MTFCA Forum

There was a question on the AACA forum about speedometer in Model T. Got me wondering. I know the black T did not come from factory with speedometer. But has anyone seen in any of the auto supply catalogs of the time tooling for cutting the hole in dash for speedometer? I have seen holes in dashboards that looks like an alligator chewed it out, but then I have seen 26/27 with a nice clean hole. Looks almost like it was punched out at the factory. Way too nice for some blacksmith to have done it under the spreading chestnut tree.
Just got me wondering. Thanks Dan

Dan, over many years I have seen a good number of metal dash panels on early 20's Ts with neat holes to accept a speedometer on our Canadian sourced cars. These may be confined to those sold by South Australian agents Duncan and Fraser. They offered Corbin speedo set-ups, which are a step or two up the quality scale. On cars without the speedo, a round plate covered the hole. This plate had a neat, rolled edge to it, and was fastened to the dash using the same holes used to mount the speedo head. While this is not likely a factory fitment, it is a result of the actions of factory supported agencies at the time, prior to Ford withdrawing all support for all state agencies, pending the building of the Ford plant in Geelong, Victoria.

Allan from down under.

Not for an specific application but a tool like this knock out set have probably always been around for making nice round holes in sheet metal.

Dan


These items were found in catalogs, and are period for speedo dash hole cutting, there are other styles too.


This one was in FordOwner, and my dad had this in his tools, so I still use it today!

AC type cutter sold with their speedos.

I knew I could count on you Dan. That was what I was thinking someone made, holes looked too nice. Thanks

I believe tool sets for cutting larger holes in sheet metal were sold as "chassis Punch" sets. Electricians may still use such sets for building control panels. McMaster Carr would have them. HVAC contractors may also use them. They make a factory quality round hole in light gauge steel.

In 2011, I installed a Stewart 490 in my 1926 Coupe and posted the step by step procedure with 14 pictures. The most important thing was to get the hole in the right place to avoid the fuel tank in the cowl behind the dash. Jim Patrick

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