Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Well i am trying to decide what route i am going to take for the dash. I want my truck to be unique and custom but still clean and somewhat simple. I am completly stuck trying to make up my mind. I was hoping you guys could help me out. I am looking for pics of both setups. Really custom dashes maybe a newer year truck dash incorporated into our trucks and also looking for some really clean semi stock dashes. I like the look of the painted gauge cluster so it doesn't stick out so much. I have a few weeks before i am at the stage were i have to decide but trying to do my homework. Thanks alot.

Josh

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I like the stock dash with Auto Meter gauges (white, of course). I think that it gives a custom look while keeping the overall stock feel.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

My thinking is you're going all out on the whole truck why stop at the dash?

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

That is kind of what i am thinking. Just don't know what to do. I like the look of the mid 50's dash. You know the triangle looking dash. I don't know. I am so confused:whine:

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I love the autometer gauges. I had some in my 65 chevelle ss. If i keep the stock setup then i will definately go with the autometer.

josh

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

IMO go custom. That is what I am doing alot of my friends have the stock cluster with the autometer gauges.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

You could do what I would like to do, but don't have the time.

Do a molded carbon fiber cluster with Autometer gauges. There is a company that makes one that is sort of cool, but they want way too much for it. If have ever done fiberglass work, then it's the same concept, only use carbon mesh with fiberglass resin.

<edit> Like this, only cooler. I would use the stock locations and have a little better shape to it.

http://classictrucks.com/tech/0307CL_Carbon01_z.jpg

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

IMO Autometer has become completely over used. Have you seen the new Stewart Warner Maximum Performance style gauges ? White, black or silver backlit faces. They have a 6 gauge set with senders for @ $400 and they are brand new on the market.

You can make a flat panel to cover the original bezel, fill the switch holes over, LED the turn signal/ hi beam lites,relay the headlites/wipers and fit it with the gauge set. Paint the panel to match your interior. Ditch the heater, smooth the firewall, cut some 20 ga stock and cover the top dash holes all the way across and to fill the stock radio/ashtray/heater control center to smooth it all. Run a relay touch pad in a console or glovebox to control everything. You could even ditch the key switch for a Honda S2000 starter button or use one on the touchpad if you wanted. Put a new dash pad on it and call it soup. You might need a little wiring expertise too.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I would like to see a version of the above molded dash bezel that IMO isnt so hideous.. lol it REALLY isnt something id want. but thats just me.. i dontmean to offent anyone, but whoever designed that must have been thinking Arby's... :D

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I just prefer the original tach dash:D

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Here is mine, former glove box door. I cut hte inner part off and hole sawed the holes. I should have put the tach and speedo closer together, but it will work for me.

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/50...ing_column.jpg

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Here's mine. Not sure it's what you're lookin for but it's purty clean!

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Here's what I'm using.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

That set up looks really good hart rod

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I think nothing looks better than a nicely restored tach dash. When it is done right nothing looks better.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Here's a couple....

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I'm working on the idea of using the dash and glove box from "No Limit Engineering", It is the same one that was installed in "Copperhead"---call me crazy, but I liked the look.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

my choice is a mint gauge with tach dash......black over chrome!

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

that suburban is bad ass

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

heres mine i cut 1/8 in aluminum and used a 5" automeater tach 5" speedometer and a 2-3/8" fuel guage. its not done yet, im goint to mill some billet lines into it on the two bottom spots next to where the colum comes out and they will get painted the same color as the truck.

i also used matching guages in my center console.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

I agree. The idea is great, the execution is way off!

I want to do something with the gauges in the stock location, but with some smooth shape. I also like the billet cluster, then use the trans black powdercoat I have over the top.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

How about the dash pad? This is from www.justdashes.com :metal:

I also painted the interior of my gauges...Simple process!

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

How much was that dash pad. I thought it was kinda silly until I had to mount 3 gauges for my air ride. If I went with that, I could mount my air gauges there and it would be slick!

Josh, feel free to steal that idea if you'd like! I think that would be sweet for your air gauges if you don't have a location in mind.

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Hey Jimmy...It was $299 if I remember...They can match whatever color you want if you send them a sample...

Re: Full out custom or semi stock dash?
 

Now that I think about it, it won't work because of my video monitor. I think I might do something like that though and flush them into the pad above my current cluster. That way I can see them through the wheel and still have room for my video monitor.

Man, what a pain in the ass.