I couldn't sell my bird so I am moving on (slowly) but on. I am going to convert to a street rod concept. I have 3x2s ,mags, petronix etc now and I want to tackle the dash. I want to upgrade it with new gages. Anybody  out there customizedtheir TBird dash. I am not sure which way to go but I do want to change it around.  I would like to keep the appearance close to original which may be a problem. I want all new gages . Just need some ideas.  pictures will be appreciated. many thanks 55birdman  

55Birdman  Hickory NC

I uses Stewart Warner gauges in my 56 Vicky. By using the chrome trim rings from the original dash they fit without modification. Most of the standard size gauges (2"??) will work this way.

I'm currently resizing the holes on a spare dash to take 2 5/8" Autometer gauges. They look great but the dash has to be modified to fit them. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

How about a 57 dash? The January-February issue of Early Bird Magazine (CTCI publication) has a much modified Bird as a cover car and the dash he has may give you some ideas (although the pics don't show it that clearly).

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Bird,

        Grab a copy of one of the street rodder magazines and take a look at some of the ads. There's quite a selection. Also Summit (on line) and look for instruments.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Birdman:

You have kinda backed yourself into a hole, wanting to add modern gauges and retaining the stock appearance of your dash.  The stock see-thru speedometer dominates the present dash, and it only has small rectangular gauges for fuel and temp.  Lights for Gen and Oil.  Doesn't lend itself well to round gauges.  The suggestion of using a '57 Bird dash is a good one, then round gauges like Chuck uses in his '56 passenger car will work.  A period look can be achieved by putting a panel of gauges under the center of the dash or a panel on the transmission tunnel.  Keep thinking, you'll come up with something eye pleasing and functional.

John in Selma, IN

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Let me restate. As stock appearing as possible. Minus the bubble. I hate that thing. 55birdman 

55Birdman  Hickory NC

I missed the year of his dash. I had the original dash for my 28 Chrysler rebuilt and upgraded to 12V years ago. Its an art deco instrument cluster and I wanted to save it. All works great and looks new. There are companies out there that can redo your dash for you. As John said keep looking and I'm sure you'll find the "look" you want. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

There are times that old men like me have total brain lapse. Being 61 and a combat wounded Nam vet with Agent Orange exposure brain function is lacking most of the time. It never came to my mind but I think the '57 dash will suffice . I have a lot of the parts. Thanks to all for showing me how "dumb" I can be at times. 55Birdman 

55Birdman  Hickory NC

Bird: Sometimes a new look at a challenge can be really helpful. And it doesn't indicate you are "dumb." A nicely done mod to your dash, probably with the 57 parts, could be attractive. On the other hand, a modified mess could seriously devalue your T-Bird in the eyes of most people...

Paul

Birdman:

If you can come up with a '57 Bird dash, you can keep your original dash intact in case you or some future owner ever wanted to take it back to original.

John in Selma, IN

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"