I have a set of TPI streamline gauge that I want to put in my 39 chevy coupe, the problem is TPI's gauge panel mounts the gauges from behind, I want the gauges to mount from the front & sit flush with the panel like the dolphin gauge panels( tpi won't fit). Is there anybody who makes custom gauge panels or already sells gauge panels that will accept TPI gauge to mount from the front for a 39 chevy??? thanks for any leads!!!!!!!!!
try Billet www.billetspecialties.com They make some nice guage panels that fit Stewart Warner and other guages.
try docskustom.com
Gauge panels are not hard to make.
Here's one that was cut out of an aluminum electrical cable pass-through box.
(Said box used in cement walls etc. for cables to run through. An industrially oriented device you can find at Greybar etc.)
I've made these in brushed, buffed, powder coated and painted.
All cut out from the same box.
The boxes are big enough that you can get several panels from them.
Here's an even easier one.
18 gage aluminum.
Cut out with hole saws.
Use quality hole saws, Starratt - usually mail order - or Milwaukee, available at Home Depot and similar places.
Skip the Black & Deckers, they're geared to woodwork and don't run as true.
Note that the cardboard template is half-sized.
Done so that each side matches.
Just orient the template to a line on the aluminum when you lay it out.
The pics should be self explanatory.
(Incidentally, the electrical box shown above has 1/8" thick walls which are about ideal for an under-dash panel.)
The pic of the cardboard template was made to see how easy it would be to view the instruments from the drivers seat.
Make the template and leave it in the car for a while so you can decide if the panel and instruments are in the optimum location.
I made up a panel with four gauges, ten toggle switches and twelve pilot lights for a 4 x 4 pickup.
It was taped in place and I lived with it for a week then realized that having the switches on the right made them somewhat inaccessible when driving.
Flopped the panel so the switches were on the left, instruments on the right - which were still easy to see - lived with that for a while and then made the panel.
The 2nd pic is the panel in my 32.
Engine turned 18 gage stainless.
Quality (bi-metal) hole saws cut stainless with no problems.