The Ford Barn

oz40 · 10-23-2021, 05:51 AM

Hi
I have two 40 dashes ,, one early the other late production versions.
The issue I have is broken bolts that hold the instrument cluster into place.
Attached is a pictures of the two dash cluster tabs and bolts used.
Does anyone have any of these small bolts spare or know of who has/supplies NOS or repro versions.?. TIA

51 MERC-CT · 10-23-2021, 07:16 AM

First you have to determine what thread size they are.
They look like either 12/24 or 1/4-20 carriage bolts. (pressed or fused in place)
The 1/4-20 carriage bolts are readily available in most hardware stores (at least here)
The 12/24 carriage bolts are virtually extinct but 12/24 machine screws are available from various hardware suppliers.

nickthebandit · 10-23-2021, 08:01 AM

Why not use whatever bolts are available locally, probably metric. When the dash is installed the bolts don't show anyhow.

19Fordy · 10-23-2021, 09:09 AM

Look here for 12-24 bolts and huts.
https://www.google.com/search?q=12-2...hrome&ie=UTF-8

You could also "retap" a smaller nut using a 12-24 tap to fit your existing threads.

If you have a welder you could fabricate your own "L brackets" and weld on a bolt. Or make your own bolt using a thread die.
A metal rectangular "holdown piece" is also used to secure the cluster and is held in place with the nut. I covered that "piece" with tape so as not to mar the metal and also to prevent rattles. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN or you will damage you dash. You can just barely see the nut in this photo. You could also use a 12-24 NY-LOCK nut instead of a lock washer.
https://www.google.com/search?q=12-2...hrome&ie=UTF-8

QUESTION: I can use V8's one click to enlarge the photo but how can I post it in the larger version when I first post the response?

deuce_roadster · 10-23-2021, 09:20 AM

You could also drill and thread a hole to hold a machine screw screwed in from the back. The thread is unimportant as long as the small piece with tapered ends slips over it. IF not, drill out the hole in the piece that contacts the instrument panel. This is not a complicated fabrication job. Attaching the L shaped pieces if they are missing will need to be accurately located. They make epoxy for gluing body panels on new cars that would hold if you aren't a welder.

petehoovie · 10-23-2021, 10:07 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Look here for 12-24 bolts and huts.
https://www.google.com/search?q=12-2...hrome&ie=UTF-8

You could also "retap" a smaller nut using a 12-24 tap to fit your existing threads.

If you have a welder you could fabricate your own "L brackets" and weld on a bolt. Or make your own bolt using a thread die.
A metal rectangular "holdown piece" is also used to secure the cluster and is held in place with the nut. I covered that "piece" with tape so as not to mar the metal and also to prevent rattles. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN or you will damage you dash. You can just barely see the nut in this photo.

QUESTION: I can use V8's one click to enlarge the photo but how can I post it in the larger version when I first post the response?

10-23-2021, 08:01 AM	#3
nickthebandit Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Shippensburg, pa. Posts: 416	Re: 1940 Ford Dash parts ID Why not use whatever bolts are available locally, probably metric. When the dash is installed the bolts don't show anyhow.

10-23-2021, 09:20 AM	#5
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: 1940 Ford Dash parts ID You could also drill and thread a hole to hold a machine screw screwed in from the back. The thread is unimportant as long as the small piece with tapered ends slips over it. IF not, drill out the hole in the piece that contacts the instrument panel. This is not a complicated fabrication job. Attaching the L shaped pieces if they are missing will need to be accurately located. They make epoxy for gluing body panels on new cars that would hold if you aren't a welder.