MTFCA Forum

Can anyone tell me what the correct spacing is for the screws on the brass trim on a 1909 firewall/dashboard is? Also what size screws were used?

John F. Regan said on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 10:31 pm:
'09 screws were in fact #5 oval head screws. The #7 began later and was carried through 1914.
This thread may be of interest but doesn't mention the spacing:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/11 ... 1283309039

This photo Dan showed in the discussion does show some spacing. I think it may be original. More insight on it is welcomed.
Rich

This is another of Dan Treace's photos.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/149412.jpg
I don't know the history but the spacing may well be correct.

Here's my unrestored Aug 09 (not totally unmolested, it had an incorrect repaint circa 1950)

The bottom screw is 1.5" from the bottom edge, subsequent screws are 5.25" apart. The screw is a raised countersunk 1" long with 0.25" wide head.

This photo of a wrecked '09-'10 was taken in 1913. Timing suggests that nothing was changed from original. This correlates with Jem's photo. It also shows a screw behind the lamp. See the arrow.

Yes there is a screw behind my lamp

Thanks for all the replies, I think I've got what I need. This is for a friends restoration. It is one of the last things to do. He will I'm sure be very appreciative for the help.

Phil, my 1909 dash is also 5.25 spacing.

After you drill the holes, and before you put in the brass screws, run a steel or stainless steel screw into the side of the dash to pre-thread the holes in the wood. Brass oval head screws will sometimes twist in two while biting into the wood. Don't ask how I know this...

Keith, thanks for the tip, I'll pass that on to my friend. Running the screw threads over a cake of bees wax is also helpful when installing screws.