Dash Re-design - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jmac05 · 12-18-2002, 10:00 AM

Howdy all,
I am a circuit board designer, and was thinking about cutting the dash, alot, and basically redesigning the whole dash from around the center all the way to the left. That means new gauges, new gaugue layouts, new switches, etc. I was wondering what else besides this list would you like to have on your dash:

new gauges (auto meter)
new switches for lights, wipers, cab/cargo light

L.E.D. indicator for open doors, hood, turn signals, parking lights
alarm for lights on without keys in ignition, VERY low gas (maybe),

What else would you like to see?

**1971Stepside** · 12-18-2002, 10:21 AM

I have been wondering if there would be any way to mod the dash so that you could install the cluster out of a new Escalade into the space and make it look right.

As for the options you mentioned I like them all except the alarm....I don't like alarms! I also wouldn't need the open hood LED, but that is just my .02. Sounds like a great idea if it could be done so it would be affordable.

Jmac05 · 12-18-2002, 11:18 AM

I'd like to make one that I could sell for a reasonable amount. What's reasonable?

**1971Stepside** · 12-18-2002, 11:29 AM

Oh, I think it would need to be in the range of what it would cost to buy a new tach dash set up. I guess it depends on how custom you are going.

barn9 · 12-18-2002, 11:43 AM

How about intermittent wipers? If that is a possibility, it would be a great addition.

Lippyp · 12-18-2002, 12:12 PM

Parking brake on warning light, low washer level ? Look at a well loaded odern car for ideas....I think my friends 2002 Toyota even has a light to tell you you forgot to do your pants uper after a toilet stop!

Tynee · 12-18-2002, 01:22 PM

Lippy, there's something wrong with that design under your name, but I like it anyway.

bgbchevy · 12-18-2002, 01:35 PM

What materials are you planning on using??

I'd say come up with a way to make an in dash cd player that didnt require a cd changer. Maybe some better air duct and vent work.

**Palf70Step** · 12-18-2002, 02:11 PM

Maybe some electronics for the heat and A/C controls. I'm thing something similar to my 96 GMC. 3 small knobs to control it all. That could allow that heater & A/C area be set up as additional vents or be used for fancy stereo cd/changers

VDOG · 12-18-2002, 07:39 PM

How about a new Escalade instrument cluster in our trucks?
Work that out.

Longhorn Man · 12-19-2002, 12:12 AM

As for price, look at the cost of the digital set up...it's been on the market since at least '97 when i first got bit by the truck bug.
As for gidgets and widgets, my dad's loncoln has a button to scratch your butt...we are still looking for the button to activate it thoguh.

XXL · 12-19-2002, 12:28 AM

Along these lines (I think), I'm looking for somebody to machine me an aluminum dash bezel... same external dimensions as the original, but backloads the "idiot light" dash (3 hole) into it without any other holes (like for lights, wipers, choke, etc.). Bueller? Anyone? Anyone???

Kenneth

XXL · 12-23-2002, 03:03 PM

Jmac05, can you give us more details on what you're thinking on doing? What would the end result look like? Just a circuit board or were you planning to integrate everything into a bezel?

Thanks,

Kenneth

12-18-2002, 10:00 AM	#1
Jmac05 L.E.D. Tail lights, Baby! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Corona, Ca Posts: 290	Dash Re-design Howdy all, I am a circuit board designer, and was thinking about cutting the dash, alot, and basically redesigning the whole dash from around the center all the way to the left. That means new gauges, new gaugue layouts, new switches, etc. I was wondering what else besides this list would you like to have on your dash: new gauges (auto meter) new switches for lights, wipers, cab/cargo light L.E.D. indicator for open doors, hood, turn signals, parking lights alarm for lights on without keys in ignition, VERY low gas (maybe), What else would you like to see? __________________ *Prov 3:5-8* "Hook 'em" L.E.D. Taillights for sale NOW!!! If interested, visit: www.earlyclassic.com or our website: www.jmcled.com All 67-72 GM Taillights are on sale untill 5 p.m. on Dec 15th, with Guaranteed Christmas delivery! joel.mcwaters@jmcled.com

12-18-2002, 10:21 AM	#2
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I have been wondering if there would be any way to mod the dash so that you could install the cluster out of a new Escalade into the space and make it look right. As for the options you mentioned I like them all except the alarm....I don't like alarms! I also wouldn't need the open hood LED, but that is just my .02. Sounds like a great idea if it could be done so it would be affordable. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-18-2002, 11:18 AM	#3
Jmac05 L.E.D. Tail lights, Baby! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Corona, Ca Posts: 290	I'd like to make one that I could sell for a reasonable amount. What's reasonable? __________________ *Prov 3:5-8* "Hook 'em" L.E.D. Taillights for sale NOW!!! If interested, visit: www.earlyclassic.com or our website: www.jmcled.com All 67-72 GM Taillights are on sale untill 5 p.m. on Dec 15th, with Guaranteed Christmas delivery! joel.mcwaters@jmcled.com Last edited by Jmac05; 12-18-2002 at 11:24 AM.

12-18-2002, 11:29 AM	#4
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	Oh, I think it would need to be in the range of what it would cost to buy a new tach dash set up. I guess it depends on how custom you are going. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-18-2002, 11:43 AM	#5
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	How about intermittent wipers? If that is a possibility, it would be a great addition. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

12-18-2002, 12:12 PM	#6
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Parking brake on warning light, low washer level ? Look at a well loaded odern car for ideas....I think my friends 2002 Toyota even has a light to tell you you forgot to do your pants uper after a toilet stop! __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

12-18-2002, 01:22 PM	#7
Tynee I miss this truck. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A. Posts: 2,863	Lippy, there's something wrong with that design under your name, but I like it anyway. __________________ '07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT.

12-18-2002, 01:35 PM	#8
bgbchevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 486	What materials are you planning on using?? I'd say come up with a way to make an in dash cd player that didnt require a cd changer. Maybe some better air duct and vent work. __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C/20 LWB, BB 402, Tach, Bedside Toolbox, Posi, Factory AC, Factory AM/FM, cruise, Dana 60

12-18-2002, 02:11 PM	#9
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Maybe some electronics for the heat and A/C controls. I'm thing something similar to my 96 GMC. 3 small knobs to control it all. That could allow that heater & A/C area be set up as additional vents or be used for fancy stereo cd/changers __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-18-2002, 07:39 PM	#10
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	How about a new Escalade instrument cluster in our trucks? Work that out.

12-19-2002, 12:12 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	As for price, look at the cost of the digital set up...it's been on the market since at least '97 when i first got bit by the truck bug. As for gidgets and widgets, my dad's loncoln has a button to scratch your butt...we are still looking for the button to activate it thoguh.

12-19-2002, 12:28 AM	#12
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Along these lines (I think), I'm looking for somebody to machine me an aluminum dash bezel... same external dimensions as the original, but backloads the "idiot light" dash (3 hole) into it without any other holes (like for lights, wipers, choke, etc.). Bueller? Anyone? Anyone??? Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

12-23-2002, 03:03 PM	#13
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	Jmac05, can you give us more details on what you're thinking on doing? What would the end result look like? Just a circuit board or were you planning to integrate everything into a bezel? Thanks, Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

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