1940 Ford Tudor Build Thread

[40FordDeluxe]

I think I found a guy that is going to sell me a cut out from a 48-53. We'll see how it goes.

This week my trans rebuild kit and SFI flex plate showed up. I need to win the lottery!

[40FordDeluxe]

Here is a pic of the dash cut out I'm getting. I am going to have to build a console to house my other gauges in. I also have a floor shifter to install and then I'll have to modify my cadillac steering column to get rid of the shifter. Or i'm contemplating ditching it if I can't find a new turn signal switch for it.

[40FordDeluxe]

I think I might not cut and weld my dash. Instead I thought about making the console out of steel and placing the tach and speedo there directly under the dash in the center. I can angle them towards the left so they're easier to see. What do you guys think?

[randyr]

Are you opposed to using something like this in your original dash? 1940 Ford Dash Panels - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

I would think that having your speedo & tach under the dash in the center would be inconvenient no matter what angle. If you did that, what would you put in place of the existing instrument panel?

[40FordDeluxe]

Are you opposed to using something like this in your original dash? 1940 Ford Dash Panels - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

I would think that having your speedo & tach under the dash in the center would be inconvenient no matter what angle. If you did that, what would you put in place of the existing instrument panel?

The problem with that panel is that it doesn't house a 5" gauge. I have a 5" auto meter speedo and tach I'm wanting to use. So I was originally going to cut my dash and weld the chevy truck cut out in it so my tach and speedo will be right there. Like you mentioned, the speedo and tach being under the dash might be hard to see. But, I see coupes and sedans earlier than this with the speedo and gauges in the center of the dash. I guess it just comes down to if they are vissible or not. I might stick with the idea of putting the tach and speedo in the dash still. I can always buy a new dash in the future if I change my mind.

[randyr]

The problem with that panel is that it doesn't house a 5" gauge. I have a 5" auto meter speedo and tach I'm wanting to use. So I was originally going to cut my dash and weld the chevy truck cut out in it so my tach and speedo will be right there. Like you mentioned, the speedo and tach being under the dash might be hard to see. But, I see coupes and sedans earlier than this with the speedo and gauges in the center of the dash. I guess it just comes down to if they are vissible or not. I might stick with the idea of putting the tach and speedo in the dash still. I can always buy a new dash in the future if I change my mind.

If you have your heart set on those gauges, here's another option....you can cut 5" holes to fit. Dash With Glove Box Opening Only; fits - 1940

[40FordDeluxe]

I don't really have my heart set on it, I just have a complete set of auto meter gauges and not a lot of extra money to go buy different ones if you know what I mean.

[randyr]

I don't really have my heart set on it, I just have a complete set of auto meter gauges and not a lot of extra money to go buy different ones if you know what I mean.

I totally know what you mean, Ryan! I have a few situations like that myself, but sometimes it ends up costing me a whole lot more to make what I have work than it would have to buy something else.
I haven't looked for '40 Ford stuff very much but maybe there's someone who makes a dash insert for it to fit the 5" gauges. Also the stock 37-39 dashes have 2 holes for 5" gauges. Keep us posted on what you figure out.

[40FordDeluxe]

Hmmm, maybe I need to check out the 37-39 ford dash. Thanks for the heads up!

[randyr]

Hmmm, maybe I need to check out the 37-39 ford dash. Thanks for the heads up!

Here's a pic of my '37 dash after I welded up some repairs to the center section. '39 was the last year for the crank-out windshield so any of the '37-'39 dashes will have the crankhole in the center. I'm sure you could modify that easily enough. Other than that, it should fit your car.

dash_weld_6_2_1_1.JPG

There are also companies that make a smooth dash to fit 37-40 cars. Vintage Ford Sheet Metal! This one from Direct Sheetmetal is $285, which may also be out of your budget. You could probably buy a new set of gauges to fit your '40 dash for similar money.

[bluestang67]

I ran up on one of these at a swap for $50 with the gauges in it was freak find ,

b

[randyr]

Hey Ryan, apparently somebody makes a dash insert for '40's that houses 2 5" gauges. I just snatched this pic from Flipper_1938's post. Thought you might like to know. - IMG_1436.jpg

[40FordDeluxe]

Are you sure those aren't 3 3/8" gauges? Man that is a sweet interior!!!!!!!!

[40FordDeluxe]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this weekend I should have my new chrome power MII rack. A part a week or so.

[randyr]

Are you sure those aren't 3 3/8" gauges? Man that is a sweet interior!!!!!!!!

I could be wrong but they look to me like the same size as my '37. Yes, that is nice interior!