The Ford Barn

Smitty · 06-07-2020, 08:57 PM

Should the speedometer on my 50 Ford be mounted into the dash before the dashboard is installed in the car or after? The bracket that goes from the cowl down to the steering post mount seems as if it would be in the way.
Thanks, Steve

Frank Miller · 06-08-2020, 07:45 AM

I've removed and replaced the one in my 49 after the dash was installed, so it can be done but that does not mean you should. I'd put it in before.
There is also a tutorial somewhere about removing one of the green lenses and putting a painted bulb to increase visibility of the gauges at night. I have not done that so I'm sketchy on the specifics.

JT FORD · 06-08-2020, 02:51 PM

I have removed two of the dark lenses, one on top and one on the bottom. paint the bulbs what ever color you like. It would be a lot easier with the cluster out of the dash. Two of these new painted bulbs well light up all the gauges nice. I would test it with a 6 volt lantern battery in the dark so you can see the end results before putting the unit in the car.

joe 1950 · 06-08-2020, 07:15 PM

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i can tell jt ford is just like i did was told by a old timer which at this time i’m his age on my 50 cpe to take a small screwdriver and punch out the old bulb capsule and spray paint any color you liked on the bulb works great also i had to replace the speedo cluster assembly because i found a used one that was like new and it’s a challenge to get that in and out laying on your back but it can be done hope this helps

06-07-2020, 08:57 PM	#1
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Boston North Shore Posts: 752	1950 Dash/Speedo Should the speedometer on my 50 Ford be mounted into the dash before the dashboard is installed in the car or after? The bracket that goes from the cowl down to the steering post mount seems as if it would be in the way. Thanks, Steve

06-08-2020, 07:45 AM	#2
Frank Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn, MA Posts: 2,106	Re: 1950 Dash/Speedo I've removed and replaced the one in my 49 after the dash was installed, so it can be done but that does not mean you should. I'd put it in before. There is also a tutorial somewhere about removing one of the green lenses and putting a painted bulb to increase visibility of the gauges at night. I have not done that so I'm sketchy on the specifics. __________________ “The technique of infamy is to start two lies at once and get people arguing heatedly over which is true.” ~ Ezra Pound

06-08-2020, 02:51 PM	#3
JT FORD Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: N.W. Iowa Posts: 306	Re: 1950 Dash/Speedo I have removed two of the dark lenses, one on top and one on the bottom. paint the bulbs what ever color you like. It would be a lot easier with the cluster out of the dash. Two of these new painted bulbs well light up all the gauges nice. I would test it with a 6 volt lantern battery in the dark so you can see the end results before putting the unit in the car.

06-08-2020, 07:15 PM	#4
joe 1950 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Green Bay Wi Posts: 400	Re: 1950 Dash/Speedo Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) i can tell jt ford is just like i did was told by a old timer which at this time i’m his age on my 50 cpe to take a small screwdriver and punch out the old bulb capsule and spray paint any color you liked on the bulb works great also i had to replace the speedo cluster assembly because i found a used one that was like new and it’s a challenge to get that in and out laying on your back but it can be done hope this helps