65guage panel welding?

[shortbed70]

Has anybody tig welded on a 60's model guage panel surround that holds your wipers and key? I am wanting to fill the key hole and clean it up some for when I get my billet insert.

[ChiefRocka]

It could be done with my MIG.....I weld thin stuff all the time with my MIG.

[shortbed70]

I tried and its like pot metal thats why I haven't done this. I can weld it but I tried mig but it just wanted to blow out. By the way I am a certified welder.

[Captainfab]

I've never had a reason to weld on the bezel, but I'd guess to say it is either pot metal or at least diecast aluminum. Either way a pita to weld.....often not very sucessful.

I think Chief was thinking of the '60-'63's switch panel below the gauge panel....it's steel.

[shortbed70]

Well I tried to tig it today and its possible but I would have to have way more skill than what I posess. Its some kind of aluminum like the slag they scrape off the top or something. So I didn't get my holes welded so I'm looking at another option.

[padresag]

I don't know why you just don't put a piece of sreel in there and weld it up and finish it off
ron

[shortbed70]

I want to keep SOME of the stock stuff on the truck. It already has a shaved dash,handles,tail lights,one piece windows and bucket seats so theres not alot left stock to hold on to so I would like to keep that.

[hAetWagon]

One piece winders...huh? That sounds kinda cool. How'd that whole thing work? or is there a thread around here somewhere?

[ChopperDr]

Why not fill it with body filler? Multiple flavors to choose from.

Chopster

[jonzcustomshop]

I guess that you are talking about the lower strip of this style cluster.
Why not mill a piece of aluminum, or carve a piece of steel that would fit over it, and just bolt through the back, then you could chrome/paint/polish it.

[jchav62]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I guess that you are talking about the lower strip of this style cluster.
Why not mill a piece of aluminum, or carve a piece of steel that would fit over it, and just bolt through the back, then you could chrome/paint/polish it.

That's a nice looking cluster! Is that clock factory? We need one of those...

[Real_McCoy]

What year is that cluster from?

[jchav62]

Originally Posted by Real_McCoy

What year is that cluster from?

64-66.

[LILRED66]

The factory option clock for the 4-5-6 Chevy trucks mounted on top of the dash like this one:

There were no factory options for a clock mounted inside the dash cluster on a 4-5-6 Chevy truck, but I have seen a few that have been modified to accept a '60's electric clock from a Nova/Chevelle/Impala etc., like the one shown above.

I have had my father repair a number of the factory dash bezels from the 4-5-6 Chevy trucks. He is a retired welder from TWA/American Airlines. He was there for 40 years and still runs a small welding operation from his home shop. He believes they are cast aluminum or pot-metal, but in either case they can be repaired/modified with great results.

If you need one modified, let me know and we can move this conversation to PM, in order to not violate the forum rules.

I hope this information is helpful.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by padresag

I don't know why you just don't put a piece of sreel in there and weld it up and finish it off
ron

sorry I was thinking gmc ; the ignition switch is lower and not in the chevrolet alum housing
ron

[shortbed70]

I want to fill the two holes on the right side and the small on on the left side closest to the steering column. I think I'm going to JB weld it and and grind the front grooves into it so it looks factory. My plan is to scratch up the back side around the holes with 36 grit and then fill with jb so it will stick.