Building dash panel without breaking the bank

[Pete357]

Just wondering if any one has any answers on if there is a way to build a dash panel without breaking the bank. I have done a bunch of searches and seems like the only info out there leads to really expensive options. I was just wondering if there are any tips out there on modifying a stock dash panel with aftermarket gauges. All of my stock gauges are shot. I don't need a fuel gauge as i have a fuel cell with no sending unit in the bed of the truck. Previous owner had a 5" faze tack on the dash and 3 2-5/8" summit gauges for volts, water temp and oil pressure mounted down low on a custom panel. I really want to clean it up and get my gauges on the dash but want it to look clean and neat. If there is any way to use what gauges i have i will just have to purchase a speedometer and a boost gauge yet.
One option i was looking at was ditch everything that sits behind the plastic dash cover and just size up holes in the plastic piece to mount up my gauges but then how to i do turn signal indicators and what not. Any suggestions?

[eurospec1]

Bump for ya hopefully someone gives you some ideas

[Pete357]

In the mean time im going to start playing with old pieces, the gauges i have, and an air powered saw, what the worst that is going to happen. Maybe ill be the one to come up with the million dollar idea. I could of sworn i seen pictures of people accomplishing what im after but i cant find anyone explaining how they did it, just using the plastic or some how utilizing the pieces behind the plastic too.

[1970 Bowtie]

This is what I did with my dash on the cheap,7 hole bezel,Sun guages and silver paint.I started with a 3 hole original tin and trimmed the 7 hole to fit over it,the gauges go from the outside in.It looks alot better in person as the camera pics up every dang imperfection.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480566Post #4.

[m6z]

Originally Posted by 1970 Bowtie

This is what I did with my dash on the cheap,7 hole bezel,Sun guages and silver paint.I started with a 3 hole original tin and trimmed the 7 hole to fit over it,the gauges go from the outside in.It looks alot better in person as the camera pics up every dang imperfection.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480566Post #4.

nice. that turned out great.

[Pete357]

Needless to say you get what ya pay for, it looks alright in the picture, but inside i myself know its pretty hacked. Maybe i shall start a new credit card and get the one from classic dash haha

[6772owner]

I think the cool thing to do is use a glove box door (the gauge opening is the same as the glove box) just weld some studs to it and cut out your gauge holes and the "hump" for the steering column. There are plenty of threads about it on here. Just my .02 and what I plan on doing when I get some more Autometers....

[dingesb]

There's one not too far from here a guy is trying to sell. Maybe you're interested?

http://www.nextechclassifieds.com/listings/view/261622/