Built a new dashbord for my '16
Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2021 5:34 am
Hello.
Since Sept 2019 I own my Model T Touring. Over winter I replaced most wiring including the thick cables from battery, their insulation partially fell apart. I also removed this ugly direction light switch from the steering wheel. It was so ugly (chrome on a brass car) - and misplaced (very exposed below spark advance lever), and finally it was also very strangely wired). This switch and the headlight pull switch are now replaced by a self made brass dashboard of 2.5" height (1.7" visible height).
The center of my dashboard has a little display inside. It shows the driving speed, battery voltage, and other things (if I program them). Speed measurement and today's lights must be installed by our laws also in Historical Cars, so this display was the best option as I can also see other useful things (i.e. the battery voltage, because my '16 has no generator, only starter). I also built direction lights and sidelights into the oil lights (as LED), so I could completely remove the modern direction lights from below of headlights.
I think this fits much better to the car because it is brass and not heavily exposed.
Only wanted to share some pictures.
ps: If somebody wonders about "gas gauge display"... This is a calculated gas level only. When I know my average distance I can drive with one gas fill, it will calculate from that... If it points out to be unnecessary, I will not implement it. I also prepared charging the battery from magneto (but not connected yet).
Since Sept 2019 I own my Model T Touring. Over winter I replaced most wiring including the thick cables from battery, their insulation partially fell apart. I also removed this ugly direction light switch from the steering wheel. It was so ugly (chrome on a brass car) - and misplaced (very exposed below spark advance lever), and finally it was also very strangely wired). This switch and the headlight pull switch are now replaced by a self made brass dashboard of 2.5" height (1.7" visible height).
The center of my dashboard has a little display inside. It shows the driving speed, battery voltage, and other things (if I program them). Speed measurement and today's lights must be installed by our laws also in Historical Cars, so this display was the best option as I can also see other useful things (i.e. the battery voltage, because my '16 has no generator, only starter). I also built direction lights and sidelights into the oil lights (as LED), so I could completely remove the modern direction lights from below of headlights.
I think this fits much better to the car because it is brass and not heavily exposed.
Only wanted to share some pictures.
ps: If somebody wonders about "gas gauge display"... This is a calculated gas level only. When I know my average distance I can drive with one gas fill, it will calculate from that... If it points out to be unnecessary, I will not implement it. I also prepared charging the battery from magneto (but not connected yet).