Another source for aftermarket instrument panels

[FORDification]

I ran across this from another forum and thought I'd post it here, in case anyone was interested. Since I'm sure most of us know that the big truck (F-600/F-750) instrument panels come with circular gauges, I won't go into that here, but in addition to the vendors with similar panels on the Links page, I've found another one. Check out the panel at the bottom of this page at kustomcomponents.com. They're definitely pricey....but it's another option for someone who's not as....um....well....economically-challenged as I am.

This one appears to be only the center flat section for the gauges, in which you'd use your existing outer steel/plastic bezel/frame...and you even have to drill your own gauge holes. Seems like a bit much for a flat panel with some milled accents....but maybe that's just me.

[F10Y]

they're definitly proud of their product. Nice looking though.

[CACWBY]

$150. is about the norm for aftermarket panel w/o gauges. Carolina Custom is where I got mine and that's what it was. Seems like a lot for a piece of metal but I don't have a milling machine in my garage.

[69F110]

Those are nice, but I still like the look of the F600 panel. They have that Ford look to them. Those aftermarkets are sweet, but I'd still look for an F600 one.

[willowbilly3]

Did any of us get that NOS 3 1/2 inch Vacuum guage that ended on ebay last night? I had it on my watch list but when it went over $50 I kinda quit watching. I would really like to have one for the F-600 cluster but it was too pricey for me.

[FORDification]

Hmmm....must have missed that one. Not that it really matters, because the F-600 panel I've got is the '67-only style and has the vacuum gauge in it already. Now if I could just find a tach that would come close to matching, I'd be set!

[willowbilly3]

Some of those trucks did have a tach so maybe you can find one. I don't know if it would be electric or mechanical tho.

[FORDification]

They were all mechanical. I'd have to either use a race-style mechancal drive distributor, or the original distributor from the 330. However, since the hole in the block for the distributor in the 330 is larger than that on the FE's, I'd have to use a bushing/spacer to use the 330 distributor in my 390.

[willowbilly3]

OK here's another thought. Find an aftermarket tach that is the same diameter and just use the face off the ford unit. All that 330 distributor stuff sounds like too much hassle.

[bryantracing460]

So the 330 dizzy will work in a 390? Learn something new everyday.

[FORDification]

With the correct bushing, yes it will. Your local Ford dealer has them. Ask for the C4TZ-12367-A bushing, it's around $30.

[whd507]

I have a spare tach or two. I have at least two F-600 units complete with vacuum guages, and I think one with a tach. (I think)

I'm going to cut up a pair of 79 F-600s with some good stuff still there. give me a holler if you want some of it. (73-79s used 68-72 dashes, heaters, controls etc.)

[whd507]

I have a 391 mechanical distributor, but no cable to go with it.

dont know if the 391 will fit or not, I do believe it has a bigger oil pump drive, so you might have to change the oil pump. I dunno.

[willowbilly3]

I have a spare tach or two. I have at least two F-600 units complete with vacuum guages, and I think one with a tach. (I think)

I'm going to cut up a pair of 79 F-600s with some good stuff still there. give me a holler if you want some of it. (73-79s used 68-72 dashes, heaters, controls etc.)

We always want F-600 dashes!