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What is the cheapest way to make a custom instrument panel for a 72 chevelle? Basically, I want to know where to get the cheapest packages for autometers and whatever else i need (wiring, etc).
Making a custom instrument panel.
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It would help if we knew exactly what you want. Are you looking to replace the sweep type speedo, or are you looking to build something for under the dash? Or perhaps you want to mount gauges in the dash? We really need to know what your plan is. The reason, the ideas for custom dashes are almost infinite. We've seen everything from rebuilt Monte Carlo dashes to custom instrument panels that are made to fit in the space where the speedometer goes.
The way I went about it was pretty cheap. I was doing a big block swap at the time, and funds where running thin. (i.e. the visa was about maxed out) 
Look over the pictures. Other than the cost of the gauges (from summit), was paying a machine shop $40 to cut the aluminum panel from a paper template I had drawn (free hand). They also did the swirl-brushing so the paint would stick. I didn't trust my jig-saw abilities.
In order to get by with doing it cheap, you have to have some natural ability to "creat" and overcome little difficulties.
There are other people setup pictured as well...
http://www.chevelle-ss.com/Members_Pages/Mike_S_files/Custom Gauges.htm
Look over the pictures. Other than the cost of the gauges (from summit), was paying a machine shop $40 to cut the aluminum panel from a paper template I had drawn (free hand). They also did the swirl-brushing so the paint would stick. I didn't trust my jig-saw abilities.
In order to get by with doing it cheap, you have to have some natural ability to "creat" and overcome little difficulties.
There are other people setup pictured as well...
http://www.chevelle-ss.com/Members_Pages/Mike_S_files/Custom Gauges.htm
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3,379 Posts
Monte Carlo dash - $50
Gauges from a mid-eighties Chevy pickup - $5
Tach from 79 Camaro - $20
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/showphoto.php/photo/4046/cat/500/ppuser/1008
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Gauges from a mid-eighties Chevy pickup - $5
Tach from 79 Camaro - $20
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/showphoto.php/photo/4046/cat/500/ppuser/1008
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598 Posts
Is your dash a sweep speedo and fuel gauge layout?
If it is, you could cut a piece of aluminum to fit the hole in the dash where the speedo housing fits. The opening in my 70 Chevelle is 16.75 inches wide by 4.25 inches high. A standard 8x18 inch piece of sheet metal is more than big enough to mount to the factory gauge mounting holes. The sweep dash opening can hold two large gauges and four small ones in a staggered layout (similar to the Covan's Classic package):
Two months ago I built a custom dash insert like this for my 70 Chevelle to replace the sweep speedo and fuel gauge. I built a template to fit the opening in the dash and utilizes the original gauge dash mount points.
I wanted it to be different, so I went with the Nordskog digital gauge package DP9255. The digital gauges and speedo sender cost about $500 from Summit but were still cheaper than using six Autometer needle gauges (Speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, voltmeter).
Mechanical gauges are often cheaper than electric gauges, which require electrical sending units.
I have seen a lot of posts from Chevelle owners saying they bought the Covan's Classic gauge package.
http://www.covansclassic.com/parts/subcat.php?MC=2
The dash insert prices with gauges and wiring are in the $600 to $900 range. The dash insert without gauges is $250.
You said you want cheap, so Covan's prices might be too high.
If it is, you could cut a piece of aluminum to fit the hole in the dash where the speedo housing fits. The opening in my 70 Chevelle is 16.75 inches wide by 4.25 inches high. A standard 8x18 inch piece of sheet metal is more than big enough to mount to the factory gauge mounting holes. The sweep dash opening can hold two large gauges and four small ones in a staggered layout (similar to the Covan's Classic package):
Code:
(S) (T) O O
O OI wanted it to be different, so I went with the Nordskog digital gauge package DP9255. The digital gauges and speedo sender cost about $500 from Summit but were still cheaper than using six Autometer needle gauges (Speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, voltmeter).
Mechanical gauges are often cheaper than electric gauges, which require electrical sending units.
I have seen a lot of posts from Chevelle owners saying they bought the Covan's Classic gauge package.
http://www.covansclassic.com/parts/subcat.php?MC=2
The dash insert prices with gauges and wiring are in the $600 to $900 range. The dash insert without gauges is $250.
You said you want cheap, so Covan's prices might be too high.
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I've exchanged some emails with LVMAXX awhile back about the panel insert, and at that time the idea was just brought up. Don't know if the '72 dash project ever went through.
I recal seeing pictures of LVMAXX's completed 72 dash conversion. Looked real sharp. I think it was a full dash replacement though, not just the cluster part. One could search for his user name and send him an email. Or find the last thread about that project. They usually go 2 or 3 pages long when they do crop up. The quality of LVMAXX's work wouldn't warrant a "cheap" classification though.
Randy. Love the smoochy-smoochy picture.
Randy. Love the smoochy-smoochy picture.
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431 Posts
I beleive there is another topic on the first or second page of this forum with a pic of the 72 dash.
I am in the process of doing this right now on my '70 Malibu dash with a sweep style speedo. I've made the paper template for the Autometer Guages (Streetrod Designer Black Series). The Tach and Speedo are 3 1/8" and the Oil, Temp, Volt, and Fuel guages are 2 1/16". I'll be cutting the aluminum out as soon as I get time. The guages will fit where the sweep speedo was and I'll still be able to use the stock High Beam and Turn Signals.
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Your dash looks awesome (BB Mike) I really like how that looks....amazing
Yes I am retaining the factory indicator/idiot lights and gear marker. The 3 1/8" gauges are a tight vertical fit, but will work. I've ordered the guages and cut the piece of aluminum out to mount the guages to. Next, I need to go to a buddies house and use his drill press to drill the holes in the aluminum panel for the guages.
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