I found a winner

[Don Coatney]

I bought an e-bay complete (P-15) dash gauge assembly on the bay last month. It was delivered a couple of weeks ago when I was on the road. This morning I had the opportunity to unpack it and see what I bought. Looks like the speedometer is in good working order as that was what I needed. It appears to run smoothly with no noise and the counter works well. I will disassemble it for a good D&C (dusting and cleaning) and then install it. Added benefit with this purchase is I got a full set of gauges (temperature gauge not working), ignition switch, light switch, heater switch, starter button, and all of the old wiring is in place so I can pre fab a new harness on the bench.

Anyone know if a replacement speedometer gasket can be bought or do I have to make one?

[Norm's Coupe]

Good deal Don. I think you'll have to make a new gasket. Don't think I've seen those being sold.

[BobT-47P15]

as i recall, the gasket is light weight cardboard, or paper. probably have to manufacture yer own.....can't recall one for sale. i think mine went bye bye years ago.....probably hasn't hurt anything by not being there.

[Plymouthy Adams]

A old shoebox carboard is very nice for making the gasket..worked for me..or course you can always buy a small sheet of gasket material if you want form the local parts house...I figured no one was going to be looking up from under my dash and be able to detect the material just from a bit of gasket edge showing...

[Don Coatney]

I am thinking a paper grocery bag might work. The gasket is very thin. At least I have the spare assembly on the bench to use to make a pattern.

[Bob Riding]

Don; great find...didn't think you needed a new dash...?

Bob

[Plymouthy Adams]

So far Don has the fastest benchtop...62MPH and some Tennessee drivers fluid and the cop's can't touch him....

[Don Coatney]

So far Don has the fastest benchtop...62MPH and some Tennessee drivers fluid and the cop's can't touch him....

62 my a$$! I can top 100 on the bench and on the road loaded with Tennessee shine:D

[Young Ed]

Don I've had good luck with pop cases for making gaskets. I used that in my coupe and my pickup. They have a plastic-y coating on one side that seems to make them stronger then the same thickness plain cardboard.

[randroid]

Don,

I made hundreds of gaskets while maintaning an engine room on a ship, and the #1 recomended material for making thin paper gaskets was old charts. For the next thicker gasket the US Navy recommends cereal boxes. Just remember that if it bends and creases in the slightest you no longer have a viable gasket, although it will still keep metal from touching metal and therefore prevent annoying squeaks and rattles.

If you cut a gasket yourself, a major "trick" is to cut the inside hole first because what's left on the outside will be stronger than the inside and help prevent those dreaded creases.

If you need to punch holes in it, do those first, again because of the support from the surrounding material.

I've made a number of gaskets for my '48 P-15 and find it a rewarding experience and another source of pride in my ride. Give it a shot even if a new gasket is available at NAPA because, if nothing else, you become more self-sufficient in maintaining the drive.

Xacto knives are best for doing small inside radii but remember how much supportive material you have around what you're cutting. Sharp scissors are my weapon of choice for longer uniterrupted runs, and if you're still shy about trying to cut your own gaskets and think I'm some experienced expert you must realize that I left the Navy 38 years ago. I just remember how to do it, that's all.

-Randy

[grey beard]

Don,

Is not the only purpose for the dash gasskets a dust seal? Might it be a consideration to put down a thin layer of RTV, let it dry completely, and use that - one side only? If you ever take it apart again, the stuff would come right off, and if you let it dry thoroughly, it would not get anywhere you don't want it. JMHO:)

[Don Coatney]

I left the Navy 38 years ago. I just remember how to do it, that's all.-Randy

Randy;

Now I know why those Navy ships I rode on 40 years ago had so many leaks:D

I mentioned paper grocery bags. Back in the 50's when I first learned to make gaskets they were the material of choice for Ford differential gaskets.

[Reg Evans]

15# or 30# felt ( tar paper ) works great for sealing liquid in or out.