Ford Model A Instrument Panel Value Guide

The Ford Model A oval instrument panel is a quintessential piece of automotive history, marking the transition from the basic Model T to a more modern cockpit design. These steel and chrome housings are highly collectible for restorers seeking to maintain the period-correct aesthetic of early 1928-1930 production models.

What affects the value of Ford Model A Instrument Panel?

• Condition of the chrome plating, as pitting or heavy rust significantly reduces the $45-$50 market value.
• Structural integrity of the mounting tabs, which are often bent or snapped off during removal from salvaged vehicles.
• Presence of original mounting hardware or internal brackets which increases desirability for collectors.
• Authenticity of the stamping, ensuring it is an original Ford part rather than a modern thin-gauge reproduction.

How to Identify Ford Model A Instrument Panel?

• Verify the distinct oval shape characteristic of the 1928 to mid-1930 production run before the switch to the 'round' style.
• Check for the three specific mounting apertures designed to hold the speedometer, ammeter, and fuel gauge.
• Inspect the material for authentic heavy-gauge steel construction with original chrome plating remnants.
• Look for the specific stamped recessed edges that allow the panel to sit flush against the Model A fuel tank dashboard.

History of Ford Model A Instrument Panel

Introduced in the late 1920s, the Ford Model A replaced the venerable Model T. This specific oval-shaped panel was a hallmark of the early production years, designed to hold the speedometer, ammeter, and fuel gauge. It represents a significant era in automotive history when Ford transitioned to more modern, user-friendly cockpit designs.