Well, it's about time for me to get my instrument panel installed, and I was thinking about using aftermarket gauges.

Any recommendations for an instrument gauge panel for a '56 F-100 that will hold round aftermarket gauges? List of suppliers?

What I'd like is a bolt-in panel that will look right and hold a round speedo and four smaller round gauges, that will sort-of look like a '56 Ford car only smaller.

--van

 

These ones are nice, IMHO, I have a set in my 53 F100.

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd147.htm

 

Sounds like your looking for the aluminum billet dash inserts. I believe No Limit Engineering has them. Check some of the aftermarket places like Mid Fifties, Blue oval Truck parts, Etc.

 

RB's Obsolete, Vintage Ford Sacremento have some panels and assortment of analog or digital gauges. I like the VDO and Autometer myself.

 

Thanx guys! I like the Dakota Digital, but $600+ is a little rich for me. Found lots of billet dash inserts though! I'm liking the look of the analog gauges with a 120 mph speedo in the center!

--van

 

The cast aluminum from Mid Fifty is the lowest cost. It does not polish like billet, but is a lot lower cost and fits right. It takes one 3.5 and 4@ 2.125" rounds. Look at my gallery. Jon

 

As I understand it, Midfifty is no longer going to carry the cast aluminum dash inserts specifically because of the polishing issues. They are the best item for the money however if you can find one.

 

I saw a picture (should have copied it) where someone removed and replaced the mid fifty gauges from behind the stock instrument panel and installed "small" round modern gauges.

By example, you could see the "E" and the "F" of the fuel gauge, as well as the arched line and needle in between, but you could not see the center/pivot pin that the needle attached to.

It was a pretty nifty blend of modern and nostalgic, which I plan to explore when I get to that phase of my project... which will include a re-wire and use of matching senders.

FWIW...

Brian

 

My insert is finished mat black. I like it a lot better than the polished ones.

 

i

Here is a look at mine from "No Limit"

 

Got a set of VDO and hoping to win a billet insert for them at the f100 western nats. The VDO do look good. from Vintage Ford Sacremento .

 

Wayne, how old is that picture? LOL... That's a great looking dash you got as is your whole truck, but that battery has to go.... I kept the original dash in mine because I like the look of the speedometer and gauges. Gives it that classic look. This is what my interior looked like when I bought the truck.The speedometer and gauges actually worked! LOL. I painted the dash insert to match the dashboard so it blends in nicely without standing out. I think the dash is the only thing I've left the same???- AWWWW! Those are Porsche high back seat. Nice!!!!! Never did figure out what those switches went to?????

Here's a newer shot.

 

I like Classic Insterment guages because you can customize them to
your liking. Check out their website. Prices may be a buck or three
hhgher than average but in my opinion well worth it.
Take a look at my gallery. Good luck in your search.

 

Ed, Great before and after photos! It really brings home all the work you have done.

 

Exactly what I was thinking.