Any Dash Ideas

[LeftCoast32]

Originally Posted by badblu97

What did you use do polish it out? I tried mine, but gave up pretty quick. I know itll take time, just looking for your experience!

I used some automotive paint polishing compound and it works like a champ. I do it by hand but a buffer would make short work of it. It is easiest to do with the lens removed.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

come on you guys, I've already seen your dashes and they're awsome, but I'm hoping for an answer to my question.

I looked for a black letter one and had no luck. I talked to a few sign shops and they were crazy. I will likely pick up some letters and build one if I have to. My wife actually likes the green against the white. It looks better lit up, too.

If you find one, let me know.

[ChevyC10Stepside350]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I thought about doing the bomber style mounting rings, for the simple convenience of removing and installing all the gauges from the front, more than for cosmetics. If I had come up with the idea before the last redesign of the dash, I might have gone for it. I was going to have my machinist son whip up the rings for free and install them over conventional black rim gauges. But I like the current configuration so much the way it is, at this point I don’t think more changes would be an improvement.

Wonderfull, i really like your dash.
Where did you get the steering wheel?

[mcmlxix]

Dakota Digital

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by ChevyC10Stepside350

Wonderfull, i really like your dash.
Where did you get the steering wheel?

It's a 1960's vintage Covico wheel. I found mine on Ebay a number of years ago. Ebay or swap meets are the most reliable sources to find one today. They were originally produced as boat wheels, and the earliest models lacked a hole for the horn connection. By the early 1960's they were offered in multiple solid, metalflake, and pearl colors, in several sizes. A great many high school cars and drag racers in the early 60’s sported a Covico wheel. The big advantage of the Covico wheel in early cars was the shallow dish (about 2 3/8"). By the late 60's the Superior and Grant wheels took over in popularity since their much deeper dish (4” or 4/12”) was more compatible with late model cars.

Covico wheels are easily identifed by the spokes which are equally spaced around the rim. The only exception I'm aware of is the "Milner" model which also has odd hole pattern in the spokes, moving the small outboard hole to the center of the spoke. They aren’t particularly attractive, but command big prices from anyone building an American Graffiti 32 Ford clone. Covico wheels also have no markings in the hub area, so it can be hard to search for these wheels since many sellers don't recognize what brand they are.

The spokes on Grant and Superior wheels are not evenly spaced, providing more dash gauge viewing space at the top. This design also allows the driver to know when the wheels are pointed straight ahead by simply looking at the steering wheel. Both brands have manufacturing information stamped into the center hub area which is covered by the horn kit once installed in the vehicle.

The Covico vinyl rim was unbelievably excellent and can hold up looking like new for decades. The same cannot be said for the standard production chrome which deteriorated quickly, making it difficult to find a mint condition Covico wheel today. Here’s an early magazine article showing a typical installation, along with an advertisement showing what options were available.







Covico is still in business today producing boat wheels. The new wheels are stainless steel which is great for durability, but sadly they no longer offer the multi colored vinyl rim. The new wheels come only in black and white with a foam grip:

http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant2...de=covico3bolt

[MisterC]

I'm looking to add a tach to my '66 dash and would like to fill the other hole (normally vacuum gauge) with a clock. I've seen some great examples on the forums, but up until now, no one has responded to my PM's asking what the clocks came out of originally.

Would anyone be willing to share some clock ideas that would fit into the vacuum gauge opening on my '66 dash?

[Strodder]

Why ?? Keep the vacuum gauge. Most radio's have a digital clock built in.

[MisterC]

Sorry for the confusion. I don't currently have the vacuum gauge. It's the blank, and I want to put a clock in it. I just like the functionality that it offers.

[Strodder]

I miss read it.

[Slow Build]

Originally Posted by MisterC

I'm looking to add a tach to my '66 dash and would like to fill the other hole (normally vacuum gauge) with a clock. I've seen some great examples on the forums, but up until now, no one has responded to my PM's asking what the clocks came out of originally.

Would anyone be willing to share some clock ideas that would fit into the vacuum gauge opening on my '66 dash?

x2

I have asked also. Haven't gotten a solid answer yet.

[Slow Build]

Saw this in JOHNORO's Blazer at the C10 Get Together in @water. It looks like it's about the right size (maybe 3") and it's made buy AutoMeter but I can't find it online anywhere. I'd want it black though.

The search goes on.

[Sick5]

what about gmc style?

[markeb01]

Egauges shows Autometer making several clocks in 3 3/8” size, although none of the models listed have a photograph, and I don’t see them offered at Jegs or Summit:

http://www.egauges.com/eg_typeI.asp?...r=All&Manf=All

[Wolfinthesnow]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I thought about doing the bomber style mounting rings, for the simple convenience of removing and installing all the gauges from the front, more than for cosmetics. If I had come up with the idea before the last redesign of the dash, I might have gone for it. I was going to have my machinist son whip up the rings for free and install them over conventional black rim gauges. But I like the current configuration so much the way it is, at this point I don’t think more changes would be an improvement.

Hey Mark, I was curious about your spotlight.... Could you give me some info on it? (part number, brand, measurements, place of purchase, etc) thinking about grabbing some up myself but I dont know a thing about them.

[markeb01]

These two threads should answer your questions. If not let me know. I routinely add more details as new questions come up. Regards, Mark.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=401449

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=403869

[Vernski]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Egauges shows Autometer making several clocks in 3 3/8” size, although none of the models listed have a photograph, and I don’t see them offered at Jegs or Summit:

http://www.egauges.com/eg_typeI.asp?...r=All&Manf=All

Here is a clock a Bob's Speedometer that is 3 3/8 I used in my GMC they have gone up in price though here is the link...Vernski

http://www.bobsgauges.com/servlet/th...Hot-Rod/Detail

[LostMy65]

I've been banging around this idea:
White led digital gauges I think would blend in nicely.

[corvettejim1968]

the vacuum gauge was very hard to find.

[62 bigwindow]

the post of the 60 Impala dash looks very cool. almost looks like a fiberglass insert..If so where can I get one?
Also curious if anyone had ever installed a 60-63 double hump dash into a 64-66 cab..I have a 66 big windoe but I have a 63 parts truck with a good dash and was thinking of doing a swap.....ANYBODY??????

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by PrerunnerRob

Oh man, thats looks good! Keep us all posted with some pics please!

can't believe I never posted a completed pic

Originally Posted by 62 bigwindow

the post of the 60 Impala dash looks very cool. almost looks like a fiberglass insert..If so where can I get one?
Also curious if anyone had ever installed a 60-63 double hump dash into a 64-66 cab..I have a 66 big windoe but I have a 63 parts truck with a good dash and was thinking of doing a swap.....ANYBODY??????

Thanks, it's not a fiberglass insert, it's the real thing. I do believe they do make them in fiberglass, not sure where to get them.


Don't pay any attention to the steering wheel, it's a temp one.

[Strodder]

Yeah, when are you goin to get that Impala wheel. It needs to be a 15"er though.

[theastronaut]

This is just an edit I did in MS paint, but I'm having a real 160 mph speedometer and 10k tach made for my '66.


Posted via Mobile Device

[Alan's Classic]

Originally Posted by Strodder

Yeah, when are you goin to get that Impala wheel. It needs to be a 15"er though.

Not sure, it's hard to cough up $350 for s steering wheel. I hope by Christmas.
Posted via Mobile Device

[corvettejim1968]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

This is just an edit I did in MS paint, but I'm having a real 160 mph speedometer and 10k tach made for my '66.


Posted via Mobile Device

that would be awesome if it looks stock like your picture.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by corvettejim1968

that would be awesome if it looks stock like your picture.

It will look just like that, with an air gauge added in the left pod for my air bags' tank.