I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7
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From: formerly known as 1966Ford
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
Eventually I will have AC in my truck, and the original gauges and anything else original are long gone. I would like AC vents built into my dash, as well as a more modern looking dash. I will be putting in a fancy new stereo as well.
Here's my idea, maybe it's crazy: Completely remove the factory dash and either fabricate a new dash myself or rip something out of another vehicle to put in. How likely is it that something from a different vehicle will come even close to fitting?
I figure I can fabricate something myself and then get it covered in vinyl, and it should look pretty decent.
I have a MIG welder and plenty of fiberglassing supplies. I'm not afraid to use either one, or cut metal.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Here's my idea, maybe it's crazy: Completely remove the factory dash and either fabricate a new dash myself or rip something out of another vehicle to put in. How likely is it that something from a different vehicle will come even close to fitting?
I figure I can fabricate something myself and then get it covered in vinyl, and it should look pretty decent.
I have a MIG welder and plenty of fiberglassing supplies. I'm not afraid to use either one, or cut metal.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: vancouver u.s.
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
Just my opinion here. I like the looks of a smooth dash , fiberglass, aluminum, stainless, etc. I think it looks cleaner than material. I always think the material is hiding something that looks rough. Fiberglass painted the color of the truck is my vote, but then again........I'm biased.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 45
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I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
You could cut the wholes out for the air yourself and it would look great. If you have a dash pad, I'd rip it out and then cut your holes that you need. Then paint the dash. You'd love the look and you'd have a Metal dash instead of plastic or fiberglass. Just a personal thing there. I hate plastic and fiberglass.
I just ripped the dashpad out of my 66 and am going to sand it down good so I can paint it.
I just ripped the dashpad out of my 66 and am going to sand it down good so I can paint it.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 2
From: Texas
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
How about the smooth steel dash with a custom underdash A/C vents. You could fabricate the lower panel and install the style of vents you fancy and even locate them exactly where you want them. It would naturally retain the factory look of the dash.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 141
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From: ND/MN
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
Anybody know anything about modern AC controls? I really like the way the heat/AC controls work and operate in my 2000 Ranger. How hard would it be to hook up a panel like that in my 66 assuming I can find something in a junkyard?
If I don't use my dash pad, anybody want to buy it? It's in prety good shape with only a few small cracks in it.
If I don't use my dash pad, anybody want to buy it? It's in prety good shape with only a few small cracks in it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 421
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From: Canyon Lake Texas
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
I kept my dash stock and all steel in my 63, put air evaporator up behind it, used underdash contro;s and vents. Its pretty sanitary. I kept the stock AM radio face, but my reciever/dryer resides where the radio was. My AM/FM/CD is overhead on a shelf that sits up aginst the roof just behind the visors. I have pics if you wanna se the, but I can't seem to ever post 'em. Email me and I'll send you plenty of them, plus answer any questions.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
I'm thinking about TOTALLY re-doing my dash
You can get round or rectangular vents from most of the aftermarket A/C suppliers. You can make (and then weld in) a metal box type adapter to put the 2 center vents in and use small sections of tailpipe material for the end vents which would look good round. (hope this makes sense) You can mount your controls wherever they're handiest.
I'm doing this same thing on my 63 Galaxie and it's turning out nice. The advantage I had on the Galaxie was the whole dash comes out. (bench job) On the truck you'll be standin on your head doing a lot of this work. Drop me a line if you want a better discription.
Good luck,
I'm doing this same thing on my 63 Galaxie and it's turning out nice. The advantage I had on the Galaxie was the whole dash comes out. (bench job) On the truck you'll be standin on your head doing a lot of this work. Drop me a line if you want a better discription.
Good luck,
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