OBS custom dash

[mattbert]

So... Finally decided enough was enough. I was tired of hearing popping every time I drove my truck as another part of the dash cracked. Plus 4x6 speakers suck. I have the bass turned all the way down and still getting popping.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009061602.jpg

That speaker grill was held down with double side tape and there was an equally big hole right behind the gauges. So Tuesday I finally found a metal yard and went shopping.

New dash is on the right and welder cart is on the left:clap:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009061601.jpg

So Tuesday I started fabbing something pretty much like low88 made. Sorry for stilling the idea. That night on the way to sleepy land I decided I wanted a glove box and more goodies than he mounted so Wednesday started over. Even drew up a plan this time. Upside down, driver's side is on the right.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009061702.jpg

Ripped out the old dash on Saturday and basically it fell apart as soon as I got the last bolt out. Put the new stuff in and decided to change up the driver side a little more. Basically it will be symmetric from the top, but the fronts of each side will be slightly different. Basically the driver side can't come out as far because I need more room. Screw my passenger:tongue:

Here is the frame as of today. Right side all framed but obviously haven't cut off any of the excess. With as many changes as I have made I will wait til it is time to skin it for that. Have enough room up top now for 6" components and will have a center console with plenty of room for some future goodies.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062102.jpg

[Low88]

that looks really familiar.. I'll be watching this for sure, good luck man.

word of wisdom, Test fit your door panels every step of the way... I accidentally made my dash 1/2" wider than stock.. which means I have to modify my panels now.

also, make it out far enough so you dont have to section your column, looks like you can still come out quite a bit on the drivers side...mounting depth for radio is also key... Everything is crammed behind mine, it sucks.

[BHB]

that looks really familiar.. I'll be watching this for sure, good luck man.

word of wisdom, Test fit your door panels every step of the way...


:word: Test fit EVERYTHING along the way. That looks familiar to me too.

[sw45]

sub'd. i wanna see this

[mattbert]

low88, you should have seen the original, it was exactly yours.

I can't count the number of times I took it in and out of the truck. Put it in the truck to make sure everything lines up, take it out to put it on the level garage floor, put it back in the truck, redo, repeat..... Never took the door panels off (and have the weld splatter burns to prove it). It is bolted in right now, probably only about 1/8" between door panels and sides of dash.

All in all the dash is about two inches deeper at the glove box and gauge cluster and the center console is even with where the front of the old gauge surround was (should be good for at least 4 inches extra). Center will curve out to go between the seats if I ever find a good set of buckets.

[chevytodd]

Sounds cool man ! Keep us updated.

[94Yukon]

Looking good man.

[g9m3c]

Subscribed! I'm interested to see the results. :D

[fullsizepimp]

suscribed

[nickl011]

scribed

[addiction2bass]

also wanna see the end....

[thekl0wn]

I wish this looked familiar... But hopefully it will be inspiring! :cheer:

[willinthe985]

Very cool, looks like it will turn out nice.

[CodyZ71]

subd

[B-Metts]

looks like it will turn out great, and you really think your dash looks bad? there's more holes that actual plastic on my dash. in fact today the piece the glovebox latched to just broke off today. i'm biding my time until i get the money for a 95 interior swap. gonna stay posted though.

[someotherguy]

Yeah coulda been worse...

http://www.someotherplace.com/forumpic/junkstereo3.jpg

http://www.someotherplace.com/forumpic/junkstereo2.jpg

That's ONE way to replace the dash speakers, I guess. :D

Richard

[BigChevy17]

that looks good so far man
and deff mesure twice lol

[james_8997]

subed

[91blkstpsd]

SUB'd












JK. :lol:

Frame is looking good. Would like to see how this turns out.

[atlninja82]

subd
























:biggrin:

[bigwhite93]

subd
























:biggrin:


What he said. :tongue:

[someotherguy]

sub'd...




















Just kidding. I didn't sub. But it's cool, I'm not offended or anything, since there's no such thing as "tone" in internet postings. Not even in your little tirade there! :D

Now let's see some more pics of this cool custom dash coming together.

Richard

[Low88]

not subbed because I dont know how to use that thing..but I wanted to send an email out to everyone. Hey guys!

[g9m3c]

not subbed because I dont know how to use that thing..but I wanted to send an email out to everyone. Hey guys!




:lol::lol::lol:




Like others, I don't give a chit about your email inbox. If you have your settings set to receive email updates, that's your own fault. :idiot:

[mattbert]

I can't stand the fighting anymore!!!:mad: Since I am the cause of all this I decided the project isn't worth it anymore so it is gone. Gonna just go find a stock one to throw back in.













j/k tried to finish the frame yesterday but turns out I am out of gas. We'll, at least the inflammable type. So hope to find a place to get a refill tomorrow. Unfortunately since I haven't touched the dash in a few days, I have had plenty of time to come of with new ideas. As if this wasn't going to be hard enough. I'll just have to leave you in suspense but rest assured, there won't be any actuators.

[DroppedAsAChild]

Looks good man cant wait to see how it turns out any pics of the truck its going in?

[mattbert]

I will however apologize to Mattbert for all the morons who wrecked his thread by responding just to be d*cks.

Mathius

No problem makes me feel as appreciated as a drunk virgin on prom night:hump:

[james_8997]

:lol::lol::lol: that made my day



grant, dude, wtf is up with your avater, its funny in a sick kind of way:lol:

[kickersprint]

:lol:

[Outlawz2004]

Looks like its going to be a nice dash.

[mattbert]

Grant, been looking at your gauge panel. Do the your autometers glow the typical green or do they just light up with white light like my motorsport gauges:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/2007011702.jpg

kinda wish they were like my motorsport then I can just drop a blue LED bulb in and get the effect I want.

[g9m3c]

Grant, been looking at your gauge panel. Do the your autometers glow the typical green or do they just light up with white light like my motorsport gauges:

kinda wish they were like my motorsport then I can just drop a blue LED bulb in and get the effect I want.




They just use a regular 194 bulb. The gauges come with little "condoms" in red and green that slip over the bulbs to change the color. Although, colored leds would be finitely better. Haven't gotten around to swapping those in mine yet.

[someotherguy]

They just use a regular 194 bulb. The gauges come with little "condoms" in red and green that slip over the bulbs to change the color. Although, colored leds would be finitely better. Haven't gotten around to swapping those in mine yet.
I used the green bulb condoms on my Autometers and I'm not really impressed. I'm thinking some of the colored glass bulbs that get used in pinball a bit now might be interesting, but so far I've only seen them in 6v (the pinball machines actually run 18v on that line but duty-cycle it at near 6v) - not 12v. :(

A single LED replacement back there would almost surely not have enough spread to light up the gauge evenly.

Richard

[derek6787]

sub'd Keep up the good work and get us some pics dang it!

[Mathius]

Grant, been looking at your gauge panel. Do the your autometers glow the typical green or do they just light up with white light like my motorsport gauges:


kinda wish they were like my motorsport then I can just drop a blue LED bulb in and get the effect I want.

Look around and do some research first if you go with Autometer gauges. Something I've never been able to figure out is Summit's catalog carries about 10 different lines of autometer gauges, but they only list about 3 speedometers I think.

What good is having a fancy set of gauges if your speedo doesn't match?

Have you thought about going with gauges from another vehicle? Lots of different looks you could do there.

Mathius

[Snead]

Sub'd can't wait to see how this turns out.. I've been thinking about doing something with my dash too.

[SimpleGreen]

Look around and do some research first if you go with Autometer gauges. Something I've never been able to figure out is Summit's catalog carries about 10 different lines of autometer gauges, but they only list about 3 speedometers I think.

What good is having a fancy set of gauges if your speedo doesn't match?

Have you thought about going with gauges from another vehicle? Lots of different looks you could do there.

Mathius

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Gauges-Accessories/Brand/Auto-Meter/Section/Speedometers/Part-Type/Speedometer-Gauges/Gauge-Size-in/3-3-8-in-diameter/?Ns=Rank|Asc

:think:

[Mathius]

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Gauges-Accessories/Brand/Auto-Meter/Section/Speedometers/Part-Type/Speedometer-Gauges/Gauge-Size-in/3-3-8-in-diameter/?Ns=Rank|Asc

:think:

Ok, well, they aren't in their catalog that they send out. That's why I said research it first.

Mathius

[chevy-aholic]

........OR

You can continue to just write "sub'ed" like a moron......





sub'd!
I almost fell over laughing from the Ham sammich' post!

[mattbert]

Well turns out I wasn't out of gas. After about 15 minutes of cleaning and prodding, I found that my weld hose was pulled slightly out which was allowing the gas to exit into the welder instead of traveling down the hose. :banghead:

Knew that cylinder was too heavy to be empty. Good thing I didn't take it for a refill.

So got the frame finished. Unfortunately since my new dash is about two inches deeper, even with the cut out I put instead the column, I couldn't get the dash over the steering wheel. Only need 1/2 inch more.

Wheel puller solved that issue:cool:

So here is where I stop for the night. Have to do wedding stuff tonight to appease the boss.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062603.jpg

Unfortunately didn't have time to get to the metal yard this week and they aren't open on the weekend, so won't be able to start skinning it until next week. Gives me plenty of time to do some good finish welds on all the frame joints and generally clean up the edges. Also should have time to frame out the center console insert.

Oh and I was looking at the autometer because I want the individual gauges like these.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/2007011701.jpg

Just don't think Ford Motorsport gauges will look right in this truck though:rolleyes:

[willinthe985]

Very nice. No pictures of it in the truck?

[chevytodd]

[QUOTE=mattbert;4103824]
Oh and I was looking at the autometer because I want the individual gauges like these.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/2007011701.jpg


Those gauges will look awesome in your truck man ! Good choice ! Much more unique (better)than the oh so common Dakota Digital gauges... Oh, and for Mathius... sub'd. Again.

[chevy-aholic]

[QUOTE=mattbert;4103824]
Oh, and for Mathius... sub'd. Again.


somewhat defies the purpose seeing as tho you posted something pertaining to the OP before that. If I were you I would post it again, just because.......:stir:

[mattbert]

OK, you twisted my arm. Went back out to put it in the truck.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062604.jpg

Bad news, there is no way I will ever be able to get the final painted dash in without pulling the whole column. The new dash is just too deep.

But since one of the main points of this was a deeper dash I will just deal with it. After all, it will only have to go in maybe two/three more times and then no point to take it out again.

Good news is I won't have to make the part under the column bolt in now:smile:

[chevy-aholic]

:clap::clap::clap::clap:

I love the shape man! can't wait to see it skinned, then it will be ballin!

[Justv610]

That is gonna look really good when finished. Nice work, cant wait to see the finish! Keep us posted!

[atlninja82]

damn its comin along real nice. cant wait to see how it turns out. hurry up and finish!

[g9m3c]

It's looking good, man! I like how you're doing the bottom angled section that kinda throws back to the stock dash. Nice touch. :cool: What are your ideas for the top? Flat?

[Outlawz2004]

Looks even better from this angle in the truck. Its gonna be nice.

[SimpleGreen]

Ok, well, they aren't in their catalog that they send out. That's why I said research it first.

Mathius

On page 116 of the July/August issue I counted (if you consider all variations) about 50 different Autometer speedometers.

[Mathius]

On page 116 of the July/August issue I counted (if you consider all variations) about 50 different Autometer speedometers.

Haven't received that one yet, so either their lineup has changed or you're only looking at the little 3" ones.

Their april catalog has autometer gauges on pages 113-117, with the speedo's on page 116. You can get almost all of them in a 3.625", but if you opt for the larger 5" ones, you only have 6 choices out of 22 gauge styles in electrical and only a few more in mechanical.

Maybe you don't give a crap, but speedo's and tachs are traditionally larger than the other gauges because their more crucial to law enforcement? I like my speedo's bigger because I want to see it first and foremost when I glance at my dash. It also provides better visuals when laying out a custom dash unless you're a fan of symmetry.

Oh, and if you look at the pic Mattbert posted about what he wants, he's looking for the larger 5" ones as well unless he's going to do something different than the pic he posted.

EDIT: On second glance the "normal" gauges are a smaller 2.0625" or 2.625" so the 3.625" ones ARE bigger. I apologize. I have always looked for the 5" ones and the pics he posted show the tach and speedo as close to double the size of the other gauges. Probably the 5" ones.

Mathius

[Mathius]

Oh and I was looking at the autometer because I want the individual gauges like these.

Those are autometer? They look more like something from dolphin or autoloc. Speaking of autoloc, you know they allow you to do custom gauge faces right? I don't know what the cost runs, but if you're putting this much effort into it, you might be interested in spending the money.

Anyways, if you like those gauges, then it appears you're going for a retro-classic looking dash. I'm doing some quick calculations.. gauges vary in price depending on what type of gauge it is, but most of them are roughly in the $40-$50 range, and speedos and tachs in the $200 or more range for the small ones, so for a 6 gauge setup like you showed there, you're looking at roughly $600?

It might be worth looking and seeing if there are other gauges out there you might like better from anther vehicle. Maybe an aftermarket version of a '57 chevy dash or something like that? I don't know what engine you have in that thing. Obviously something common like a SBC would be easier to adapt gauges for.;

Anyways, it was just a suggestion. You might find something cheaper that looks just as good or better. That's the way of custom things, you can make it look like whatever you want.

Mathius

[chevy-aholic]

Haven't received that one yet, so either their lineup has changed or you're only looking at the little 3" ones.

Their april catalog has autometer gauges on pages 113-117, with the speedo's on page 116. You can get almost all of them in a 3.625", but if you opt for the larger 5" ones, you only have 6 choices out of 22 gauge styles in electrical and only a few more in mechanical.



Mathius


http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Gauges-Accessories/Section/Speedometers/Part-Type/Speedometer-Gauges/Brand/Auto-Meter/Gauge-Size-in/5-in-diameter/?Ns=Rank|Asc&page=1

granted some styles are only avaibable in either mech. or elec.(not both), but there are plenty of different ones to compliment almost any of autometers other styles.

[Mathius]

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Gauges-Accessories/Section/Speedometers/Part-Type/Speedometer-Gauges/Brand/Auto-Meter/Gauge-Size-in/5-in-diameter/?Ns=Rank|Asc&page=1

granted some styles are only avaibable in either mech. or elec.(not both), but there are plenty of different ones to compliment almost any of autometers other styles.

Dude, he already showed that they were listed online. But the catalog sitting in front of me only shows 6 electric and 8 mechanical. I was just trying to ensure that the OP looked into it before he started cutting holes in his new dash.

Mathius

[chevy-aholic]

Dude, he already showed that they were listed online. But the catalog sitting in front of me only shows 6 electric and 8 mechanical. I was just trying to ensure that the OP looked into it before he started cutting holes in his new dash.

Mathius


obviously Summit isn't goint to have EVERY part in their wharehouse in their catalog. That's why they have the online store. Still, even if they don't offer a speedo for every style of gauge, they offer enought that you can mix and match and still look very clean.

I posted a link to the 5" gauges, whereas the other summit link was for the 3 3/8". That's the only reason I posted it.

Btw, what perticular style are you looking for that you can't find? they have a speedo fo most of their popular styles

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss92/chevy-aholic/duschebag_example.jpg

[someotherguy]

Bad news, there is no way I will ever be able to get the final painted dash in without pulling the whole column. The new dash is just too deep.

Can't just drop the column from the two nuts at the support, or at worst, those two plus the four bolts at the firewall? That will let it hit the floor, you shouldn't need to pull it. Save yourself the trouble with the connectors and the slip joint...

Richard

[Mathius]

obviously Summit isn't goint to have EVERY part in their wharehouse in their catalog.

I understand that, but what you need to understand is in the catalog, the chart I'm looking at lists 22 of their most popular gauge styles, but only 6 and 8 of them have 5" gauges listed. The rest of them have "------"

So it's not a case of them just not listing everything in stock because it doesn't fit in the catalog.

Either someone goofed up, or they didn't have those available at the time their april catalog came out.


Btw, what perticular style are you looking for that you can't find? they have a speedo fo most of their popular styles

I'm not looking for one specifically, it's just something I happen to notice when looking at past Summit catalogs. I don't really care for most of the autometer gauge's looks to be honest, but the few that I do never had 5" speedo's listed for them.

I keep bringing up other speedo options to the OP, because that's what I would do. Nearly everyone who runs a custom dash runs autometer gauges. I do my best to be unique and not run with the pack. If I was designing a different dash I would probably incorporate a speedo from a different vehicle.

On my '76 Chevelle (which I'll probably have to sell soon because of monetary issues and no place to work on it) I had always intended to try and fit a dash from a silverado, escalade, whatever and run an escalade cluster. The interior width of the Chevelle is only 2" less than that of my silverado. If I could have found a tan or black dash shell I probably would have done that. I toy'ed with the idea of just taking the dash out of my '01 Silverado, but I'd have to dye it, and I've always been leary of replacing the dash in my Silverado because I believe it's probably illegal to remove the air bag.

I always try to think outside the box when designing a vehicle, which is probably why I almost never get the chance to finish one, because I have to have EVERY part I can customized in some way.

I don't understand people who take older muscle cars and restore the interior to stock. That's 25 year old comforts and technology. I wanted to update my interior. Brand new gauges, newer design dash, leather heated power seats, defoggers in my mirrors, etc.

But on a strictly asthetic piece of equipment like gauges (true they serve a function, but almost all gauges function the same) I think taking one from an older vehicle, particularly a 40-50's vehicle with all the chrome goodies, would give a nice retro look.

I posted these pictures before in another thread:

http://image.automotive.com/f/features/chevy/13866428/0902mt_04_z+2003_chevy_s10_crew_cab_dually+glove_box.jpg

http://image.automotive.com/f/features/chevy/13835949/0902mt_09_z+2003_chevy_s10_crew_cab_dually+custom_interior.jpg

http://image.automotive.com/f/features/chevy/13866467/0902mt_10_z+2003_chevy_s10_crew_cab_dually+switches.jpg

http://image.automotive.com/f/features/chevy/13835997/0902mt_14_z+2003_chevy_s10_crew_cab_dually+interior.jpg

That's an '03 s-10 with a dashboard out of a Dodge Magnum. Yeah, he opt'ed to go with the autometer gauges, but he did something completely different, which was to go with a retro classic look that really sets his vehicle apart.

Mathius

[someotherguy]

I understand that, but what you need to understand is in the catalog, the chart I'm looking at lists 22 of their most popular gauge styles, but only 6 and 8 of them have 5" gauges listed. The rest of them have "------"

So it's not a case of them just not listing everything in stock because it doesn't fit in the catalog.

Either someone goofed up, or they didn't have those available at the time their april catalog came out.

What you need to understand is that there's no way the catalog can show every possible item available; it'd be as thick as a major city's phone book. That's why literally every other page of the Summit catalog says "SUMMITRACING.COM" at the bottom left corner of the page, and quite a few pages say, "Want more? Shop the world's largest automotive superstore at SummitRacing.com!"

Another thing you need to understand is that if you continue to be nasty to people on the web because you just view them as "words on a screen" or whatever your lame statement was, you'll get less help. A little politeness goes a long way. If you think everybody is beneath you, then go make your own forum somewhere that you won't have to be annoyed by people that aren't as smart as you are. :D

Richard

[Mathius]

What you need to understand is that there's no way the catalog can show every possible item available; it'd be as thick as a major city's phone book. That's why literally every other page of the Summit catalog says "SUMMITRACING.COM" at the bottom left corner of the page, and quite a few pages say, "Want more? Shop the world's largest automotive superstore at SummitRacing.com!"

You can't read. They list the product and specifically list that it isn't available by blanking it out with "------".

That is not the same thing as not listing a product because it doesn't fit in the magazine.

Another thing you need to understand is that if you continue to be nasty to people on the web because you just view them as "words on a screen" or whatever your lame statement was, you'll get less help. A little politeness goes a long way. If you think everybody is beneath you, then go make your own forum somewhere that you won't have to be annoyed by people that aren't as smart as you are. :D

Richard

And if you continue to believe that everyone who challenges or disagrees with you is being nasty you're going to live a very unhappy existence. And considering the way you've been hounding me, I don't give a sh*t.

Mathius

[mattbert]

that's funny, the radio in the pic above is the one I have.

The gauges I showed in my other dash are Ford Motorsport so don't think I will be putting them in the truck. The little chrome piece at the bottom of each gauge says Ford so don't think I could get away with it. I think that set was about $450 all said. But then that was easily 6-8 years ago.

I did take wheel off and the two bolts at the top of the column out, even then I had to twisted the dash a little to snake it in. Won't be able to do that once it is skinned.

When I take it out tomorrow and will try to pull the firewall bolts also and see if that does the trick. Thanks for the tip.

Also would be a lot easier if I didn't have that stupid bench seat in there still. Gonna just have to try to find those bonneville buckets sooner that later.

[chevy-aholic]

And if you continue to believe that everyone who challenges or disagrees with you is being nasty you're going to live a very unhappy existence. And considering the way you've been hounding me, I don't give a sh*t.

Mathius

Dude, when are you just going to give up? You obviously think that nobody in this forum (or any other for that matter) know what they are talking about, or even have decent ideas. It is apparent that mattbert probobly isn't going to use your suggestion of retrofitting another cluster into his custom dash, yet you have fought to support this idea over several, novel-length posts. If it's ok with you now, let us get back to the topic at hand (haha, using your own rant against you, ironic huh?). Not everybody is going to do it your way, that's why it's called "custom". So get over it or get out of the thread if you are gonna pull this adolescent s***. Not a single person so far has agreed with any of your posts, but rather taken offense to your pointless attacks. Grow up

mattbert, I appologize for ranting in your thread, but I figured it needed to be done. The dash is lookin' sweet dude, It's really giving me ideas for how mines gonna curve around. Have you looked into Stewart Warner gauges at all? they are a little bit pricey, but they have a couple really unique styles that I think would look right at home in your dash. food for thought.

www.stewartwarner.com

[derek6787]

Mattbert how much you charge to build me one? lol Looks sweet!
Keep the pics coming. Got any of your truck? It'd be cool to see what this thing is going in.

Mathius seriously to do you have to post every single flippin time that someone else does? Reading your useless nonsense gets old, so quit it dammit!

[james_8997]

:lol:

[someotherguy]

Have you looked into Stewart Warner gauges at all? they are a little bit pricey, but they have a couple really unique styles that I think would look right at home in your dash. food for thought.

www.stewartwarner.com

SW really does make some freakin' sweet looking gauges, I've never owned any, but their rep does seem to be that they're a good brand.

Richard

[mattbert]

yeah, went to their site a few days back. Some real nice looking stuff. There was one I saw that may be perfect. It was black faced with a titanium colored circle in the middle. Will match my theme quite nicely.

Here is the truck as she sits. Really needs a bath but there hasn't been a week without rain since I moved here. Gonna take a lot of TLC to get her up to snuff over the next year of so.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062701.jpg

Grant, wanted it to look like it belonged - still angular, just updated. Oh and I didn't want to replace the door panels so kind of dictated the shape at the sides.

[chevy-aholic]

These are the ones that I'm thinkin about running in my truck, I think they might be the ones you were referring to.

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss92/chevy-aholic/OPm-T.gif

[derek6787]

Sweet action! Truck looks nice! A little tlc goes along ways you'll get er up to snuff.

[Mathius]

Dude, when are you just going to give up? You obviously think that nobody in this forum (or any other for that matter) know what they are talking about, or even have decent ideas. It is apparent that mattbert probobly isn't going to use your suggestion of retrofitting another cluster into his custom dash, yet you have fought to support this idea over several, novel-length posts.

I made two posts. Two. One asking him if he considered it and another posting examples. That is hardly the definition of pushy. Get over it.


Mathius seriously to do you have to post every single flippin time that someone else does? Reading your useless nonsense gets old, so quit it dammit!

Oh, I'M sorry, you wanted to be able to run your mouth about me without retaliation? Maybe you should start your own thread for that? Seriously, it's real simple, if you don't F with me, or do something stupid, I don't F with you. If you'd just drop it, I would as well. I've tried to be helpful and post suggestions as well to Mattbert, but you jackasses won't let things lie and keep it on topic.

I'm real real sorry if you just want to be able to run your mouth about me and not have to hear my replies, but life doesn't work that way. I'm sure you'll cope.

Maybe this board has an ignore feature? You could put me on it. It certainly doesn't have any moderators.

Mathius

[mattbert]

These are the ones that I'm thinkin about running in my truck, I think they might be the ones you were referring to.

http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss92/chevy-aholic/OPm-T.gif

Yup those are the ones I saw. Wonder what color they light up as? Anybody used these yet?

[Mathius]

yeah, went to their site a few days back. Some real nice looking stuff. There was one I saw that may be perfect. It was black faced with a titanium colored circle in the middle. Will match my theme quite nicely.

Here is the truck as she sits. Really needs a bath but there hasn't been a week without rain since I moved here. Gonna take a lot of TLC to get her up to snuff over the next year of so.


Any body mods planned after the dash? What are you doing for vents and whatnot? Aftermarket doesn't carry a TON of stuff for HVAC, but there are some options out there.

Are you going to keep the dash smooth or try to put all the factory options back in there like radio, airbag switch, headlamp control, etc.? I saw an 00 up model where they smoothed the plastic bezel and pinstriped it. They took all the controls and hid them in the console and completely removed the vents. The radio went in the console as well. The truck looked nice, but I'd hate to drive around here without heat and air and I see you're in OH as well.

Mathius

[someotherguy]

mattbert - off topic; please prep and paint that cowl hood before it rusts into nothing! Truck looks good, but that hood isn't going to hold up. The coating is really just so they don't rust in the box, not for standing up to weather.

And that dude that keeps whining, nobody cares when you "F with us" - it's comical more than anything. So do whatcha like. :D

Richard

[mattbert]

yeah I know. in fact the e-coat has already gotten pretty thin in a few spots. Wanted to get some good black primer sealer on it, unfortunately my big compressor broke. Control valve knob just shot right out along with the spring under it. Spring's way too strong for me to be able to compress enough to get the knob back on. So need to figure out a way to fix.

I'd love to start sanding the whole thing down so I can take out the little dings collected over 16+ years and do some good blocking on it. But like I said, no compressor. My poor paint guns are getting so sad from lack of use:(

Radio and all controls will be in the center area. Will have a vent at each end just like stock. Will take the center vents out the top. I have an idea for that but you will just have to wait until after I know if it will work. Will not be using the stock headlight switch.

[mattbert]

So got back to work. Things are going to be slow on this since I am not a fabricator. I'm doing all of this with my angle grinder, welder, and the pole that hold up the ceiling in my garage. Skinning the curves should be interesting.

So made this little jig so my angles would all be the same. Worked out pretty nicely as you will see shortly.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062801.jpg

How you like the frame I made? It really does look like something I saw at Kohl's once. Promise that was not the intention. Jig worked awesome. Both rectangles are completely square and flat with no need to fill in between each joint.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062802.jpg

So this is the idea. The middle section will hold whatever components I want. If down the line I decide to upgrade stuff (like get that 7" touchscreen GPS/DVD player head unit) then I just unscrew the middle piece and get to work. No need to mess with anything else on the dash. Plus I can mount stuff to it more securely.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009062803.jpg

So here it is taped into the truck and a quick and dirty Gimp of what it will look like in the end. I plan to run some LEDs behind the dash hooked up to come on when the doors open or the lights are turned on that will shine thru that gap I left between the two panels.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/Idea.jpg

Hole at the very bottom will be where the between seat console will mate up down the road.

Like I said, this will take a while, but I have a 4 day weekend starting on the 3rd so should be able to make some good progress. Hopefully can get the middle section (I need my radio back, I'm tired of listening to the voices while I drive) and the flat parts of the passenger side skinned.

[willinthe985]

Very cool.

[Mathius]

So got back to work. Things are going to be slow on this since I am not a fabricator. I'm doing all of this with my angle grinder, welder, and the pole that hold up the ceiling in my garage. Skinning the curves should be interesting.

There's nothing wrong with that. Ironworkers and tinners build whole buildings with not much more than the tools you listed plus some hand tools when working in the field. Granted the shop makes stuff up, but the whole install and field modifications are done pretty much with what you're working with.

Just take your time and work things out as you go. You're already ahead of the game because most people wouldn't take the time to make a jig. That's fantastic.

And remember, you're working with metal. There's nothing that can't be fixed, even if it costs you an extra piece of steel or some more time with a welder in your hand.

And the more time you spend getting things right in metal, the less time you'll have to spend getting things right in paint later.

Mathius

[mattbert]

Well I have narrowed down my choice of gauge. Wish I could justify the Autometer American Muscle but $800 for 6 gauges:run:

So I am looking at Autometer American Platinum or VDO ****pit Royale. Either would be around $400 for all 6. Plus both are programmable speedometers so no need for the after market speed calibrator or DRAC mod.

I know both have been around forever. Any horror stories about either company/product line?

[Minimeh93]

cool:head:




















lol sub'ed

[mattbert]

So finally some progress.

Worked on it for a few hours yesterday. Got all the frame welds nice and solid and then ground them smooth.
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009070303.jpg

That's the other project I was working on at the same time. Got tired of having to carry the welder around so making a cart. Yeah I know I could have bought one but then I couldn't play with my grinder and welder as much:mexsmoke:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/100_2781.jpg

So today after a 8 mile run and mowing the back yard and watching Trucks, I got back to work. First on the cart and then I made a few templates and took the sheet outside with the scroll saw and here you go:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009070401.jpg

So now is time for a break. Bad news is I am almost out of liquid refreshments so looks like I am going to have to go to BW3 tonight to refill:wink:

If the gas holds out (it is really running out this time) then I hope to have all the flat pieces tacked in tomorrow so I can through it back in the truck and figure out exact placement of the new gauges.

[derek6787]

Sweet! Careful with that non-flammable insulation backing though lol that stuff goes up quick. Referring to your garage wall.

[addiction2bass]

o ya. keep a garden hose at the ready at the least.

[Mathius]

That's the other project I was working on at the same time. Got tired of having to carry the welder around so making a cart. Yeah I know I could have bought one but then I couldn't play with my grinder and welder as much:mexsmoke:

Nothing wrong with building your own cart if you have the materials, but if you have to buy materials to build a cart it's probably just cheaper to buy one. I went with a HF jobby that works.

Sweet! Careful with that non-flammable insulation backing though lol that stuff goes up quick. Referring to your garage wall.

Yeah, that sh*t will smolder in the walls and you won't even know until you see the smoke. Better safe than sorry.

Mathius

[mattbert]

Don't weld anywhere near it. That is just my makeshift throne to display the dash in all her glory when I clean up for the day.

Should just go get the drywall and finish it anyway. Cheap builders up here. He actually finished out the other wall but left this one as is.

[addiction2bass]

ya id just go ahead and cover it in some drywall. doesnt have to be pretty. just safer.

we had a fire in my dads shop before from welding slag got sucked into the blower vent trying to suck out the fumes and smoke, and the filters we had where fiberglass and they where glowing red when we noticed it and cut the fan off tho it got into the wall... after about 30mins the steel started darkening and we noticed the shop was on fire in the wall! luckely we have some very tall wall shop which i think is 16ft tall or so and it crawled up the whole way. luckely we ran around to get the garden hose and the cordless screw gun and ladder out RIGHT BEFORE it got to the attic! and 5 mins before the 3fire trucks and water truck got out to us. it was very close. if it would have got to the attic insulation it would have burned up the whole shop!

ever since then we dont do any welding around the paint booth!

[mattbert]

Nothing wrong with building your own cart if you have the materials, but if you have to buy materials to build a cart it's probably just cheaper to buy one. I went with a HF jobby that works.


Remember that time in summer camp when I said I would always value your opinion?





Neither do I.




J/K I actually thought about going that route for a while. At least I got the casters from HF. So far only spent about the same as buying the HF cart. Plus I have a lot of extra angle for other projects later. I decided to go the home built route because I plan to bag this truck in the next year or so and need more welding/fabbing practice. Besides this thing is a beast.

[mattbert]

Well that sucks about the shop. Good thing it all turned out alright. Guess I will get a few sheets tomorrow. Just hate doing the stuff by myself. Don't mind mudding, just don't like cutting the sheets it to fit and trying to hold it steady while screwing in.

In other news the skinning is going good. All flat panels done. Learned my lesson from doing my driver door and tailgate shaving. Only doing a few tacks at a time. Going to take a few days to connect all the tacks at this rate.

Also decided to quit rationalizing and sprayed the hood. Blocked it out then put a couple coats of primer and then white. No where close to a color match and it is only spray paint but at least I won't have to do any rust repair when I finally get a chance to paint the whole truck.

[cantbuytime454]

just my opinion but sometimes you get lemons when it comes to gauges.. The only gauge i have had for a long time is my Autometer monster tach and its going on 7 years.. i have had VDO and the speedo and water temps stopped working.. tried autometer had a oil pressure gauge cost me a motor and a bad voltmeter.. tried cyberdyne digital and they even gave out 1 by 1.. I bought a dakota digital gauges and worked 2 years..Alot of wasted money..LOL

so now i just buy the cheap equis gauges from orielly's.. LOL Could be worse.. i could buy summit or jegs brand guages.. There are worse brands out there..

go with white faced VDO they seem to have a better track record..

subd

[derek6787]

Hangin rock by yourself isn't fun, but a lil tip to help. Instead of tryin to screw the rock up while holindg it, nail off the edges with a hammer and sheetrock nails then you can screw the reswt down. The nails will hold it for ya. Good luck can't wait to see more progress on the dash!

[mattbert]

Now that the alternator issue is fixed (hopefully), I had time to throw the dash in to figure out gauge placement.

But first.....I so hoooooood!
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009070601.jpg

So option 1:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009070702.jpg

or option 2:
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/1993%20Chevy%201500/2009070703.jpg

What would you pick?

Enough tack welds for you?

[willinthe985]

Option 2 fo sho.

[atlninja82]

option 2. dude how much would you charge to do this?

[g9m3c]

2!

[cantbuytime454]

2

[lostsheep]

numero 2 man

[james_8997]

2 for sure

[someotherguy]

2!







and...

subbed! :D

Richard

[Lobsters]

2!



Hey Grant....

Cant your business fab one of these dashes out pretty quick....oooooo yeah....You haven't done anything yet:biggrin:

You know I love you.

Anywho, going to watch this thread to see where it goes!

[V6rado94]

2.

[black87chevy]

2 for sure!!

[Mathius]

I would say 2, but both pictures obviously show the gauges up above the actual dash line. Did you intend to put a curve above that area to make the gauges fit where you have them laid out, or will they be moving down? I would suggest you sit in the vehicle and see where the best visual for driving is going to be.

BTW, what would you say the total weight of the dash is? Have you been putting it in and out by yourself or with a helper?

Mathius

[willinthe985]

I would say 2, but both pictures obviously show the gauges up above the actual dash line. Did you intend to put a curve above that area to make the gauges fit where you have them laid out, or will they be moving down? I would suggest you sit in the vehicle and see where the best visual for driving is going to be.

BTW, what would you say the total weight of the dash is? Have you been putting it in and out by yourself or with a helper?

Mathius

I got the idea that he might leave it flat but put some "speed humps" leading to the speedo and tach. Just me though.

[mattbert]

I got the idea that he might leave it flat but put some "speed humps" leading to the speedo and tach. Just me though.

We have a winner!

As to weight, there isn't any. I doubt it is much over 5lbs right now. I have carried it around with just one finger. I will have to do a weigh off against the stock after I am done. Sure plastic is lighter volume by volume but there were so many layers of it in that stock dash that I doubt there will be much difference.

[DjLunchbox]

number B for sure :D sub'd

[DURAGAS 8.1]

2


i cant wait to see this

[blowngp99]

Sub'd!!!

And 2.

[chevytodd]

Another vote for numero 2 ! Lookin good man !

[Low88]

Build a serious frame for the top sheet because it will warp after all the welding and grinding. Mine sunk almost 1/4 inch. Was fun hammering that out

[addiction2bass]

well if your going to paint the dash why not make it with simple fiberglass ontop?

[Mathius]

We have a winner!


When you say "speed humps", are you considering angling them out towards the driver, or just capping the tops with the exact location you have in the templates? I was thinking maybe some conduit or thin wall tubing to cap the tops of the gauges? A good slash cut would give you a really nice top that you could blend into the top of the dash. There was a web site somewhere that had specs on which size tubing or hole saws to use for which size gauges, but I don't remember which one I read it on. Wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out tho.

All in all though, appearance isn't everything, which is why I suggested you sit in the cab and see what's better to see, but you hopefully already thought to do that. I drove a Saturn Ion at the GM show in motion back in '06 I think it was, and the gauges were in the center of the dash instead of above the steering wheel like normal, and it was definitely distracting to have to look to the right to see your gauges instead of just glancing down like you're used to.

Mathius

[Mathius]

well if your going to paint the dash why not make it with simple fiberglass ontop?

Smooth is sexy, but it might be nice to have the top removable in case he has to get into the dash for wiring or something.

Mathius

[addiction2bass]

well its no different than your stock dash.... go from the bottom behind it ;)

[Mathius]

well its no different than your stock dash.... go from the bottom behind it ;)

I realize that, but more access is always easier.

Mathius

[addiction2bass]

well his choice im only throwing the idea out there...

[tahoetweaker]

I vote 2 as well.

[Mathius]

well his choice im only throwing the idea out there...

You misunderstood me. I wasn't saying you had a bad idea. You can still make a fiberglass cap. I was just suggesting it be removable. The third gen camaro's and firebirds had a removable dash cap that fit to overhang the majority of the dash shell. You couldn't tell it wasn't part of the dash except to feel the difference in materials, or if you looked underneath the overhang to see the screws.

As expensive as they are, those Nu Image dash caps with the flames in them for the '99 and up Silverados are badass looking. A removable cap like that would be cool.

Mathius

[mattbert]

Mathius, yes I planned to do the angled cut on some tubing to make the speed bumps fade into the top. Since the front of the dash is sloped, pretty much the if the tub follows the line of the gauge housing, it would do this anyway. Also, that was the purpose of the carboard cut outs. Drove with them in config 2 for the past week and they all show very easily thru the steering wheel. So once I smooth the welds I will get out the hole saw and put them in there real home.

Everyone else who mentioned it, yes the plan was always to have the top removable. Likely padded just because it will always be in the sun, plus like was said, welding huge flat panels sucks for warpage. Plus I can put the speakers under the material instead of worrying about grills.

Also want the top removable just like was said, for ease of access. So I don't have to ever take the pretty painted dash out and worry about scratches or chips in the paint. It's not like the plastic where it flexes a little to help you remove it. This metal one is stubborn. (Just like daddy)

Sorry, with the charging issues I was having the past couple of weeks I couldn't do as much as I wanted. Enjoying a nice vacation this week but plan to get right into it when I get back, assuming the electrical gremlins are really gone now.

[Mathius]

Mathius, yes I planned to do the angled cut on some tubing to make the speed bumps fade into the top. Since the front of the dash is sloped, pretty much the if the tub follows the line of the gauge housing, it would do this anyway. Also, that was the purpose of the carboard cut outs. Drove with them in config 2 for the past week and they all show very easily thru the steering wheel. So once I smooth the welds I will get out the hole saw and put them in there real home.

Everyone else who mentioned it, yes the plan was always to have the top removable. Likely padded just because it will always be in the sun, plus like was said, welding huge flat panels sucks for warpage. Plus I can put the speakers under the material instead of worrying about grills.

Also want the top removable just like was said, for ease of access. So I don't have to ever take the pretty painted dash out and worry about scratches or chips in the paint. It's not like the plastic where it flexes a little to help you remove it. This metal one is stubborn. (Just like daddy)

Sorry, with the charging issues I was having the past couple of weeks I couldn't do as much as I wanted. Enjoying a nice vacation this week but plan to get right into it when I get back, assuming the electrical gremlins are really gone now.

Sounds like you have everything well in hand and I think you have good ideas. I wasn't aware you were actually driving the truck. Be careful you don't get pulled over for speeding. Also, god forbid something mechanical goes wrong and you can't tell because no gauges! Or do you have the stock gauges rigged up somehow?

Anyways, I will apologize again for the attempted derailing of your thread. I think you're doing a pretty damn good job on the dash and you either did a really good job researching this, or you've done other fabrication projects in the past.

Where in OH are you located? I'm in Cleveland, but moving to Brooklyn by the end of the month.

Mathius

[mattbert]

dayton

the volt, tach, and speedo work. have to put the new senders in for the other three. fuel will be last since i can just count mileage for now.

[Low88]

Also want the top removable just like was said, for ease of access. So I don't have to ever take the pretty painted dash out and worry about scratches or chips in the paint. It's not like the plastic where it flexes a little to help you remove it. This metal one is stubborn. (Just like daddy)

Solid idea, Base/Cleared dashes suck... ask me how i know haha. and it sucks not being able to put anything on top of it. Any plans for a glovebox/storage space?

[DjLunchbox]

Solid idea, Base/Cleared dashes suck... ask me how i know haha. and it sucks not being able to put anything on top of it. Any plans for a glovebox/storage space?

how do you know?:moon:

[DRUSS25]

I say 2 as well...interested to see this finished!

[mattbert]

Solid idea, Base/Cleared dashes suck... ask me how i know haha. and it sucks not being able to put anything on top of it. Any plans for a glovebox/storage space?

is framed out for a glovebox opening. how i am going to do an actual box, who knows. Maybe just buy some plastic and epoxy one up? Know I will already have to do that with the A/C ducting. Making a metal one would just be unnecessary weight I would think.

[willinthe985]

is framed out for a glovebox opening. how i am going to do an actual box, who knows. Maybe just buy some plastic and epoxy one up? Know I will already have to do that with the A/C ducting. Making a metal one would just be unnecessary weight I would think.

I saw one a boat show they made of a overhead radio console of of 1/2" foam insulation then just fiber glassed it.

[Mathius]

is framed out for a glovebox opening. how i am going to do an actual box, who knows. Maybe just buy some plastic and epoxy one up? Know I will already have to do that with the A/C ducting. Making a metal one would just be unnecessary weight I would think.

If the framework were metal though it would provide a nice base for hinges.

I've thought about hinging a console or glove box for a while now, and I'd have to say I still like the idea of having a piece of steel to mount the hinges to. Think of the plastic ones from the 80's where the lid's alway seemed to break from their hinges.

We used to do a lot of custom jobs with piano hinges at my first shop. You can cut them down and really they're very versatile.

Mathius

[derek6787]

Idea for the actual box itself if you want a plastic one. You could still build a metal frame but if you want a plastic box go to wal-mart and get you a plastic battery box made mostly for marine applications. It's just a square plastic box that's open on one end.

[derek6787]

Any progress?

[chevy_addicted]

nice,sub'ed

[mattbert]

Well as you may or may not know, truck died. She had suddenly started having a lot of gremlins so I was spending all my time trying to kill the gremlins instead of working on the dash. Since she was no longer a reliable means of transport I had to put her on the injured reserve list and get a new DD.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p110/mattb3rt/100_2801.jpg

Work, running, and other projects around the house have taken all my time lately but should be able to get back on the dash soon.

[derek6787]

you should just sell me the dash! :biggrin:

[Low88]

any updates man? im currrrious

[derek6787]

me too

[foreverfalcon40]

those rims looked photoshopped


lol ; )

[XLR8N]

nicee

[derek6787]

i think the op fell into the scion forums......

[chevy-aholic]

yep, he's a goner lol