I'm in the middle of installing a brand new wiring harness in my '69 and have 3 different instrument clusters (one has idiot lights) and an F600 bezel only. I wasn't sure any of them even worked and wasn't crazy about adapting/modifying the new harness anyway. One cluster's bezel was cut up by a previous owner and so I got to brainstorming about a cool, custom, dash insert that would fit the 'look' I have planned for my bump.
DIAMOND PLATE!
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/P5210001-1.jpg)
Don't worry. The bezel was already cut up (not the F600 one either) so I modified it further so I could fasten the plate to it:
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/P5210007-1.jpg)
I sanded and repainted the bezel argent silver and mounted the VDO Cockpit style gauges. Then, I fastened the plate to the bezel with stainless buttonhead screws and locknuts:
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/P5210010-1.jpg)
And presto!
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/P5220003-1.jpg)
Here's a shot that shows the radical 32" shifter! I plan on swapping out the knob for a funky 'rat rod' looking one with a little more
attitude. I also still have a few circuits to go as well as getting the rest of the dash together (ash tray, glove box door, radio, etc.). I also plan on drilling more holes in the diamond plate to install green LED's or small lights for the turn signal indicators and a similar blue one for the high beam indicator.
So, what do you guys think? I know it may not tickle everyone's fancy but I like it and I haven't destroyed or hacked up any good original or hard to find stuff. I can't wait to hit the road!!!
Patrick
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/1969%20F100/P3220011-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/CAXW6TDZ-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/Copyofscan0019-1.jpg)
![Image](http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/F100builder/Copyofscan-1.jpg)
'56 F100; Must.II IFS, 351W bored & stroked to 395c.i. 470hp/483ft-lbs., AOD, 4-link coilover 9" w/ 3.89's
'69 F100; 390, C6, Dana 60 w/ 4.10's
'70 F100; 'new' and latest project soon to have a built 390/C6 and 3.50 gears
To see more of my F100's:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/lowfat56