Need some advice

This is not the light switch hole, or the key switch hole. The keyswitch is located on the lower left corner of this dash (where it should be).

What do I do? I have had a hard time locating a cast dash. DO I send it back? can that hole be filled with aluminum material and then welded closed then ground and polished flat? And if my intent is to hand polish the cast aluminum panel, will that repair be noticeable because I do not plan to paint it over but show the aluminum? The hole is larger than a quarter.

Needless to say, with a lot of high expectations and the amount of money it cost it is a little disapointing. Advice? if you're goal is to do a thorough restoration, and as impeccable as possible what would you do? Try to repair it, call the seller and send it back? Live with it? and/or keep looking? thanks - 9N'er

Have you called Pal...'er..a...your supplier to let him know of your problem? Did you get both halves of the instrument panel/steering housing or did you just need the upper? You should have the complete unit (upper and lower).

I had my aluminum housing welded at work using aluminum rod of course.

It was "v" 'ed out on both sides and welded on both sides. I only ground the lower side that mated to the lower steering housing. I left the top side as is for extra strength. The welder did a good job. I'm not a welder and I don't know how hard it is to weld cast. I guess one thing depends on the quality of material.

I was wondering what would happen if you had an aluminum slug/plug, made out of aluminum sheet, the size of your hole. Weld the plug to the hole in the dash. Wonder what that'd look like? I'd hate to do more damage though.

Get some advice from more experienced guys and go from there. I wouldn't hesitate to send it back and have that guy locate another one w/o the hole. Of course it could take you some time to get one. But he does have his connections.

BTW, the ignition switch was located on the lower right side of the instrument panel for a short period of time according to an article in the "N-Newsletter". I have one of those dashes with that switch located there.

Have fun!
Keep the quest alive and don't give up.
Tyman

your dash is (from my reading and literature) an interesting one with the key on the lower right. I hadn't picked up on that until you pointed it out. Apparently 1940 saw three dash types evolve:

1. key on right of dash with starter button on left side.

2. key on lower left side of dash, with starter button on tranny,

3. key switch to steering column and starter button remained on tranny.

My current steel dash on the tractor has the key mounted on the steering column. The cast aluminum dash I just received is the mid-40 version (#2 above).

I rcvd an e-mail suggestion that marine repair shops are famiiar and skilled with welding props and holes in props. And suggested that Rod's advice below is a good idea to check into. It may be best to ask one of those shops who do that work on a regular basis. I'll post the results.

Can't see having a cutout rough hole in the middle of a dash for no reason. thanks. 9N'er

Just a suggestion....

Some early N's equipped with Sherman auxiliary transmissions had cable operated with an handle
under dash instead of a lever in bell housing.

You may put an handle with support bushing in this
hole to hide it.

Good luck

Joe Ferguson

Yeah, you were expecting NOS from a used tractor parts emporium and his defination probably was it ain't got no big cracks so it's in cherry condition.

I'm not a metalurgist, but I believe its repairable and probably non-detectable (with miracle gel? grin)

Bummer..... just one more obsticale to overcome, you can perservere..... Dell

Your answer raises the questions in my mind about old parts, buying sight unseen, and what is acceptable and what standards are too high for parts that are 60 years old. I think the answer lies in how rare is the part being purchased (or difficult to obtain), and to what extent is the repair and resulting visible defect, and cost.

There is probably not one right answer, but what I feel is best for my situation.

Sight unseen is a risk. NO doubt about that. Don't have an issue with the seller at all; highly respect and admire him...goes w/o question.

I'll probably hang on to it, try the repair similar to Rod's suggesting above, and if worse comes to worse, paint the dash; or attach some sort of gold plated horn button there to hide it with a glob of Repair Gel.

good hearing from you Dell. I'm glad to see you step away from Kerchoff, electrons and resistance formulas and delve into the realm of metalurgy. 9N'er