Picked up my dash

[elgemcdlf]

Pics of the dash. Here it is as purchased just south of Montgomery, AL.


This is the plan for this area. The 2 idiot lights changed over to green and utilized as turn signal indicators. The PRNDL changed out for a correct display for the C6. The 2 switch wells painted to match the dash in the current blue areas. The left side will house from left to right ignition switch, headlight switch, emergency flashers. The right side will house HVAC controls. That is all the switches that will be in the dash. The speedo head will be modified to house 4 gauges.


This shot is of the left "wing". They are staying. I will cut them off where the door opens and attach the pieces cut off onto the inside of the doors.


The right "wing"


The glovebox door will be welded in along with the ashtray. The holes for the radio, clock & HVAC controls will be closed up. The hole in the top for the speaker will be closed up. I will create speaker mounts in each end of the top of the dash. One of the things I really like about this particular dash other than appearance is the defroster vent. It is all along the windshield. The trim piece that goes at the base of the windshield hides it letting air escape at the base of the windshield. I am also planning a long thin slit added to the bottom of the dash that will be utilized for HVAC vent instead of traditional louvers.

[Bob]

Wow-sers...!
You have your work cut out for you there...!

Sounds like it'll look really cool when done.

[71PA_Highboy]

what was the Donor?

[basshound71]

That is a really cool looking dash.

[elgemcdlf]

what was the Donor?

1957 Ford Fairlane. When I went to looking if I remember right the 1956 is almost identical if not identical. The 1958 is the same dash but has a machine turned face along the dash and the instrument cluster. Since I am smoothing it all out the 1958 was way too "busy" for my liking but if someone was going to use the factory openings for radio, HVAC & clock the 1958 might look ok. The steering wheel I am looking for is the 1966/1967 Oldsmobile Toronado. I love the look and think it will flow well with the hump of this dash. As usual for me the steering wheel will be modified I am pretty sure I want a smaller D for the wheel.

[basshound71]

My fav part is the gauge panel especially if painted thee same as the dash. Love those old 50's dashes

[elgemcdlf]

My fav part is the gauge panel especially if painted thee same as the dash. Love those old 50's dashes

I think what I like the most is how simple it will be when smoothed all out. I plan on painting it all the same color (body color). When I get the gauges in the speedo head I will have all 4 gauges and a speedo in a single area. Arched which matches the hump in the dash along with the steering wheel. The switches being down low will put them more out of sight adding to the clean look. All theory of course. I am getting itchy to get started on it.

[travmarks]

very cool!

[roughneck]

Man I wanna come play in your toy box... err I mean work in your shop.(Could I bring my project? ) You have some of the coolest, most original ideas for your bump. That is going to be one sweet ride when you get her all done up.

[elgemcdlf]

Man I wanna come play in your toy box... err I mean work in your shop.(Could I bring my project? ) You have some of the coolest, most original ideas for your bump. That is going to be one sweet ride when you get her all done up.

All you have to do is trust those voices in your head. You know like Son of Sam. No, no, no, not those kind of voices the other voices. Glad you like the truck. The more I do the more I fear making a mistake. I am wrestling with filling all the seams, channeling, shaving the drip rail & top chop. I try to stand back every now and then to get a fresh look at it.

[basshound71]

If you want to test your theory on the dash you can use my truck as a test bed. YOUR WELCOME haha