Rufus: More wiring and instrumentation work

(07/09/06) Here's the instrument cluster/bezel/speedometer that was in the dash when I got the truck. Not a pretty sight at all.

I began to have a little clearer picture of how I wanted this to work out. Gauges (temp and volts) on either side, the stock gas gauge in the top center, an ignition switch in the middle and a hole reserved for a speedometer in the bottom center.

After removing the speedometer that looked like it had gone down with the Titanic, I wire brushed the bezel and shot it with black Rust Encapsulator.

Then I started cutting the left hand opening so that it would take the voltmeter. I did this with a drill and a cutoff blade in a Dremel tool. It took a little while, but based on the tools I had on hand, it worked out ok. I actually did the cutting before the painting, but this is how it turned out. I used a key switch that I got from NAPA. It's just an on-off switch with no start function. That's done with the button on the floorboard.

I also hit the steering column and other stuff with Rust Encapsulator and wired the ignition switch in. It actually turns on and off with a key now. What a concept.

I "won" a speedometer on eBay, so I'll have one to install soon...and I have a lower water outlet neck with a bung for the temp gauge that will allow its installation. Progress is good.

(07/24/06) I installed a ground buss so I wouldn't have to trust a rusty frame ground.

I got a water outlet with a temp sender bung from Charlie Yapp at the "Secrets of Speed Society". He has a great magazine devoted to hopping up Model Aa and Model Ts. He also reproduces the Riley 2-port head for the Model A motor.

(08/02/06) I have an apprentice! His name is Travis and he's agreed to come work with me for an hour or two every day. This young man has a great work ethic and is willing to learn anything he can. He's been mowing my lawn for a while and we worked out a deal where he can learn while he helps me. So far, it's great.

I decided to use the Maxi-fuse from the Painless wiring kit, so we took out the glass fuse and holder.

(08/07/06) We cut a bit of sheet metal to run the engine/lighting wiring harness thru and bolted it to the firewall.

We drilled a hole thru the center so I could use a hole saw to cut a hole of the proper size for the grommet.

Hee's the instrument cluster with the new switch and the eBay speedometer.

Painless? Sez who? This is where we took the headfirst leap over the cliff into the wiring installation.

The Painless manual suggests using a battery charger to test the circuits before connecting them to live battery power. So we did. Worked great.

Here's the hole for the grommet covered with some Rust Encapsulator that hasn't dried yet.

Next page: Yet more wiring and instrumentation work.

Rufus Home

Chevy Asylum Home