The HyePo New 57-60 6-Gauge Instrument Panel is more of a system rather than just a single item.
Much like before, I started by creating a new mold for forming ABS plastic sheet. This gives us the basic shape that will allow for an original installation. Once that part is cut out of the formed sheet, the mounting holes are drilled for the six gauges (two 3-3/8” and four 2-1/16” gauges as typical/standard aftermarket size) followed by the rest of the holes for various purposes.
At this point, I am done with the major fabrication. I have the aluminum inserts cut and ready to be placed in their position on the face of the panel after the high beam LED is installed.
Next the 1/4” aluminum skinned composite backing plate is placed on the backside of the assembly with the turn signal lenses and LED lamps in place.
The insert and the backing plate are both held in place by the gauges once they are mounted. (If the instrument panel is purchased without gauges, I’ll shrink-wrap everything in order for reference to keep it easy).
The rubber grommet is cut and will arrive loosely fitted around the edge. It will need to be permanently installed by the owner/installer.
The importance of the grommet is three-fold. 1- it ensures that the panel fits well in the 60+ year old steel dash, 2 - it helps prevent any rattles or squeaks that can occur as we bound around in these old trucks, and 3 - offers great protection against scratching and wearing the painted steel dash.
The owner or installer will need to finish installing the grommet due to many wishing to finish the ABS panel in paint. I recommend the seam be in the lower left corner as I have found this to be the least noticeable place. Additionally, I use a drop of CA glue when starting to fit the grommet on to hold it in place as I move around the panel, and again when the grommet is cut to perfect make that perfect seam.
The rubber grommet is fitted on the edge with the adhesive on the inside giving us the smaller lip showing around the perimeter (red tape strip removed before permanent installation).
This item is bundled with Marshall Instrument gauges and the entire unit comes assembled other than the grommet due to owner finish options.
Luckily, I was able to source all my materials (except the LEDs which do not count) right here in the USA. Very important to me to use American whenever possible. So I can say that this is 100% made in the USA - except for the LEDs which still do not count. This also allows me to offer this at a price that is comparable to other options being offered by others, most which do not include the panel while maintaining a more original look (turn signal indicators). My thought process was if I were designing the panel in the late ‘50s what might it look like… and this is what I envisioned.
Also note that these are not mass-produced parts. They are made one at a time as they are ordered.
Email me with any questions. Thanks for reading.
