Dash at Last - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CrashBob · 07-14-2009, 09:48 PM

Hey,

I finished my dash after a lot of planning, anticipation and worry. I don't remember the species of wood but is is very heavy and hard and cost some serious bucks. What'cha think?

lofly'a · 07-14-2009, 10:02 PM

very nice....looks like burl wood maybe???

hounddogs! · 07-14-2009, 10:13 PM

Looks awesome. Just this weekend I sent a template to the shop to have a CNC program done for this very thing.

Is that 1 x 12 stock, or did you lay up smaller pieces?

Sammy · 07-14-2009, 10:16 PM

Nice..but don't give me any more ideas..

CrashBob · 07-15-2009, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hounddogs!

Looks awesome. Just this weekend I sent a template to the shop to have a CNC program done for this very thing.

Is that 1 x 12 stock, or did you lay up smaller pieces?

The original board was 12 x 1 x 60. I have another piece to make the glove box lid with. I made a bezel for the radio and an ash tray face as well as some arm rests with that wood also. Fortunately I work at a shop with CNC mills and the owner lets me use the equipment after hours.

Make sure the wood you use is dense and hard as it gets pretty thin where the head light and wiper switches fit in. You have to hollow out the back side pretty deep to fit those areas.

The back side took more work than the front so plan carefully. I cut the outside shape, roughed out the gauge holes and cut the outside radius in my wood shop. When doing the back profile, the top edge has to be .200 higher than the bottom. I made a fixture for that.

I'd be happy to answer any questions and provide more detail if you want.

CrashBob

72BlckButy · 07-15-2009, 07:32 AM

Nice work!

71GMCNC · 07-15-2009, 09:16 AM

Looks nice! Thanks for another idea to add to the list of to do's...lol

hounddogs! · 07-15-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashBob

When doing the back profile, the top edge has to be .200 higher than the bottom. I made a fixture for that.

I see that the front face and the mounting surface aren't parallel. (if I set a flat block on the dash opening, it tips down slightly) Are you saying that thickness on the top edge is .200 less than the bottom edge?

**mr48chev** · 07-15-2009, 10:22 AM

It looks like that is what CrashBob was saying when he talked about using the .200 spacer to level the block on the work table of the machine.

Great looking piece CrashBob that takes the wood dash idea to a higher level.

I had thought about prepping my dash and glove box door and taking them to a local custom painter to have him woodgrain them.

Now you will have to show us the finished product.

big_al_71 · 07-15-2009, 10:55 AM

Man that looks awesome....definetly satisfying knowing that you made it your self....

dallon · 07-15-2009, 11:52 AM

that dash is possibly one of the coolest things ive seen for our trucks in a while. but you really shouldnt post stuff like that because now i really really want one!!!

hounddogs! · 07-15-2009, 12:31 PM

OK, next question.....

Are the black rings on the gauges flush? i.e. did you cut holes and add a counterbore?

I haven't settled on which I prefer.

unclewatts · 07-15-2009, 12:43 PM

Beautiful! Sure looks a heck of a lot better than that cheap plastic junk everybody sells!

CrashBob · 07-15-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hounddogs!

OK, next question.....

Are the black rings on the gauges flush? i.e. did you cut holes and add a counterbore?

I haven't settled on which I prefer.

I counterbored for the bezels .500 deep so yes, they're flush.

kxnomore · 07-15-2009, 10:44 PM

you should seriously sell those.

OARNGESI · 07-15-2009, 11:26 PM

Looks really good

vectorit · 07-15-2009, 11:35 PM

Very nice work! I love the wood, and you did an awesome job on the finish.

Personally I probably would have gone with a set of retro style gauges, sort of like the old clock face style?

Either way kudo's to you on a job well done!

CrashBob · 07-16-2009, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kxnomore

you should seriously sell those.

One word....unique.
Plus, for what it took to make it, I doubt anyone would want to pay the price.

CrashBob

CrashBob · 07-16-2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Very nice work! I love the wood, and you did an awesome job on the finish.

Personally I probably would have gone with a set of retro style gauges, sort of like the old clock face style?

Either way kudo's to you on a job well done!

Agreed, retro style would look real nice. However, I scored the whole set of Phantoms for $250.

Thanks to you and everyone else for the compliments!

CrashBob

eightbanger · 07-16-2009, 07:21 AM

Now I think solid wood door panels would be in order

Seriously though...looks great!! and can't have been an easy project.

CrashBob · 07-16-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eightbanger

Now I think solid wood door panels would be in order

Seriously though...looks great!! and can't have been an easy project.

Thought about it. The contract with Orkin just for the dash is already killing the budget.

Thanks, this project was one of the more trying things I've attempted over the years. No set-up piece makes for some serious "pucker" moments.

sqrbdy · 07-16-2009, 08:58 PM

That looks good. I bet ebony wood would look awesome as well.

CrashBob · 07-17-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sqrbdy

That looks good. I bet ebony wood would look awesome as well.

Absolutely! And I believe Ebony is dense and hard enough for the application.

07-14-2009, 09:48 PM	#1
CrashBob Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Utica Nebraska Posts: 244	Dash at Last Hey, I finished my dash after a lot of planning, anticipation and worry. I don't remember the species of wood but is is very heavy and hard and cost some serious bucks. What'cha think? Attached Images __________________ "Life is all about ass. You're either covering it,laughing it off, kicking it, kissing it, busting it or trying to get a piece of it.

07-14-2009, 10:02 PM	#2
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	Re: Dash at Last very nice....looks like burl wood maybe??? __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

07-14-2009, 10:13 PM	#3
hounddogs! Restoring it $200 at a time... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 886	Re: Dash at Last Looks awesome. Just this weekend I sent a template to the shop to have a CNC program done for this very thing. Is that 1 x 12 stock, or did you lay up smaller pieces? __________________ Charter member of the 'Put the dimmer switch back on the damn floor where it belongs' Society '68 5.3L-4 speed LWB C20; grandpa bought it for the farm in '71. Now LS 5.3, rather than 327. DD '09 Pilot Weekender '65 Skylark 300-4V-4 speed Wife's '07 Lexus ES350; 117 actuator motors and I can't see the engine. Son's '04 F250 SuperCab 6.0

07-14-2009, 10:16 PM	#4
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Dash at Last Nice..but don't give me any more ideas.. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

07-15-2009, 07:32 AM	#6
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Dash at Last Nice work! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

07-15-2009, 09:16 AM	#7
71GMCNC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: ELIZABETH CITY, NC Posts: 51	Re: Dash at Last Looks nice! Thanks for another idea to add to the list of to do's...lol __________________ '98 Chevy K1500 ext Cab Z71 4x4 196k miles and still going! 83' Chevy K10 Longbed 4x4. Dana 44 front and rear axles. Lift with 35's. Hopped up 350 V8, 4 speed manual w/granny. NP208 Transfer case SOLD!!!! '71 GMC Shortbed 350 V8/Edelbrock performer intake and carb/Custom Dual Flowmaster 40 Exhaust Currently in progress eventually 383 Stroker! SOLD!!!! '67 Chevy C20 londbed Original 327 V8/4 Speed Custom Cherry bomb Exhaust Inline to be next project sporitng primer grey SOLD!!!!!

07-15-2009, 10:22 AM	#9
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,639	Re: Dash at Last It looks like that is what CrashBob was saying when he talked about using the .200 spacer to level the block on the work table of the machine. Great looking piece CrashBob that takes the wood dash idea to a higher level. I had thought about prepping my dash and glove box door and taking them to a local custom painter to have him woodgrain them. Now you will have to show us the finished product.

07-15-2009, 10:55 AM	#10
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Dash at Last Man that looks awesome....definetly satisfying knowing that you made it your self.... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

07-15-2009, 11:52 AM	#11
dallon Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: elwood utah Posts: 10	Re: Dash at Last that dash is possibly one of the coolest things ive seen for our trucks in a while. but you really shouldnt post stuff like that because now i really really want one!!! __________________ 69 GMC 3/4 ton, 4x4, 400 SB, work in progress

07-15-2009, 12:31 PM	#12
hounddogs! Restoring it $200 at a time... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 886	Re: Dash at Last OK, next question..... Are the black rings on the gauges flush? i.e. did you cut holes and add a counterbore? I haven't settled on which I prefer. __________________ Charter member of the 'Put the dimmer switch back on the damn floor where it belongs' Society '68 5.3L-4 speed LWB C20; grandpa bought it for the farm in '71. Now LS 5.3, rather than 327. DD '09 Pilot Weekender '65 Skylark 300-4V-4 speed Wife's '07 Lexus ES350; 117 actuator motors and I can't see the engine. Son's '04 F250 SuperCab 6.0 Last edited by hounddogs!; 07-15-2009 at 03:58 PM.

07-15-2009, 12:43 PM	#13
unclewatts 70 Chevrolet=Obsession Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: nice ca Posts: 1,067	Re: Dash at Last Beautiful! Sure looks a heck of a lot better than that cheap plastic junk everybody sells! __________________ I'm Just like my truck. Old, Ugly and Grouchy. Except my truck starts easily in the morning and doesn't smoke! IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN! -Kermit the frog 1970 Chevrolet C-10 Longbed Stepside : 350, Muncie M20, 3.08 GM corp. positraction Forest green exterior/light green interior(Where all my money goes) 1996 Toyota Corolla (Parts runner)

07-15-2009, 10:44 PM	#15
kxnomore Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CA Posts: 331	Re: Dash at Last you should seriously sell those.

07-15-2009, 11:26 PM	#16
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Dash at Last Looks really good __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

07-15-2009, 11:35 PM	#17
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Dash at Last Very nice work! I love the wood, and you did an awesome job on the finish. Personally I probably would have gone with a set of retro style gauges, sort of like the old clock face style? Either way kudo's to you on a job well done! __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

07-16-2009, 07:21 AM	#20
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: Dash at Last Now I think solid wood door panels would be in order Seriously though...looks great!! and can't have been an easy project. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger



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07-16-2009, 08:58 PM	#22
sqrbdy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Spring, Texas Posts: 207	Re: Dash at Last That looks good. I bet ebony wood would look awesome as well. __________________ Ain't Nobody Like a Square Body sqrbdy myspace

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