[Brendellajet]

Is it possible? Really like the gauge cluster in the 65 and would prefer it. Anyone ever try this? Im sure it "could" be done, just not sure what would be involved.

[sschevellefan]

Originally Posted by Brendellajet

Is it possible? Really like the gauge cluster in the 65 and would prefer it. Anyone ever try this? Im sure it "could" be done, just not sure what would be involved.

never done it but you would probably have to replace the entire dash. i know they come out but not sure if the dimentions are the same or similar.

[oman]

Originally Posted by Brendellajet

Is it possible? Really like the gauge cluster in the 65 and would prefer it. Anyone ever try this? Im sure it "could" be done, just not sure what would be involved.

You better REALLY like the 65 dash before you undertake this! I have never tried it but I have removed a few dash units from these cars and it is not a big deal. Cross breeding a hybrid like you want to is another thing all together. I must say I sorta like the idea myself. It would be different and I am so tired of the cookie cutter numbers resto cars it is not funny.

First thing I would do is check if the windshields are the same. I think they are but ya never know. If they are the same you have a STARTING point.

Next step I guess would be to see what happens when you try to match an A-pillar cover from the 66 up to the profile of a 65 dash pad. Check the parts book ...possibly the covers are the same BUT who knows till ya check? The A-pillar has to match the 65 dash pad or the end result is gonna look like a hack job. Remember the A-pillar has only one place it can go. You are gonna have to get the 65 dash to mate up to the point where the A-pillar cover ends.

If you try this make sure you have ALL the parts from the 65. There are lots of little brackets and what not that you gotta have to attach the dash and the controls that sit in it. You need a donor car IMHO. There will be brackets on the 65 dash that have to be mated to the 66 brackets. That should not be to hard if you are good at bending metal.

Last and likely WORST in all this is the wiring and heater ctrls. Even worse if you have A/C.

A note: GM had Pontiac dash boards in some of those weird Beaumont things built for the Canadian market. While I don't know how they did it and what years they cross mated when they did it but given that fact your idea seems like it is possible.

Remember this is not gonna be easy. Do you REALLY like that 65 dash that much?

[Blitz]

I would imagine you could but even without looking or thinking about it much I would say it's not going to be a direct bolt in. I've seen some interesting mods to dashes both classic and modern but sometimes when you want what you want you just have to accept the fact that it's not going to be a cake walk, especially if you're pioneering it. First thing I would do is get the dimensions of both the 65 and 66 dash and surrounding area, figure out where your obvious problems are and take lots of pictures at different angles. At least these dashes aren't as complicated as the new stuff. Man, now THAT would be a nightmare.

[floyd66]

In rare cases the 65 dash was factory installed into a 66.

These were for RH drive only. I guess GM did not want to produce a second 66 dash so they carried over the 65 RH dash.

I have never seen one.

[jeffschevelle]

It can be done provided you have all the pieces from the 65 dash including the center support and end brackets. But the 64-65 dashes are one stamped steel piece including the narrow sheetmetal piece on the outside beneath the windshield. Whereas in 67's that narrow strip is a separate piece from the upper dash shroud (not sure which way the 66's were done, one piece or two). So you'll have to deal with the lower windshield area too.

[Blitz]

Originally Posted by floyd66

In rare cases the 65 dash was factory installed into a 66.

These were for RH drive only. I guess GM did not want to produce a second 66 dash so they carried over the 65 RH dash.

I have never seen one.

Awww man, now THAT would be a fun mod! Right hand drive 65.

[Bryan59EC]

The dash on a 65 is also part of the lower windshield reveal and cowl.
The top of the dash and the upper cowl piece are one piece.

You would need to remove the dash and the lower windshield portion from a 65 to do this without seams (the upper cowl and dash are separate pieces welded together from the factory on a 66)

I suppose you could cut the dash from the 65 up to and including the windshield reveal and use a 66/7 upper cowl and upper dash repair kit ro bring everything together---lotta work.

I sent a 65 dash to someone last year that intended to do just this same thing--never heard back as to whether he finished or not.

[zeke67]

As everyone is alluding to, this is a major fabrication job. The dash in these cars are steel and are part of the top of the cowl and bottom of the windshield frame. It is going to take a donor car to pull this off, and the donor will be destroyed in the process.

One way to get the look you want is to get a 66 Beamont (which has the 64-65 dash shell) and bolt on all the stuff to convert it to a Chevelle rather than hack up a 65 and 66.

[Brendellajet]

Thanks for the input guys. Guess I am stuck with the 66 dash.

[Blitz]

Awww, I figured you'd take the challenge. Don't give up if it's what you really want.

[Brendellajet]

Originally Posted by Blitz

Awww, I figured you'd take the challenge. Don't give up if it's what you really want.

Problem is the 66 Is an elco- and I have two kids and a wife that want to go on rides(when its done). So when the Elco is done, Ill have to find a 65 Chevelle. Problem solved!

[Blitz]

Haha. Hey, I can't argue with that.