F600 Dash Panel

[68 Ford Stepside]

The small gauges on the F600 dash panel are mounted behind the panel. I want to install larger gauges through the panel. What procedure is best for enlarging the original holes ?

[sargentrs]

Waiting for responses on this one. I need to do the same thing. Started out with a needle point bit on my dremel. 15 mins accomplished squat. Then switched to a round metal cutting bit. 15 more minutes and barely scratched the surface. Dug out my 2" hole saw. Rounded off the teeth. I went and bought a carbide bit and a diamond bit. Haven't tried those yet. Anxious to see what others have used.

[chad67]

I've read about this on here, but I don't remember which thread. If someone finds it maybe they can post a link-I can't with my phone.

[smilinsam]

I used a cut off wheel on my dremel...cut a little undersize cause it's difficult to get it just right, then finish with the little drum sander attachment using coarse to fine grits. Try to make the aftermarket gauges fit snug, then use an adhesive to
lock in place...I used loctite gel superglue then finished with a bead of silicon...works great. Look for others here on this thread who did a great job, which I copied.

[68 Ford Stepside]

I have a friend who has a milling machine. He is out of town right now, but I want to ask him if he can mill the holes for me. Especially the large hole I want a tach in.

[Calfdemon]

I contemplated doing the same, but ended up coming up with a method to mount my new gauges behind the stock glass using the back gauge pod. Here is a link as to how I did it... http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... +autometer

In case you are open to an alternative method.

[SoCalExile]

I used hole saws on the smaller gauges. The speedometer gauge hole was larger than the one I bought so I had get a ring welded in.

Since your nearby, feel free to look me up and I'll be happy to lend a hand.

Pic:

[SDFarmKid]

When I did mine this spring I put in new 2 1/16th gauges from speedhut. I found that the best way to enlarge the small gauge holes was to flip the panel upside down, and doing this a the hole saw bit i needed fit right down into the indent, so it was easy to keep the saw positioned. After i drilled through a little cleanup work with my dremel and a file and they fit snuggly. I also installed a gps speedometer and tach, which each were 4 inch gauges, so the speedometer fit with a little file work to the original hole, and for the tachometer i used another hole saw bit.

If anyone wants to see pictures let me know. I just got a new computer (college) so i don't have them on here but i can find them if theres interest.

[68 Ford Stepside]

When I did mine this spring I put in new 2 1/16th gauges from speedhut. I found that the best way to enlarge the small gauge holes was to flip the panel upside down, and doing this a the hole saw bit i needed fit right down into the indent, so it was easy to keep the saw positioned. After i drilled through a little cleanup work with my dremel and a file and they fit snuggly. I also installed a gps speedometer and tach, which each were 4 inch gauges, so the speedometer fit with a little file work to the original hole, and for the tachometer i used another hole saw bit.

If anyone wants to see pictures let me know. I just got a new computer (college) so i don't have them on here but i can find them if theres interest.

Pictures would be appreciated.

[SDFarmKid]

Ok on Stepsides reguest here are those pictures

This first one shows the panel after disassembly. I removed all of the original gauges and using a wire brush on a drill removed the paint and surface rust that had accumulated while sitting in the salvage yard. I had planned on painting it but decided i liked the clean and plain look this provided.


This pic shows what i was talking about. The hole in the bottom right hand corner i had not yet cut out, but you can see on comparison to the other ones that it fell right into the original bevel.


Here is the difference from the front, and you can also see the little bit of grinding i had to do to git rid of the of the burrs left from drilling and also get the gauges flat against the panel after installation.


Here is the panel as it currently sits. The gauges look alot better in person, and at night look even better with the white numbers glowing a medium blue color.


And finally here is my truck along with my 66 Mustang, and my Grandpa's 1948 8n that me and two other ag students restored as part of a class at school.

So there you go, if you have any more questions feel free to ask

[rusty2872]

Nice set up farmkid.

What size hole saw did you use for the small holes

where did you find the 4in speedo and tach??

[sargentrs]

Good job and thanks for the write up. What kind of hole saw did you use? Plain metal cutting, carbide tipped, imbedded diamond?

[SDFarmKid]

Sorry for the wait been busy making hay.

Rusty i don't remember for sure what size it was exactly cause i just used a hole saw that i had lying around, kinda a spir of the moment deal and it worked out so i was happy. I got all my gauges from speedhut when they were having one of their sales this springs. They ended up costing more than i wanted but now that there in the truck i am very happy i got them. They look good now but they look awesome at night because the white lettering glows blue. I highly recommend them because if you order a set like i did they come with all senders and wiring, and then also a harness that plugs into them to supply power and what not.


and sargentrs i think it was just a cheapy multipurpose one, i just used alot of cutting fluid and took my time. Any other questions keep them coming

Quick add on on speedhuts site they show that their 4 inch gauges need a 3.875 inch hole. Also i forgot to mention their gauges use a nut and bolt approach when it comes to attaching, where the gauge is threaded, and they send a big plastic nut to hold it in place. Very easy.

If anybody is thinking about doing a f600 panel i encourage you to take a look: http://www.speedhut.com/

[rusty2872]

thanks for the info farmkid.

wow those gauges are $$$. But they do look lovely. and the customization is cool as well.

Did you have to modify the speedo hole to fit the 4in speedo?

[sargentrs]

Thanks for info!