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Old Guy, this is after install. It looks perfect to me. In second pic, the dash pad has a fuzzy carpet cover over it to protect against UV. And of course, there's the guard cat.
These dash pads were initially promoted as a safety feature. Wearing only lap belts, passengers in an accident might easily strike their heads on a metal dash board and receive serious injury. So those with more sophisticated safety restraints might want to consider alternatives. Thoughts on that?
I bought the one from CJ Pony Parts. Fit pretty good, small hump in the middle, but that was probably because I couldn't get one one the nuts installed (Hands were too big). Came with the hardware to install. Free shipping also.
Yes, DC is Dennis Carpenter.
Also, look at National Parts Depot. https://www.npdlink.com/1948-1979-fo...YaApWGEALw_wcB
They sell two different pads. One is $280 (probably foreign made). The other is $420, made with original Ford tooling. I was warned against the cheaper one, but the dash pad just isn't $420 worth of important to me. I'd drive the truck with no dash pad. Anyway, I bought the cheaper one, and it was a good decision for a change. It has ten threaded studs, instead of the eight studs the factory pad had. All the studs lined up with existing factory holes. I had no issues with installation. And the pad looks good.
Hey Mike: I really like your instrument panel and bezel. Are they two separate panels? I looks very nice. I've replaced my instrument cluster 3 times with J/Y replacements, and may be moving away from that Ford cluster. How do you like your replacement cluster? Thanks.
the dash pad has a fuzzy carpet cover over it to protect against UV.
That's the secret to longevity. They always crack in the middle from the sun. I keep an old Thomas Guide (Remember those? pre-google map book) on the dash to protect that spot. It goes with the truck, too.
Another source is the Truck shop, in Orange CA.
Hey Mike: I really like your instrument panel and bezel. Are they two separate panels? I looks very nice. I've replaced my instrument cluster 3 times with J/Y replacements, and may be moving away from that Ford cluster. How do you like your replacement cluster? Thanks.
It's pretty good. Quite a bit better than a rebuilt factory cluster w/ silly printed circuit. I had to tweak the air controls around to get it lined up, but that bracket allows for it. I recommend getting some screws with a larger flange than the factory screws. McMaster sells them. https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/3275
Classic Dash, and Auto Meter both sell the panel, and I suspect they both buy them from the same manufacturer. It's stupid expensive for nothing more than some plastic. But it's sturdy, and it's designed to accept common aftermarket gauges. Two 3 3/8" (speedo & tach), and four 2 1/16" gauges. Those Auto meter gauges are expensive too. There's cheaper ones, but I went with Auto Meter because I wanted an electronic speedometer that didn't go up to 140 mph, and I wanted a 6K tach instead of a 8K or 10K.
The panel does not come with holes for turn signal or high beam indicators. But that was simple enough. I drilled three 1/2" holes, and bought indicators off Amazon. Test your indicators before installing. Most are far too bright. VHT sells a spray tint for tail lights called "Nite Shades". I applied two light coats to the indicators, and they're perfect. Wiring was tedious but simple.
Overall, it's really good. I could have fabricated something cooler, but dammit, my time is worth a lot to me these days.
