1956 Ford gauge Cluster for my 55
- Thread starter poolplayer1
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KULTULZ
Well-known member
Correct. You would need a complete 1956 INSTRUMENT/DASH PANEL for update and then you would have to fight the 6V to 12V horror show.
poolplayer1
Senior Member
Well, there goes that idea out the door. I noticed that the gauge cluster for the 55 T-Bird is almost the same as the one in my wagon. Maybe I can see if I can find a digital one for the T-Bird. The Fuel gauge for sure is way off in my cluster. The temp. and oil no not work.
I have those gauges under the dash. There is a big salvage yard here in town but most of the clusters are gone and the ones that are left behind are damaged. Do any of you have a digital cluster in your car or wagon that can give me some info on where you bought them? Thanks guys for all you help.
I just saw your post KULTULZ so if thats the case, I would not want to do that.
I have those gauges under the dash. There is a big salvage yard here in town but most of the clusters are gone and the ones that are left behind are damaged. Do any of you have a digital cluster in your car or wagon that can give me some info on where you bought them? Thanks guys for all you help.
I just saw your post KULTULZ so if thats the case, I would not want to do that.
KULTULZ
Well-known member
The 55 FORD has that GAWD-AWFUL ASTRA-DIAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER which personally gives me the creeps. The 56/57 BIRD used basically the same INSTRUMENT CLUSTER as the 56 FORD.
The 56 FORD complete panel changeover is common and if your gauges don't work to start with, a 12V UPGRADE may be a consideration.
The 56 FORD complete panel changeover is common and if your gauges don't work to start with, a 12V UPGRADE may be a consideration.
paul2748
Well-known member
paul2748
Well-known member
56 Birds used the same dash as the 55 Bird. In 57, the Birds went to the 56 sedan type . I have the astra-dial dash in my 54 Victoria and 56 Bird and I love them.
poolplayer1
Senior Member
Thanks guys for your input. I converted my wagon from 6 volt to 12 volts about 10 years ago so it is ready for a 12 volt cluster. Paul, do you have a picture of the astra-dial dash that I can look at? I'm trying to find something that I can put in my dash where I can see all the gauges instead of having to look down under the dash to read the gauges.
miker98038
Well-known member
Going thru the 55 cluster isn’t all that difficult, aside from getting it out. The 55 6 volt gauges aren’t that hard to get, the Tbird suppliers have them. Not cheap, but cheaper than a conversion. Or the 55 6 volts can use the 57 and up voltage drop device if the wagon has been converted to 12 volts.
You have to do some digging (I may have it someplace) but those old King Seeley gauges are adjustable, but best done on a work bench. Bit touchy, but doable.
The 56 gauges (or 57 for that matter) aren’t any better IMHO. They are better looking. I’d have put a 57 set up in my bird, but it was just too much work and money. Because of the clock/tach, the dash needs changing and I couldn’t find one.
If you need help with the gauges, start a post. The oil is just a light, if it’s not working it’s either wiring or the sender. The gas gauge should be pretty simple to get close, and I never trust an old one below 1/4 tank anyway. (Actually I never trust any of them. I picked up a brand new car from a dealer last week, and it read full. I got 2 gallons in before it shut off). Likewise the temp gauge. With a digital thermometer you know what it means for what’s normal, so you only need to get concerned when it warming up or goes over. On mine, it’s pegged before the car boils, so it isn’t that useful when working.
As for those who don’t like the *** tra-Dial, do you know how much those fancy heads up displays cost in new cars? Hell, my bird has one every time the sun comes out or I go under a street light in the dark. Ahead of his time Henry was.
You have to do some digging (I may have it someplace) but those old King Seeley gauges are adjustable, but best done on a work bench. Bit touchy, but doable.
The 56 gauges (or 57 for that matter) aren’t any better IMHO. They are better looking. I’d have put a 57 set up in my bird, but it was just too much work and money. Because of the clock/tach, the dash needs changing and I couldn’t find one.
If you need help with the gauges, start a post. The oil is just a light, if it’s not working it’s either wiring or the sender. The gas gauge should be pretty simple to get close, and I never trust an old one below 1/4 tank anyway. (Actually I never trust any of them. I picked up a brand new car from a dealer last week, and it read full. I got 2 gallons in before it shut off). Likewise the temp gauge. With a digital thermometer you know what it means for what’s normal, so you only need to get concerned when it warming up or goes over. On mine, it’s pegged before the car boils, so it isn’t that useful when working.
As for those who don’t like the *** tra-Dial, do you know how much those fancy heads up displays cost in new cars? Hell, my bird has one every time the sun comes out or I go under a street light in the dark. Ahead of his time Henry was.
KULTULZ
Well-known member
Try re-reading my post without moving your lips.
Now, let's say a successful conversion is difficult.
KULTULZ
Well-known member
I am just so happy for you ...
When you say 'dash', are you referring to the instrument cluster or the complete instrument dash panel?
Below (ATTACHED) is a 1955 BIRD ASTRA-DIAL (FORD) INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. It is not the same as a 1956 or 1957 BIRD - (- EDIT - WRONG AGAIN
ASTRA-DIAL - HEMMINGS - https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1955-ford
It would be nice if everyone could get on the same level describing something as a simple as a car.
The first one I saw was in a friends 1954 FORD (this was about 1963). I could not get over how archaic the damn thing looked then. But I recovered, I survived.
Then it really happened, I saw for the first time an H4000 carbetrator. I was blind for a week. And then (when sober) I actually bought a damn 55 BIRD. What a piece of mechanical crap that was. Between the no run, hemorrhoid burning 6V nightmare that it was, I finally took a couple booster shots of penicillin and ridded myself of that nightmare.
I understand their worth, but I would never want another one of them. The damn engine is held upright with ski-poles.
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miker98038
Well-known member
Sorry K, the 56 bird carried over the 55 dash. Minor change in the adjustable column, and probably the upper (sliding) shaft for the dished wheel. Visible by a shorter adjustment collar. The 57 got the good dash, but because of the tach/clock layout in 55-56, it’s either change the whole dash or a bunch of metal work.
FWIW, the picture you show is exactly what mine looked like when I bought it, except mine was a T-86 o/d, with a different shifter. It’s also either a special order or not correct, the 55 green interior had a dark green vinyl on the dash and upper garnish moldings, and on the trim behind the seat for the drop cloth.
I like mine, but every year its harder to get in and out of.
FWIW, the picture you show is exactly what mine looked like when I bought it, except mine was a T-86 o/d, with a different shifter. It’s also either a special order or not correct, the 55 green interior had a dark green vinyl on the dash and upper garnish moldings, and on the trim behind the seat for the drop cloth.
I like mine, but every year its harder to get in and out of.
KULTULZ
Well-known member
I stand corrected. My mistake. Thank You.
I love the 1956 FORD INSTRUMENT PANEL. It contributes to a beautiful car.
Sorry for retaining water buy I just came back off a mild foray over at the H.A.M.Bone and had a few drag-out/knock-downs over there. I am going to keep it up until VAPOR LOCK sets in.
Too damn old to get all riled up.
I think it is time for a sabbatical.
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miker98038
Well-known member
No big deal, I’ve seen that too. With McNamara around, the little birds were a step child, and the 58 was the result. Even Edsel couldn’t get by him.
poolplayer1
Senior Member
Thanks guys for all your input on my subject. That gauge cluster on the 55 T-Bird looks just like the one on my wagon. I am going to try to repair the different gauges on my cluster and hopefully get all of them working so that they are all in their origional position. There is a guy named Bob's Speedometers on the web that has a complete refurbished 55 T-Bird Gauge Cluster for $ 1350.00 Thats more than I want to spend ( Or can even afford).
The main problem would be the fuel gauge. I don't know how but one of the terminals on the rear of the gauge has pulled out of the inside of the gauge and the wire is just hanging out. There is a guy on Epay that has a used gauge out of a 56 ford fairlane that he wants 25.00 for but he says he does not know if it works or not, so I would just be taking a chance and maybe loosing 25.00 plus tax and shipping. He did say that 12V is stamped on the body of the gauge. I might take a chance on that one.
The main problem would be the fuel gauge. I don't know how but one of the terminals on the rear of the gauge has pulled out of the inside of the gauge and the wire is just hanging out. There is a guy on Epay that has a used gauge out of a 56 ford fairlane that he wants 25.00 for but he says he does not know if it works or not, so I would just be taking a chance and maybe loosing 25.00 plus tax and shipping. He did say that 12V is stamped on the body of the gauge. I might take a chance on that one.
poolplayer1
Senior Member
I have one of the origional 55 ford manuals, about 65 years old but most of the words are pretty well faded out and therefore I cannot read all of the wording. Which book do you think would be of good use to me for my 55 ford ranch wagon? Than I can go looking for that specific book and order it. As Usual, thank you.
PS, Thats ok if you have to yell, scream or whatever, I will always appreciate all of your help and knowledge that you are giving. The same for all the other guys here that are willing to help me when I need some help. Its all greatly appreciated.
PS, Thats ok if you have to yell, scream or whatever, I will always appreciate all of your help and knowledge that you are giving. The same for all the other guys here that are willing to help me when I need some help. Its all greatly appreciated.
paul2748
Well-known member
Only the speedo had the clear piece. The rest of the gauges are down below that. Google 1954 Ford dashboard and 1956 Thunderbird dashboard. Oil pressure and voltage are idiot lights.