Instrument Panel Question

Jim Parker Toronto

Well-known member
During the 28/29 to 30/31 dash style changeover, was there ever a 30/31style dash with the oval speedometer rather than the round one? Thanks for any replies.... Jim
 
I just learned something. I got a 28 tudor with an oval speedometer. I thought the car came with that. lol
 
PA Joe, the 28 speedo's were originally oval. The 30/31 dash is a different shape than the 28/29 and uses a round speedo. What I would like to know is, "is there an oval speedo for the 30 dash", and will a 28 style speedo fit in a 30 dash?
 
Jim Parker,

Any 28-29 Oval Speedometer will fit the oval style 30 dash cup. I believe only the very early 28 speedometer had a wide bezel and different face plate, however, it will still fit into any oval style dash cup except for the dash cup with no trip meter.

Ron
 
Not that i know of or seen in 40 years. Mid 1930 /31 instrument panel only a round speedometer w/ dash light behind dash rail. Plus your pop-out early with oval speedometer will not fit your Panel on the later panels with round speedometers. Oval speedometer w/ dash light in center /// Later panel w/ round speedometer and dash light behind dash rail and no panel in between.
 
Thanks Don,

[/QUOTE] Only the Model A's made in early 1930 have a 1930-31 style "dash" and an "instrument panel" with an oval speedometer.

Probably just a misunderstanding of the proper terminology of the parts.

Don Turley
www.donturley.com[/QUOTE]

You are right, just a misunderstanding of the proper terminology of the parts, thanks for setting me straight. Sometimes I know what I want, I just don't know or use the proper terminology.

So, what I should be looking for is a early 1930 instrument panel for an oval speedometer. Are these rare? Jim
 
Jim, I don't think they are. Dan Bixby probably has an original one that is correctly plated if you want to look him up. He also has an eBay store under the username: Phonconn

.
 
The transition from the oval speedo and corresponding instrument panel occurred during June 1930. It's important to note that the shape of the gas tank was also changed to accept the new instrument panel. You must have the correct gas tank if you are contemplating a change from one type instrument panel (and speedo) to the other.
 
My 30 looks like this

IMAG0102.jpg
 
Model A's that have a 1928-29 style "dash" have an "instrument panel" with an oval speedometer.

Only the Model A's made in early 1930 have a 1930-31 style "dash" and an "instrument panel" with an oval speedometer.

The "dash" is the interior molding that goes from one side of the car to the other, below the windshield.

The "instrument panel" is the plated molding that surrounds the fuel gage, ignition switch, ammeter, and speedometer.

Probably just a misunderstanding of the proper terminology of the parts.

Don Turley
www.donturley.com


Don,

Should not your statement be "1928-29" and not "1930-31"?

Pluck
 
I have a March 1930 sedan and the instrument panel is oval and the tank will only take that type panel. I have been unable to identify the assembly plant.

I have a May 1930 coupe and the instrument panel is round and the tank will only take that type panel. Car was built at Charlotte Assembly Plant.

Both vehicles were built originally as standard cars w/o cowl lights nor side mount tires, both vehicles had standard style hood hinge clips, both vehicles originally finished in chicle/copra as best as I can tell.

Dennis L Oberer
Green Bay WI
 
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