Adding Instruments

[BLACKJACK]

I'M INSTALLING A KENNE-BELL BLOWER IN MY EXCALIBUR COBRA. I PLAN ON INSTALLING A VDO BOOST GAUGE (MY OTHER GAUGES ARE VDO).

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED IN A LIGHTLY "PADDED" LEATHER - VERY NICELY DONE AND I DON'T WANT TO "SCREW IT UP".

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE ON CUTTING THE HOLE FOR THE GAUGE WITHOUT RUINING THE PADDED LEATHER COVER???

THANKS, AND, Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

[427sharpe]

When I added a gauge to my car, I found the best way was to mark the gauge location with a soap stick (like tailors use), then to cut the leather with a flat, very hot and thin palette knife. It will sear the leather and the padding instantly (no rips or imprecise cuts) and then you can remove the circle of leather you cut and use a very sharp metal punch on the dash, which will leave a straight, clean edge. Install the new gauge, voila. I dont know if your tool selection is broad enough, but a second option is a die cutting wheel. You drill a small pilot hole centered where you want the gauge, assemble the cutter and screw it together. It will cut anything, and leave a perfect hole. A machine shop will have them, and maybe you can rent or borrow it...there are quite expensive to purchase. My set for work ran about $900. You can purchase a similar kit from Northern, but it is a flat punch set. I have a set of these for the house, and they are very nice..about $100 if I remember.

[John 550]

I will take a stab at it ... This is just a guess , so you find a spot with nothing behind it , Measure exactly mark with a center punch . draw a perfect circle . cut the leather with an x cut (twice ) so you can pull back the leather larger than the hole saw , but not larger than the besel . drill pilot hole , then drill with a hole saw in reverse so the teeth don't grab the glass or metal .

[Back in Black]

To make a template out of thin panel wood, with the exact size hole you want, then just carefully cut around with an exacto knife. Hold the template in place with 100 MPH tape (get it at a military surplus store)

As far as what's behind the leather, sounds like you will need a jigsaw, with the right type of blade. Keep the template in place, until the cuttin's done, or...

[BLACKJACK]

HEY GUYS,

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE GREAT ADVICE. THE BLOWER & INSTRUMENTS ARE GOING INTO THE "EXCALIBUR" AND IT'S FINISHED AND DETAILED SO WELL I'M REALLY CAUTIOUS ABOUT "SCREWING IT UP".

THANKS AGAIN,

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY,

BLACKJACK

[Art Burtt]

Take it to an upolsterer,they will do it right!

[KobraKarl]

Blackjack,

A freind of mine has an orriginal 289 w/ a blower and the boost guage is actually mounted under the dash in a chrome gauge mount like you would find in an auto parts store.

If you want to mount it in your dash , use a 2" hole saw, $15,20 for a decent one (sharp) start the pilot slooow, you do not want the circle cutter to make abrupt contact with your dash when the pilot breaks thruogh the panel! You may want to drill the pilot first. then gently start the cutter at low rpm and youll be done in 30 seconds. If you are really worried cut the leather away first, but i think the margin for error is larger cutting by hand.

good luck, glad you finally got your car

[casaleenie]

Mark the spot where you plan on installing the new instrument.
Next, place the dynamite .................

[BLACKJACK]

CASALEENIE - - - -

I KNOW THE SPOT - - BEND OVER AND I'LL PLACE THE DYNAMITE !!

BLACKJACK

[KobraKarl]

woops.............
just re read the posts and realized ive mixed up the black guys.................. so to speak...........