has never been touched. Also, my tabs on the cluster show no washer or nut marks.
#11
#12
The mounting tabs on the cluster don't bottom out against the back of the dash. There is also no bushing to take up the space between the back of the cluster tabs and the dash. Use 10-32 nuts and shake-proof (star) lock washers and they will be fine. No need to use jam nuts. You could use nyloc nuts if you were concerned with them coming loose, but I've never seen that happen.
#13
#14
I'm speculating that why the cluster is not tightened hard and fast is to allow for some minute movement and vibration absorption, and not have too much pressure against the plate glass.
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