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Covans dash inserts, anyone have one?

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#21 ·
For as much as they charge for these inserts they should fit perfect. No reason the tooling can't be made right. I tried one in a 64 Malibu and sent it back. Too thin and didn't fill the hole right. For $170 I shouldn't have to put windlace on it to close the gap. Its a great idea but the execution is lacking.
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
zipsimons said:
Try a piece of 1/8 inch lexan. You could heat it up and form the concave shape. Paint it when you're done
Click to expand...
That is a pretty damn good idea, should be fairly cheap too. I might give it a shot. If I do I will post up the results.
 
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#23 ·
Image
this is my 71, as someone previously said they dont fit well around the heating controls and a/c vents but its nothing a little trimming cant fix, the only thing with that is after spending the amount of money on covans flimsy plastic your also trying not to crack it if you ever need to access wires behind the gauges.

in my honest opinion there is a new company making billit inserts in place of the 71 sweeping gauge, i would rather spend the $400 on that then plastic.
other wise it makes for a nice dashboard.

-Marc

http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2652779540105194150QUpImP?vhost=entertainment
Image
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
That panel is nice enough I think you would sell a good few if it was marketed correctly and priced even half ass competitively.

There just aren't any other options I can find.

I have seen the metal inserts and they still have missing places for controls and things, they are more expensive, and I am not a fan of the "tacked on" looking design. The key to the lexan idea above is some filler and blending it with the dash to look right IMO.

Image
 
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#28 ·
I think if you made a template very precise so it actually rests against the surrounding edges, then painted it black, you could avoid having to mold it in for a nice look that "belongs"... To thunderstruck avout the lexan
 
#30 ·
zipsimons said:
cool look forward to it! I've been talking to a company about reproducing my gauge panel in all aluminum! gonna be pricey for the prototype though! think i could sell a few and recover some money?
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Great looking dash Zip-Im curious what cost would be as well, I have the sweep dash and dont really want to purchase a SS dash, just to turn around and put a cover over it. I like the layout you've done here-Let us know cost! I might be a customer.....
 
#31 ·
Blownchevelle68 said:
Great looking dash Zip-Im curious what cost would be as well, I have the sweep dash and dont really want to purchase a SS dash, just to turn around and put a cover over it. I like the layout you've done here-Let us know cost! I might be a customer.....
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I should know within a month. I will let eveyone know when it is done and posr it in the classifieds
 
#32 ·
thunderstruck507 said:
Bumping this because it is back on my mind again.

Has anyone had luck trimming where it doesn't fit correctly? Did the cuts look good or need some kind of coating or anything?

Is there a better option that is affordable?
Click to expand...
We are currently working on one that should be in production in the next 45 days if you can hold out...And are interested in the design..Will post up pics in a couple weeks...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Shop-LLC/103853559705438
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Shop-LLC/103853559705438
 
#35 ·
RDRAGE911 said:
Hey was checking in on progress on this dash cluster. Let me know interested in this set up.
Click to expand...
It has been quite an experience up to this point to say the least! follow my thread in the interior section to find out all the details. I have taken back complete control of the project (like I should have all along!) and have all the hard and expensive stuff out of the way. I am waiting on a few parts that I should hopefully receive this week. I will then assemble them and have the powder coating done. There is some final detail polishing to complete it. I will be making TEN of these panels initially and they will be ready by May 1st if not earlier.
 
#36 ·
I wondered about the headlight switch also on the covans ss insert. I didn't realize there wasnt a spot until I received it. Luckily I only paid 29 bucks for it on eBay new.
 
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Discussion starter · #38 ·
I am thinking of going with the Dakota analog gauge set. Its $750 shipped with all sensors and everything and fits in the stock cluster. Lifetime warranty even.

Autometer gauges alone would run me $800+ and I would still have to buy the Covans or make something either of which means cutting up a SS style dash. No brainer for me.
 
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thunderstruck507
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