Gauges to Fit 32 Ford Dash

G

Gordon Ellis

Member
The diameter of the gauge openings on a 32 dash is one and seven eighths in. Most commercial gauges available are two and one sixteenth in diameter. Is there a supplier out there who makes gauges to fit an original 32 dash? I am particularly interested in mechanical oil and temp gauges.
 
I have never been able to find suitable gauges. I am looking for 32 bezels to mount on new gauges. I plan to use electrical gauges and have a togle switch on the temp to switch between head probes. If worst come to worst, I will machine bezels from stainless.
 
Gordon,

I am not sure where you are going with this thread. I am in the same place you are and will follow your thread with interest. If you found the gauges you are looking for where would you put them? It doesn’t make much sense to replace ammeter and fuel gauges with temperature and oil pressure gauges. What you really need is period correct reproduction gauges that show two functions. I saw some gauges that displayed two functions but they were probably the larger diameter and looked too modern. I can’t remember the manufacturer. If you can find these two function gauges it might be worth enlarging the holes in the dash (depending upon what “look” you are trying to achieve with you car). Another alternative might be the gauge mount the Model A guys use that goes around the steering column and holds two gauges (try Bratton’s, (301) 829-9880). A final, but expensive solution would be to use an accessory “dual temp” gauge that was available as an authorized Ford accessory in 1932 that shows both fuel level and temperature (one of these is probably about $1000 in good shape). There was another after market gauge during that period that was called an “oil chex” that was an ammeter and a of/on indicator that showed if you did or did not have oil pressure (sort of an early version of the idiot light, it only let you know when you had a big problem). I don’t think I ever saw an original “oil chex” gauge except in pictures. There was an excellent reproduction of the “oil chex” gauge back in the nineties but they are bringing about $1000. Good luck.

Charlie Stephens
 
A picture is worth a 1000 words
 

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Charlie:
I have two criteria. Keep it simple and try to keep it inexpensive. I plan to retain the original ammeter, but would like to fill the second gauge hole with an oil pressure gauge. Then would hang a temp gauge below the dash. It would be nice if the two 'additional' gauges 'matched'. Thanks for your response.
No, the original dash is not for sale.
 
Gordon Ellis said:
Charlie:
I have two criteria. Keep it simple and try to keep it inexpensive. I plan to retain the original ammeter, but would like to fill the second gauge hole with an oil pressure gauge. Then would hang a temp gauge below the dash. It would be nice if the two 'additional' gauges 'matched'. Thanks for your response.
No, the original dash is not for sale.
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With your criteria I would suggest repairing (or replacing) the original fuel gauge and mounting two gauges under the dash in the 1960's style.

Charlie Stephens
 
In the last 32 that I built I put the extra gauges in the passenger side cowl panel. They can be seen from the driver's seat. You can always buy another cardboard cowl panel if you decide to remove them.
 
2ndgeer,

I bought it a few years ago on EBAY, the seller was emphatic that it was an authentic 120MPH speedo. I had my doubts, I don't think there was such a thing for a Ford at that time. I bought it anyway since the price was about the same as a 90MPH speedo. In any event it's an obvious repo or reprinted face.
 
Just thought I might chime in for whatever my input may/maynot be worth............. I could not bring myself to modify my 32 dash face plate so searched around for a means to use a set of Stewart Warner gauges setting on the shelf & found that a section of pvc grey elect. conduit sliced about 1/8" or so thick would fit within the bezel of the gauges & provide the spacing required to adapt to the backside original mounting tabs with a couple of metal fabbed brackets. Various dia. pvc fittings are avaiable at any Lowe's etc. which will fit at nominal cost, just take along the gauge of choice to size it up. While perhaps not for everyone it works for me, perhaps a down side would be the spacer sets on the glass gauge face inside the bezel so care must be taken to secure with caution. Take care, Ron​
 
Here is what my Dad did years ago . He found another dash tunnel which are around now in days for $75 bucks or so . He modifies it to fit the gauges he wanted and then made a new face and had it engine turned . It has a very similar look to an original but houses the S&W gauges . I think it looks pretty nice and to most who are not 32 gurus think it is stock .

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My original fuel gauge is long gone, and am not sure I want to go that route anyway. Appreciated all the responses very much. They were most helpful.
 
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