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I think I have the design nailed down pretty close. But I had to change a few things. The first change came when I looked closely at the bottom view and realized how hard it would be to mill the edge of the plastic where it was to hit the sloped piece on the left side of the pocket. Here's a closeup of that, and you can see how narrow and pointed that edge would have been. And the reason for it was to keep the faceplate recessed the same distance on this side as it is on the other side with the headlight and wiper switches.
So I lowered the faceplate slightly and it will make it much easier to make.
And I then explored the idea of how to fasten it to the pocket. At that point the idea of gluing plastic to the sides of the faceplate became the winner because I can mill it at the same time I put the angle on the end of the faceplate. So here's a view from the bottom of how I'll do it, but you'll have to envision the screws coming through the sides of the now-cutoff pocket to hold things in. Or, I could easily use plastic cement to put it in there permanently.
I don't really have any advice on how you might attach them. If you are wedded to using the pocket then the hard decision is already made, and all that remains is just to figure out whatever you can to hold them in there best and prettiest, and I guarantee you, no one will figure it out better than you!
I will however be quite interested to see your result.
After I did my break-in my eyes were glued to my gauges for weeks after, to the point I nearly wrecked several times. Of course I'd had several over-heating problems, etc... Once I started to feel a bit more confident I looked at them less and less. The other day I did an errand and got back and realized it was the first time I'd driven somewhere without glancing at the gauges. I almost felt guilty, as if I'd sinned.
But anyway, you do want them where you can see them, because any time you have a problem you will be staring at them non-stop afterwards for several days. For what it's worth, the location I have mine, under the dash beneath the radio area, gives me perfect view of them.
It is a shame to lose the convenient pocket in a truck where storage is already at a minimum. However I know you do plan to have a center console which will make up for that.
I also agree with you Gary that A-Pillar gauges do kind of stick out. Especially in our era trucks.
If there are any other spots conceivable to man to locate them that hasn't been discussed, it would be in the radio bezel, or, delete one of your driver's side A/C vents. Neither of these are particularly wonderful but I'm just throwing them out there for the sake of completeness.
Luke - I was typing when you were typing and I missed your post. But I do agree that you want the gauges where you can see them, especially on a new engine. And, I agree that it is a shame to lose the storage of the pocket, but as you said I will have the console so think I'll be ok.
I've thought about above the radio but I don't think there is enough room there. Many times I've gone back to check and keeping coming away with a realization it won't work. But, if someone can prove me wrong I won't be unhappy.
As for doing away with an A/C vent, thanks but not in OK. Way too hot here to do that. But thanks for the idea nonetheless.
I think your Version 2.0 design will work best. Question is, what size gauges can/will you be running? And will they be clear enough for you? I, personally would not go smaller than a 2" gauge. Also, black faced will obviously match best.
Regarding the phone issue: Do you smoke? If not, consider converting the ash tray into a phone holder. I know the new classic radios have iPhone connections at the back. I was thinking if you ran one of those and routed the connector for the iPhone down to the ashtray, it would work well and conceal most of the wire.
I'm happy with the stock gauge set. It's only a matter of increasing accuracy in them.
and they were fine. Yes, they are small but they worked. And, those are the ones I'm showing in the pocket. I had hoped to go with larger ones, such as the 2 1/16" gauges, but don't think they'll fit - although I will check.
As for the phone, I don't smoke and the plan has been to run one of the USB connections from the head unit into the ashtray and to convert the cigar lighter to a power port. The other USB port will go in the console so I can hide an old iPhone there to use as an iPod. But I'll look to see if a phone holder can be rigged in the ashtray in addition. Thanks.
Got most of the machining done on the faceplate today. Just have to finish the cut on the 4th side and then I can trial-fit it. Once it fits then I have to cut the holes for the gauges themselves.
Guys - I appreciate your input. But here's the situation: I think A-pillar gauges shout "added on". But the theme of my build is "as Ford did/would have done it". So pillar gauges are out. And I think gauges in that pocket are the way to go as they are far better than under the dash and should look close to stock. So, if you have suggestions on how to do that I'm all eyes.
Gary, I am in no way attempting to steer you away from your plan. I am truly looking forward to the finished part in place with the two gauges. Your wording [see red, above] caused me to think of something [see attached link]. Ford's earlier thinking [1965/66] would have gone with something like this.
I really like your idea and ive sat in my truck a couple of times thinking about such an idea.
The issue Ive had with actully mounting them into my dash is if I have to remove the panel for anything. Such as a bulb replacement or a wiring issue (which my truck has a few of). I also can keep a temp guage in my truck for some reason they drop like flies.
David - Did the Rally Pac go on the steering column? Something like this?
Alan - See below.
84 - I'm struggling with the same thing. I have the gauges shown below, which were the ones in the picture on the previous page. They fit an 1 5/8" hole and are the largest that'll fit in the pocket. But, they are mechanical which means they have tubes running through the firewall to the engine, and in the case of the temp gauge that tube is permanently attached to the gauge. So, the best that can be done when taking the bezel off is to put it on the floor of the truck while you change bulbs, since to take the bezel out you'd have to remove the sender from the engine and pull it back through the firewall.
BUT, those gauges have a couple of big advantages in that they have a 270 degree sweep, which means they are easily read. And they look much like the original gauges due to their black background, white numerals, and red hands. Compare the sweep of the gauges above with this electric Autometer gauge. While I might be able to find the small gauges in a face similar to the Sunpros, all electric gauges have only a 90 degree sweep, which makes them much harder to read while driving - especially when they are far away like these will be. So, I'm about ready to say I'll use the mechanical Sunpros I have and provide extra length of the tubing under the dash so I can lay the bezel on the floor when taking it off. THOUGHTS????
And, to answer Alan's question, if you look closely you'll see there's a 1/2" thick piece of clear plastic in there:
Here it is from the front. And, somewhere along the lines I mis-measured, which is why the .110" drill bit is in there.
Here's another view of it:
And this is the left end where the little slope is:
Currently I have the sunpro gauges that you show installed in the pocket. I don't have a problem seeing the gauges but my eyes are still good. I've thought about the electric gauges but I can't find them in a kit. The last time I tried to take the bezel off with the gauges still on the tubing was difficult to work with to lay the bezel down.
Sorry it took me a little to get these pictures. You have Probably already started working on the gauges. The gauges are installed right in front of the pocket. Another thing I forgot to mention is that if you want to hook up the lights for the gauges you'd have to take those into account as well.
Just getting back to the forum... yes, Gary, the Rally Pac did mount on the steering column of the Mustang. That was how the Ford engineers added gauges in the mid 60s.
Later, think 1980-1997? F600 and F800, Ford made piece which mounted under the steering column, which held 2 gauges and perhaps a couple of switches. Remember, the dash in these trucks was just like the one in ours.
So here's a view from the bottom of how I'll do it, but you'll have to envision the screws coming through the sides of the now-cutoff pocket to hold things in. Or, I could easily use plastic cement to put it in there permanently.
