Just a Dash

[Grant Bowker]

The left and right dashes are patterns that are common in Canada, I haven't seen one like the middle one here. In general, the pattern with the civilian pattern instrument cluster is earlier than the one with the individual instruments but there are multiple examples of early features (not just dashes) showing up on late trucks (probably due to the supply system). Interestingly, the Canadian data plate on the middle panel is an earlier pattern. Also the middle panel is clearly not a bush-engineered special. If it isn't a common Australian thing, is it possible it was made of parts adapted from another vehicle? .
Because of commonality with civilian vehicles, it may be easier to find restoration services for that pattern but the parts aren't always easy (or cheap) to find. The round instruments look like later, common fitments but are not always an exact match. An example is the change from ammeter to voltmeter and from black and white to coloured face. Also M series instruments were usually backlit instead of having lights mounted on the front of the panel.