Leather Dash

Well, while waiting for the last kit #22 .... and waiting for the last kit #22.... and waiting for the last kit #22, I had some time on my hands to think about how I wanted to mount my Model T Ford speedometer that I acquired a couple of years ago. I have already modified one of the disk brake disks with a tooth profile and figured out how to mount a right angle swivel drive. Follow these links to review: Speedometer Calculations; Front Disk Gear Profile; Speedometer Swivel Drive Mount. 

Below is the mock-up of the dash. I have added two brackets mounted off of the front chassis and a 3 inch flat stock piece of metal all temporarily clamped together. I procured an early 1910 to 1920 brass era automobile ignition/headlight combination keyed switch from eBay. I re-wired the burner switch to the keyed dash switch, and also the auxiliary lighting circuit switch to the dash switch. 

Next was the positioning of the Speedometer. I had to place this a bit away from the brake pedal. Didn't want to accidentally mash my foot on the speedometer. 

The next image shows where the Steam Pressure Gauge should go. I can't mount this yet because the piping for this is coming in the last kit. Did I say we are waiting for the last kit........

I had some left over leather from making the wire frame dash and decided to cover the 3 inch flat stock piece of steel with leather. It took about two days to do, first painting the metal and then one day covering and hand stitching the leather. But I think it turned out nicely. Although this was never an option for the Locomobile - lights, ignition switch and speedometer, I tried to make the appearance somewhat period correct. After all this is a "replicar" and not an actual copy of the Locomobile. The Lykamobile is a close copy and resembles and provides many of the experiences that a car of that era possessed (along with a few modern safety features like disk brakes, electric lights and diesel fuel). But the heart of the car is a close copy of the Locomobile. Below are some final pictures showing the leather dash. Final assembly will take place after the last Kit #22 arrives.