Instrument panel question

[Job]

I purchased a used replacement dash panel for my A, oval speedometer. In trying to install it today the screw holes do not line up. It's like it is too small. The top screws fit, but the bottom edge will not push in tight against the dash. And the screws holes are off about 1/2" on each side. The holes on the chrome panel are too close together.
My guess is it's not model A. Suggestions? Ideas? Thanks

[Dennis Pereira]

sounds like a reproduction they wont fit.

[Mitch//pa]

yep had that problem with a repo then screwed up the threads in the gas tank and the screw broke off then broke an easy out in that.. whew..

[john in illinois]

I had the same problem with a repro. I got a good original one from Bert's. sometimes they stock originals that they had plated.

[Don/WI]

I also had the same problem with a repro that I picked up a few years ago for my recently completed '28CCPU. I ended up getting an original panel nickel plated ($125). Glad I did that 'cause it looks a lot better than chrome. Don/WI

[Job]

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OK Thanks. I've got another that needs some TLC that I think will fit...Hmmm I'll try it first!

[Brian T]

This is a reply I received in Fordbarn from Tom Wesenburg Feb 11 this year in regards to how an original dash panel can be identified.

I'm holding an original and if I run a thin steel tape measure on the outside around the curve from the center of one bottom hole to the other center its 3 3/4". If I use my dial caliper and measure on the inside of the panel from the outside edge of one hole to the outside edge of the other bottom hole I get 3.400".

Tom , please excuse this late thank you note, I received a very platable original from a long time Barner, and it measured just as you said , many thanks to you Tom.
Brian T.

[john charlton]

Yup the oval repros are the worst, you will only ever get 3 screws in.Some classic ones the speedo hole is skewed as well. Cant see why those smart Asian geezers cant get it right. Its a mystery.

John in warm maybe I ought to buy a bottle of red wine and cogitate England.

[Terry, NJ]

Mine showed every sign of being original and the screws were hard to get started.
Terry

[Ron/IA]

My dash is a repo that was on the car when I got it. I can only get two screws in it.

I too have heard (for a long time) the repos were very bad when it came to fit.

Has anyone discovered within the last year a repo dash that would fit? If so, from whom was it purchased?

If I don't get any responses to the above questions, then I will assume there are none today, and we as consumers need to contact all the vendors they won't be able to sell their dash's due to poor fit. They can't correct what they don't know about, and then maybe, just maybe we the consumer will get a well fitted repo dash.

[Russ/40]

There is a guy on e-bay that sells originals replated with nickel. They are beautiful, and expensive. I got one from him that had a minor flaw for much less, and it's very nice. His handle on e-bay is "phoncomm" I believe.