In this edition of Dissect A Dash, we take a look at
the Ross Jackson 1932 Ford 3-window coupe,
circa 1959.
This was a special build overall. It steered away from the belly-button Deuce look, and carved out a real unique profile that you don't see often even today.
When was the last time you saw a full-fendered, three-window coupe, with whitewalls, stretched hood and with that silhouette?
And that one-off attitude extended to the cockpit as well. Let's take a gander...
First off, dig that full-chrome job! The dashboard and rail went in for the polished appeal, and even in black and white you can tell this had to be a show-stopper at the cruises.
Of course, you should know by now what the centerpiece is; a Stewart Warner set. And what's interesting is that Ross mounted this Hollywood panel upside down, and it works visually because the angles splay up and open, as if he had just taken the lid off a silver box. It leads the eye to the surrounding chrome, and the other measured details.
 |
| Notice the Hollywood Panel on the left, right-side up! |
They are all SW gauges, of course, and what looks like two pull-switches, likely lights and wipers, and a warning light (or possibly a start-button) in between.
To the drivers right, there is a radio. Below the panel is what appears to be a vacuum gauge combo and a series of toggle switches underneath (for either a nitrous or supercharger set-up?). To the left of the panel is a series of Cole Hersee flush-mount warning lights and indicators. Probably blinkers, and maybe an oil or engine-on light. You don't see as many of these Cole Hersee lights on the old rods; they really work in a smooth chromed panel however, as they have their own polished bezel that make the colored lights look like jewels in a calm river of silver.
All in all, Ross acquitted himself here quite well. Although it's a home-job, it's carefully considered and rendered with real thought and care.
A true classic, and well-worthy of a Dash Dissection!
