Punching hole in instrument panel for temp gauge - TO30

Bill in Brunswick · Oct 9, 2015

Looking for wisdom in punching the 2 inch hole in the instrument panel for a temp gauge.
I see there is a circular indent in the panel in the lower left corner. But it looks rigid enough that I doubt it can just be punched out like a knock out in an electrical junction box.
How have you guys installed your panel gauges?

Thanks,
Bill

Steve@Advance · Oct 9, 2015

It's not an easy task!

There are special size knock out punches, but they are too expensive for a one time use. Someone at a
custom car shop might have one that could cut it for you.

A 1 1/2" electrical knock out cutter is just a few thou under 2". They are common, could probably borrow
one from an electrician or maintenance shop. Then file the ID out with a half round file or air grinder to
final fit.

A hole saw will also work, need a way to turn it really slow, like a 1/2" variable speed "arm breaker"
drill. But, a hole saw will always cut OVER the size it is marked! If you are shooting for 2", use a 1
7/8", watch what is happening. Then hand finish it with a file or grinder.

Bob · Oct 9, 2015

If you don't want to use a hole saw and muck around and don't mind spending some BUCKS, there' lots of options out there.

GOOGLE "Dash Gauge Hole Punches:.

Tony in Mass. · Oct 10, 2015

I thought all 30's had an oil, temp and ammeter gauge installed? The earlier -or UK built, didn't have factory ammeters, but a red light bulb. I forget which one of mine still has that knock out, and what is missing.
I would leave the dash alone, and use the tin mount that comes with the gauge, screw it to the bottom of the dash hanging down, or to the battery box, anywhere you can see it- the way millions of people put them under dashes of cars the last 60 years or so.....

wellmax99 · Oct 10, 2015

I like Tony's idea, just mount it somewhere else and not mess with the dash.

but if the dash, it has to be,

I would get some test sample, same thickness sheet metal and practice on a hole, being sure the gauge will fit properly.

having the hole too small is fixable, having the hole too large, much bigger problem and you will see the result of your screw up, each time you drive the tractor.

Steve@Advance · Oct 10, 2015

Wanted to add... When using a hole saw, if you drill the 1/4" hole first, then remove the drill bit from the saw mandrel and replace it with a dowel pin, the pin will guide the saw without wallowing the hole and letting the saw walk.

Bill in Brunswick · Oct 10, 2015

Sorry it took me so long to get back here to read your comments.
What great comments. Thank you very much.
Great options. I may hang it under the dash temporarily which may become permanent..... you know how that works

But I do know where to get a hydraulic punch. So like was recommended, go small and file to size sounds like good wisdom !!!
I'll probably pass on the hole saw since I remember some hole saw work I've done in the past on stuff and I wasn't very pleased with myself.
Thanks again for all the great comments.
This has always been a great forum.
Bill

Bruce(OR) · Oct 10, 2015

The wife's TO-20 dash has the idiot light for a charge indicator, a water temp and oil pressure
gauge, There is another panel that I mounted with the gas gauge, amp meter, volt meter, master cut
off switch and hour meter. The tachometer should still be coming and will be mounted to the steering
column.

Bill in Brunswick · Oct 16, 2015

Well... I just wanted everyone to know how things turned out.
I borrowed a hydraulic knockout kit from work.
Used a drafting compass to find the perfect center of that raised 2" circle on the TO30's instrument panel to drill the hole for the hydraulic knockout.
Got a center punch and hammer and placed the center punch right on the mark.
Tapped the center punch with the hammer....... and the 2" raised circle cleanly fell out of the instrument panel

Go figure.
I should have wacked it once before I posted asking for help !!!!!
Well, now I have a nice clean hole and the new temp gauge looks mighty fine mounted in it.
Thanks again for everyone's help.

Boss Hog · Oct 17, 2015

Thanks for letting us know how it turned out.

Punching hole in instrument panel for temp gauge - TO30

Bill in Brunswick

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Steve@Advance

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Bob

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Tony in Mass.

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wellmax99

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Steve@Advance

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Bill in Brunswick

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Bruce(OR)

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Bill in Brunswick

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Boss Hog

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