Gauge Bezel Opinions (Some progress)

[flyboy71]

Im looking at two truck bezels to mount my gauge cluster in so I need some opinions on which one looks best with this cluster. The gauges may change or I may keep whats here. I havent decided that part yet. Apart from the crappy appearance which truck bezel is the best match?

[TNIceWolf]

I prefer the ribbed style myself in the upper photo...............but I own a 69 so am a tad preferential.

[jbohall001]

I say number two, reason being that number one clashes with the guages and ribs. You know, horizontal then vertical lines. But number two, everything is horizontal. me like

[fordman]

the steel panel will be easier to deal with mounting those gauges .

[flyboy71]

It may end up being the steel panel only because I need to close it in a bit. I should have take a side view I guess. The plastic Fairlane bezel is spaced off the truck bezel and where its at its all but perfect. Either way Ill need to get both parts re-chromed when Im done. This makes for a good winter project.

[mkpj1]

Can you weld? Maybe cut and weld your own insert? Would look awesome with those gauges. I know jack about welding so I don't know if that gauge of metal is easy or hard to weld? Just a thought though.

[flyboy71]

Yeah Id have to add some metal around the gauge brows but tonite I stuck it on the back bezel and installed it to get a look see and how it will look in the dash.

I also did a quick and dirty test of the speedo spinning the cable with my drill and the 63 fairlane speedo is really close to the one in the truck so Im hopeful I can just make it work as is. Dont worry about the left and right pods, those are changing anyway. Stay tuned.

[Ranchero50]

I'd use the metal one but as you can see from the side views I don't think you'll see the original backing. I'd fab a curved filler panel that will match the fairlane cluster side profile and weld it to the truck housing. Shouldn't be terrible to fit, just lots of trimming and sanding once you get close. Card stock is your friend for making a template.

The side profile angle looks close to the Autometer angle cups for 2 1/16" guages as well... You could get white overlays for the fairlane guages with Phantom Autometers or Ultralite silver gauges for a more OEM look...

I'm pretty sure the speedo's are the same ratio for Ford through the years. I think it was 60rpm for 60mph but am probably wrong.

Jamie

[jbohall001]

Im already liking the way that looks.

[FORDification]

I can see adding the speedo and surround, that would be different and interesting...but why in the world would you go through all that trouble to add idiot lights? Just my opinion, but I'd find the same (or similar) setup with gauges. Make it worth the effort!

[flyboy71]

I can see adding the speedo and surround, that would be different and interesting...but why in the world would you go through all that trouble to add idiot lights? Just my opinion, but I'd find the same (or similar) setup with gauges. Make it worth the effort!

I agree. Dont worry about the left and right pods, those are changing. About the only OEM part that will remain is the speedo. When Im finished it should be a full guage custom cluster.

[Mancar1]

Use the one you like the best. I like the looks of #2 myself.

[flyboy71]

I did some layout in AutoCAD and Photoshop. This is the basic layout of the gauge faces for all 3 pods. The gray areas in the middle will be metal on the front panel to hide the gauge needles. Ill post progress as I assemble the new cluster so youll get a better idea.