It would be real nice if you guys could throw some opinions at me. I'm attempting to build a completly custom dash with all aftermarket gauges, no glove box, aftermarket head unit installed in dash, but keeping the head light controls, windshield wipers, and heat/ airconditiong controls. It'd be sweet if anyone has any pictures of anything or an opinion that I shouldn't be working around cars cause I'm just way too crazy and dont believe theres nothing I cant do. HAHA. Thanks a lot you guys!!! graemlins/thumbsup.gif -Mike

i got mmy dash from covans dont order from them the thing is flimsy and bends alot ineed to reinforce it

I’m doing a custom SS dash in my 71 right now. Much like the one SS520 did. I am using the Auto Meter Phantom white face gauges that have the black bezels on then so it will look like your looking into a hole at them.

I got an SS dash off eBay as well as a gauge housing to modify. The housing needed some repair work so I have been using plastic specific epoxy to reinforce some of the areas of 30 year old plastic and bond the aluminum framework for holding the gauges in place.

This is a lot of work and requires a lot of “outside the box” analytical thinking to solve the problems of how to mount the gauges, how to secure them and make it reliable enough that it will last through the bumps and grinds of everyday driving.

The three main gauges are the 3 3/8” tach and electric speedo plus the 2 5/8” fuel gauge and the 2 1/16” oil, temp & volts. The three main gauges are not too bad but the smaller 2 1/16 gauges are trickier to get mounted and positioned in the housing so that you will be able to see the markings on the faces. I had to do a lot of grinding with my Dremel to get things to fit just how I want them.

I am also going to mount an AM radio in the original location. I got a non-working one off eBay and gutted it so that is just for looks. I am mounting a disappearing face (flat face) El Kameleon in the area where the heater controls were. I took out the air and I don’t need anymore heat than I already get from the BB on the other side of the firewall !

The key is don’t try to do this project on a set time frame. It will take some time and a lot of it is staring at the stuff trying to figure out the best way to accomplish what you are trying to do. Then fabricating it, assembling it and taking t back apart and then doing it all over again before you paint everything and assemble it for the final time. I have been at this for the last three weekends and I’m about ½ way done – like I said you can’t hurry this project. The finished product will reflect the time and care you put into it.

Oh by the way, if you think this is a cheap way to get an SS dash FORGET IT ! So far I have spent more on the used dash, gauges (almost $400 alone), old radio and gauge housing than I would have an a good used SS dash with working gauges. That doesn’t count the epoxy, paint, aluminum sheet & strap material – it all adds up. But you end up with a one of a kind custom dash the YOU built.

I will post some pix of the “in process” work under a new topic.

Hope this helps !

Tom

Tom,

Glad to hear the project is coming along well. You are right, it takes a lot of time and patience. Hope you will post some pics soon.

Hi Wayne !

Man, I don't know how you did yours without any grinding of the bezel to get the gauges to fit in there flush ! I had to grind away a bunch around the smaller gauges so that they would sit flat against the carrier to be seen clearly from the front of the dash.

You were right - it takes a lot of time and patience.

Tom

Originally posted by Chevyman123:
It would be real nice if you guys could throw some opinions at me. I'm attempting to build a completly custom dash with all aftermarket gauges, no glove box, aftermarket head unit installed in dash, but keeping the head light controls, windshield wipers, and heat/ airconditiong controls. It'd be sweet if anyone has any pictures of anything or an opinion that I shouldn't be working around cars cause I'm just way too crazy and dont believe theres nothing I cant do. HAHA. Thanks a lot you guys!!! graemlins/thumbsup.gif -Mike Ever Heard Of "RACEDASH"?

graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

It seems that I'm not going through with the "RACEDASH" option. My dad and I are going to design a metal frame and then go from there. I'll keep you guys posted on how this attempt goes. Thanks again! -Mike

You guys really need to consider LVMAX's dash insert. It will save you many hours of work and frustration.

what's lvmax? is it a race dash or original? is there a site for the maker? i'm interested in doing a custom dash too.

hey my buddy did an aluminum dash in his velle. its got GM bowtie guages in it. it came out awesome here is a pic.

http://img.s10forum.com/album151/abj.jpg


aaron

Where do you find one of those "RACEDASH"es? I want to see a pic. TIA graemlins/beers.gif

The dash above isnt a "RACEDASH". LVMAXX designs them, and JTFM (Jim the fab man) makes em, or something to that extent.

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/LVMAXX/prtyp8.JPG

Thats a RACEDASH. They have one for the 70-72, and I believe that are working on one for the 68 or the 69, I don't remember off hand. I'll let them fill you in. When I say they, I mean him and his wife, not JTFM tongue.gif

BTW... I want to buy one for my 71.

that is pretty cool alternative to a SS dash
Phil

Actually, the picture shows the '70-'72 Dash Insert We Designed and Build.

However, we are building our new home here in Lovelock, NV, a quick hour up Highway 80 north of Reno. When the home is complete, we will again offer all of our products, and maybe have our website "maxxnme.com" up and running.

You can reach us at-

775-908-7457 Cell/273-0708 Home

Go to our pictures in the Showroom on this site to see a "Racedash".