My old F-3 came with nothing but a hole in the dash where the instrument panel goes. I bought an aftermarket aluminum insert which takes modern gauges. The insert fits the hole in the dash fine but what holds it in place? Was I supposed to get some kind of bracket with the insert or is it held in place like the original gauge panel somehow? What did you guys use to hold yours in?

Vern

 

Vern

If I'm understanding you correctly, what you have is a flat piece of metal with holes in it.
If so that is supposed to replace the flat original piece that was mounted to the origanal instrument cluster holder thingie. The thingie is oval shaped and about two inches deep (I'm doing this from memory as I can't navigate the steps today.) and this is what bolts/screws to the back of the dash.

If I'm not correct I at least hope I added to the confusion.

 

The dash has 3 brackets that set back about an inch and a half. These have a stud on each. The original dash has 3 tabs with holes in them, so the dash can slide onto them. You then secure the dash with 8-32 nuts.

Barry

50 F-1

 

I just finished putting a dash insert in my 50 with dolphin guages, as Barry stated there should be 3 studs on the back side of your dash opening, my insert came with 3 "tabs" that were drilled to fit over the studs and hold the insert in place. very simple to make if your insert came with out them.

Alan

 

Alan,

Can you describe those "tabs" that came with your insert in more detail? Are they just 'L' shaped brackets? Mine came with nothing. I do have three studs that come out of three tabs coming off the back of my dash but they are spaced out an inch and a half from the dash and the insert is basically flat so I'm wondering how I get from the studs to the insert to retain it.

Vern

 

Okay, I figured it out today. I made some little 'L' brackets that seem to work fine. Thanks guys...

Vern