If you're looking to upgrade your 1949-50 Ford's gauge setup without the hassle of refinishing your original bezel, the VHX-49F is a solid choice. This kit comes with a slick, show-chromed billet aluminum bezel that fits right into your stock dash points—no cutting or major modifications needed. It’s a great blend of modern tech while still keeping that classic feel, and you can pair it with the VLC-49F clock/message center (that’s sold separately) for a complete look.

Now, let’s talk about what really sets this system apart. First off, it has fully lit needles and backlit faces, making it easy to read in any lighting. The LCD message center is bright and clear, so you won't miss any important info. Under the hood, you’ll find micro-controlled precision stepper motors and solid-state sensors that deliver top-notch accuracy. Plus, you can customize the display feedback to suit your style. And, if you’re worried about reliability, Dakota Digital backs this with a limited lifetime warranty—pretty sweet, right?

Here’s a quick rundown of the specs:

• Speedometer: 0 - 120 MPH (with an optional metric version that goes up to 195 km/h)
• Tachometer: 0 - 8,000 RPM
• Oil Pressure: 0 - 80 psi
• Water Temperature: 100 - 260°F (metric version available: 40 - 120°C)
• Fuel Level: E, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, F
• Voltmeter: 9 - 17 VDC

On top of that, you get some handy standard displays like an odometer that can be set by the user (and it’s good for a million miles), a dual trip meter, and a 12-hour clock. If you're into performance metrics, this system has you covered with 0-60 MPH timers, quarter-mile times, and even high-speed recalls.

As for indicators, it’s got all the essentials: turn signals, high beam, check engine light, and even a parking brake indicator. If your ride has cruise control or 4x4 capabilities, those indicators are included too. Each analog gauge also has a red LED for quick warnings—except for the speedo, of course.

Customization is a big deal with the VHX-49F. You’ve got over 30 color options to play with for the needles, sweeps, and digital displays. Daytime and nighttime brightness levels can be adjusted easily through the setup menu, and if you want to control it on the fly, you can snag the DIM-1 accessory for that rotary control.

With 12 factory preset color themes, you can quickly set up a beautiful system, or if you’re feeling creative, go wild and choose every color zone yourself. The full LED backlighting ensures that your gauges look sharp both day and night, and you can create a look that’s either classic or totally unique.

This setup is specifically designed for Ford cars from 1949-1950, so you know it’ll fit just right. Just a heads up—the expected time of arrival is about 12-16 weeks, so plan accordingly.

In short, if you want to keep the vintage vibe of your Ford but need the reliability and features of modern instrumentation, the VHX-49F is definitely worth considering.