Adding Stewart Warner Gauges To The Dash - 1939 Ford Forgotten Hot Rod

Before we get started with the wiring for the dash and the ignition, we decided to change up the gauges. When we first started this project we were planning on using the original gauges, but the dash needs to be customized. Matt dug deep in stash and found a killer 3 gauge Elco panel, as well as a full set of Stewart Warner gauges. The cable driven speedo and tach will get mounted where the original gauges were located, but they are slightly smaller. Matt walks us through the steps of modifying the dash to fit the killer Stewart Warner gauges. He also digs through his stash of spare parts to fill out the dash. We think it looks killer, let us know down below what you think!!!
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[@kendavis1198]

I wish we were Friends 50 Years ago when I was younger. I was doing body work on Model A's and Early FORDS and Building A's and V 8 Engines with an OLD TIMER and just Loving it. I would have loved to work with you and going out on the Hunt's for all those OLD A's and V8's that are "STILL" out there in them BARN'S. Love your Handy Work and how you Just Make stuff WORK and Look Decent.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! Hopefully we can keep this hobby going!

[@kendavis1198]

@@IronTrapGarage I hope so! These Kids nowadays don’t even know what a Manual Transmission is🥺🤷‍♂️?? Or what a “Blinker” is🤣🤣. Thanks for the Great Channel.

[@darcybowyer5743]

I have a sudden urge to find a late 30s Ford... Though I want a Roadster Coupé Utility as sold down here in Australia but are super rare. Learning heaps from every video in this series and would like to own some of the tools but being poor... well my dad and I are crafty. The first Defender we worked on we became quite adept with tin snips, bench vice and vise grips to make patch panels! Keep up the good work mate!

[@IronTrapGarage]

That's all you need is the drive and determination to make something cool with what you have! Glad to give some inspiration!

[@waynespiteri122]

I can imagine all the car restorers cringing that you cut up the dash, ahhh they will survive. Good work Matt .

[@IronTrapGarage]

Happy to sell them the piece to repair their hot rodded dash and turn it back to stock!

[@jimandlinsnow7002]

The resto guys were crying when you cut into the gauge panel. I could hear them. Looks fabulous.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Atleast we are modifying an old hot rod.

[@thepaulmanator]

That was me. I do try to keep an open mind. If it weren`t for Matt and his crew that car would have totally rotted away like the `40 Sedan. But hey, at least the gauges don`t have dolphins on the faces. ;-D

[@jimandlinsnow7002]

@@IronTrapGarage true that.

[@garypowers4886]

Kick ass man!! You are keeping it old school and not chopping these cars into pieces but saving them 👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

Saving old hot rods and getting them back on the road!!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@gordonhenagar6652]

Good to see forgotten hot rod getting some love

[@IronTrapGarage]

We are on the last 10% of the build which is always the slowest!!

[@jezza159]

This is my favorite project glad to see you back on it Matt. Nothing too fancy but works and looks nice the old girl is starting to feel young again. Thanks Matt. ANZAC day here in Australia "Lest We Forget" Jeremy and Jed Downunder. My boy is here with me till Tuesday still not back at school yet.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@johnapel2856]

Nice. Reusing the trim pieces really helps tie it all together. Simple but makes a big difference. Thanks, and Woof to Moon.

[@IronTrapGarage]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@louiscornwell338]

Good job.The piece of trim between the guages is just right.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks man!

[@rumrunner1756]

Nice work. That dash is a work of art. 👍☮️

[@markrandall1456]

I like it. I think your paint plan is excellent. Seems like a lot of folks don't know how subtle satin black can be. Gloss is used and has dirt in it or flat us used and the uneven can spray shows up. Satin seems to go on or appear much more even and forgives minor imperfections in the project. Thanks for the fun.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Satin and flat finished help hide imperfections.

[@Jddvs]

I like the “traditional” look that you are going for. The dash blends well with the original “banjo” steering wheel. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@Ecosse57]

can't tell you how cool these resurrections are. if that car could talk i'm sure you could hear it say 'thank you'.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We can’t wait to drive it back to it’s last resting place

[@IronTrapGarage]

Send us an email! You won a free shirt from the live stream on Sunday!! [e-mail]

[@lenscap8925]

How many of those 3 gauge panels have been installed over the years...had to be a right of passage for all car nuts since day one. LOL

[@IronTrapGarage]

That was one of the first things a people did to their hot rods!

[@freddiebates5539]

What you talking bout Willis had to have 3 gauges so it idle right !

[@robewalk2]

I love watching an artist plying his craftsmanship Matt. I think the dash looks great and fitting the period. As always, I look forward to your next episode at Iron Trap Garage. I hope you and yours are healthy and safe and cheers from an old retired coot living in Tennessee.❤️👍😷🍻✌️

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Bob we hope you're staying safe and healthy as well!

[@thomasst.martin3308]

OMG!! He cut a huge hole in the '39 Dash. This guy has balls. But then you finished it up so well. Nice. Q?. Turn indicators? If it was me, I would get ahold of my neighborhood Von Dutch style pinstriper and decorate all of that flat area around the the speedo and tach. But with the addition of all the old trim pieces you really put a nice look to it. Impressive.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Turn indicators will be apart of the turn signal mech that bolts to the column!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

pinstriping is also on the idea list so we're thinking a similar way!

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Perfect dash for the Forgotten Hot Rod. I remember when I was a little kid ( 1958) my oldest brother had the under dash gauges on his Hot Rod

[@IronTrapGarage]

Those 3 gauges panels were a staple of early hot rods!

[@johnhealy4647]

It's amazing how our society has taken such a hard line in the fight for what each thinks is right. As I felt a bit of heartbreak when you mentioned cutting up the dash. It's your car! You saved it with a specific mindset! I want to just enjoy what you created, how you think, act and move in your projects especially during this pandemic is a blessing! After all, if you didn't save her from that watery grave, another classic would have been lost!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Exactly this car was very close to just being crushed! We feel a modified 39 dash is better then a crushed 39!!!

[@nealpurdy1202]

Looking good Matt! I like the extra little touches you are doing. I would love to see a spot on fixing that steering wheel if for nothing other than to prevent it from deteriorating further! Im looking forward to the interior. This is by my favorite car you have done... And i love them all!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Fixing the steering wheel is on the list! We plan to do a video one it! Thanks for watching.

[@donaldmcleish5194]

Matt the dash looks badass man that car has come along way I will definitely be watching the live Sunday service

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreylevin1266]

Very cool Matt. Looking forward to seeing it on the road.

[@craigcaggiano431]

Nice dash mod and gauge installation..

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Those trim plates really make that banjo wheel pop! Good eye, man!

[@62_C10]

Dash looks great

[@henryescat1104]

That dash looks slick.

[@henryescat1104]

The termites came out tonight in New Orleans East.._&]+

[@terrykeithley6183]

Matt, Terry here. Looks great, period correct. Regards to Kate, Moon, an the cats. See ya Sunday.

[@mikeyt3940]

Nice job on the dash, just the right amount of hot rod added. Love it!

[@50shadesofrust65]

Lookin better and better, gonna be a solid rod.

[@patrickmcginnis7028]

Matt, Please take a minute and google "The Beller Museum". This is a private collection of Jordan Beller now open to the public by appointment. Dr. Beller has been a traditional hot rodder since the fifties, and a very successful Optometrist. His collection includes 80some Model A's and dozens of trucks. He currently employs my 2 brothers as fabricators and blacksmiths to get the vehicles running as they were on their last useful days. He always says he can have a big collection because he doesn't spend money on paint. This is a place worth a stop or a planned visit if you are in Chicagoland. His collection of parts is mind boggling, and the Doc is a hoot to spend time with. I also believe you would like to meet Terry and Tim in their natural habitat, the shop.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We will be sure to take a look and add it to our list of places to visit!!!

[@dennisc.1189]

Matt, I love how the dash turned out, bleeds in nicely to the rest of the car.

[@jasonrackawack9369]

Dont forget holes for turn siginal indicators if you need them, maybe could put in the top upper corners. Would balance out the high beam light in the center.

[@IronTrapGarage]

The aftermarket turn signal stalk we have has built in indicator lights

[@garycook2355]

looking good on the dash build. I had one of those 3 gauge clusters in my 64 Falcon sprint drag racer. old school all the way!

[@fjbowen3155]

Love this project too!!! And I'm sure all of your videos are helping us back yard hot rodders, me, " I'm low buck"!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

I am also a low buck and/or no buck guy. Like 70% of us I'm sure.

[@Luckyloser007]

Turned off the news the moment i saw this post. Always great. Thanks again!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Way better then any news channel!!!

[@tractordave9300]

Better than anything on Ancient TV MotorTrend . It’s great that you know Motorheads of all kinds are a part of this project. Blocks out all the stupid crap that’s happening to our world! Thanks again Matt

[@davidkimsey9591]

Very nice work on the dash! You’ve restored the functionality and kept the vibe- not an easy thing to do. Can’t wait to see her driving!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Looks so tidy. I dig it. All love for the progress shown. Irreplaceable content. Inspiration lives here.

[@IronTrapGarage]

We hope to inspire others to build kick ass hot rods!!

[@scottwilliams3344]

Your right, don't over restore great work.

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

Coming along nicely, really liking that dash. Thanks for the update Matt.

[@tomcathughes2969]

Looks Great!

[@onehotpinto]

Still my absolute favorite project. The way you did the dash is the way a guy in the late 50s early 60s with an eye for detail (aka the "cool guy") would have done it, except he would have used an acetylene set-up instead of TIG. I am envious of you, keep up the good work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Everyone loves the 39 Hot Rod!!!!

[@steinarerling8185]

Love your videos of the forgotten HotRod /regards from Norway

[@joell439]

Love the flow. Excellent result. Very exciting project. 👍👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mick_1949]

Really well done Matt! That looks excellent! 👍

[@es7614]

Really nice work, Matt. This '39 is still my fave project (and still a big fan of the fan!)

[@protc]

Looks great nice work.

[@tertessa]

Dashboard looks good... nice work

[@reuben1974]

Looks great Matt, you’ve done the dash justice it’s hot rodded enough to look interesting but not over the top. 👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

I think so too!

[@alshotrodsandratrods8780]

It's looking great Matt. I'm using a 39 dash and banjo wheel on my 31 roadster. It's a perfect fit after cutting out the gas tank. I'm using the stock gauges with a voltage drop resistor. I'm missing the clock and would like to buy the one you aren't using. It doesn't have to work it just has to fill the hole. I'll send an email for a price and where to send the money.

[@philliprowell6588]

CLEAN LOOKS GOOD

[@jeffchecchio5026]

Looks great. Nice job

[@mikeycunningham2307]

Very nice job on the dash keep up the awesome work take care and stay safe and stay blessed see you in the next one

[@chuckster6513]

Hey Matt, just watched the Re-do on the 39 Dash. Really so much better than the double dumb gauges that it had ! Not crazy about the fan where it is but it's not my car. The Bango steering wheel in these cars is such a classy look but that nasty old plastic really kills the pazaz. I hope you have a plan to re-do the Wheel just to give it back that great look . I know you can buy Acrylic resin now to repair or rebuild the damaged one but retain the vintage color and look. It would be a bit of work but it would be such an improvement ! Duder Late Chuck

[@IronTrapGarage]

We plan to do a repair video of the banjo wheel! It’s on our long list of future videos!!!

[@chuckster6513]

@@IronTrapGarage Farm Out ! Looking forward to it.

[@chrisschofield5310]

looking good Matt it turned out great your workmanship is a credit to you another top video looking forward to the next one cheers Chris S NSW Australia

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!!

[@TrendsbySterling]

Looks really good. Nice modification as always Matt!

[@richardt2k1]

I really didn’t think it look that good. But it looks awesome. 👍👍

[@morgansword]

Your car, your dash you like it. I think I would of fit all the gauges designated area. Little easier to keep track of... after a person gets used to how a cars heat or charging is going... they get overlooked a lot.

[@bobdupre3721]

very good

[@baileynick9803]

Fantastic job Matt. Looks well trick 😎🥂🍾

[@guillermonieri4203]

That dash looks beautiful!

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

MATT, IT CAME OUT AWESOME!!! I LOVE THE 39 FORGOTTEN HOT ROD!!!!!!

[@makenzieburnette1582]

Looks clean like that like that 3 row was meant to be

[@leonardwalters154]

Looks great, but. Ok you have a tach,speedo,3 gauge panel, switches, and the awesome little fan, but where's the fuel gauge? It really looks great!

[@IronTrapGarage]

We plan to swap out the amp gauge for a fuel gauge!!

[@daviddamico4288]

The dash looks good

[@kennethreiver985]

Anticipating the backlash from the AACA lol ! Oh no a rare and irreplaceable dashboard !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Just wait for Tuesday's video. Lifetime ban!!

[@christianheidt5733]

Nice job 👍, Lookin good!

[@michaelguinn5736]

Hey Matt & Co. just got the news we may not be going back to work till the middle of May, I work for one of the big 3 here in Michigan, that's another story for another time, so keep the video's coming. The dash looks awesome, how do you keep things straight working on so many projects at once? I'm old, my memory sucks so I have to make notes on what I need to do....ALL of your projects are coming along nicely....Be nice to see Andrew back working on his T.....Keep up the good work!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Bummer to hear Mike, we hope the world gets back to normal soon! Thank you for watching! I keep a lot of to-do lists to keep all of the projects straight!

[@michaelguinn5736]

Thanks Matt for your kind words, hopefully we will get back to work soon, one positive thing is I am catching up on the race car project, re-arranging the shop etc. God Bless!!

[@motorfreaknew]

a very good job! that dashboard look amazing! i love this car, keeps a classic image, but very cool .... i can't wait to see it on the road!

[@IronTrapGarage]

We can’t wait to drive it!!!

[@jackhaller5189]

Looking Great!!!

[@TrueNorthModels]

Dash looks great, another job well done. Cheers

[@chuckelliott258]

Dash really looks great thought maybe that a adapter plate would have worked but after seeing how you done it was just perfection maybe a small rectangular fuel gauge in the lower left corner don't know just thinking

[@IronTrapGarage]

We will be using a fuel gauge in place of the amp gauge!!!

[@radracer2033]

Would you be able to cut those 2 little pieces of trim and put them together to take up all the space between the gauges? That little gap kind of bugs me but the rest is looking awesome!

[@mikesonneson2824]

Enjoyed

[@squidgameisaliarisawnosqui5341]

Love it 😀 ty Steve

[@KevinJohnson-fx6wq]

I like it. Thanks for sharing.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikego18753]

Top shelf.Thumbs up.Great vid ect ect.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you kindly

[@shfr1747]

Hi , if your interested , with your tig as in the speedo pannel. Move alittle quicker put less wire in - so every half to one second dabs , watch the heat , select just enough to fuse comfortably without overheat. Result - will flow down butt smoothly , very little if any grinding same with distortion . It can be done so a perfect radius is achieved just from the weld but mainly its less grinding if any and less heat ie; distortion. Its fun too, well for me. Its a common conception that tig is like mig or arc in that you need to pour so much filler wire in as to get a bead like in those other welding methods. On an edge or thin sheet butt like that you dont .Anyhow your going ok as you are so just if your interested some welding technique info to play with. Cheers

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for the tip!!!!

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

AWESOMENESS!

[@shanewright6958]

Great job. It's looking good 👍👍🇨🇱

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@frankgriffin9453]

You will need turn signal indicator lightsaber, maybe in the top corners of the new part!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

That is built into the turn signal stalk on these early turn signal setups.

[@OldIronRC]

yeah man, the dash looks awesome!

[@scottcarter90]

Love it! Looks good!

[@sekanoe]

Try using aluminum fold 1st, then the steel wool to take out the rust.

[@tompalcie6284]

Nice

[@radders50]

Is the kustom F100 from the scrap yard still on your radar ? You are missing a pickup from your projects 😁😎 always need another project 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s on our radar for sure! Space is just limited at this time

[@BigIronFab]

@@IronTrapGarage What video is the F100 in? I must have missed it.

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

You can never have to many projects! Just not enough time and money! Just my opinion, LOL.

[@edwardjustiniano8109]

Watching these videos from Massachusetts love your work brother some day I'll meet you in person will be interested in buying a hot rod that's already built somewhat 1930 sedan chopped and channeled what I'm looking for for the caddy motor for Speed 9 inch rear love you work bro

[@andrewlevine8816]

It came up old school cool. Wouldn't of turned out as good with store bought catalogue guages.

[@study650]

I love it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@henryescat1104]

I would glue some small magnets on the back of that little piece.

[@markeholbrook]

Lookin guud!

[@robertbrady9597]

hi matt is the car aucion on the car from the video you had on here stay safe your way

[@IronTrapGarage]

Its currently postponed until further notice. Keep and eye on the auctioneers website for updates!

[@michaelstagar525]

Look-n good!

[@beealzebub4338]

Great job. Perfect blending in new with the old, in old school style. Looks just right. What ever happened to the hot rod you started with an old Chrysler V8? I liked that addition to the mix.

[@IronTrapGarage]

That hot rod got sold. A viewer was looking for a car build and talked us into selling it!

[@beealzebub4338]

IronTrap Garage

[@beealzebub4338]

Sorry to hear that. You should have one old hemi powered hot rod.

[@billmartin4602]

Just a thought might no fit your theme. How about adding a light under the dash above the louvers ? Like a dim courtesy light. Either way great job really like the old skool gages.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Not a terrible idea! Thanks for watching!!

[@glenncutright9769]

LOOKS GOOD MATT i made my comment too soon HOTROD OH.

[@joek1960]

Did you put a fuel gage in the accessory gauge panel? Or are you planning to do the old piece of branch as fuel dipstick to check the level of pushmoline in the revazore before you head out each time?

[@IronTrapGarage]

The amp gauge in the panel will be getting replaced with a proper fuel gauge

[@FatManWalking18]

looks really good matt. you give welding lessons?

[@chuckster6513]

Actually he does ! Look for his Eastwood Videos !

[@dennisschickling5759]

#STAYSAFE

[@crchuckh6852]

2 thumbs up brother

[@theodoreko2700]

Ever try aluminum foil and chrome cleaner to clean pitted chrome instead of steel wool?

[@IronTrapGarage]

We will have to try that!

[@chuckhawes7519]

I need the 39.