Dash Hump for Column Question

[Jamon]

Greetings, I've been a reader of the sight for years but just recently signed up. I've ready many threads and there are some amazing and talented people here, what a great community! you have my respect! Some background, and my question is at the end.
I've had a C10 (former army truck although) that I've had since 1985, it was my first car and a father / son project we built in 85-87 (I was a helper / learner to my talented father who passed away way too young in 1989). Some from her past, then some more glorious days in the late 1980's and one in its current state last month. It's been in hibernation since 1992. Although my taste has changed and I prefer more originality nowadays (ie grill, interior and whatnot) I have to say our console in 1986 was way ahead of it's time (at that time it had an automatic TH400, we put in a Muncie Rock Crusher) close ratio and I always regretted it as it's just not a "smooth driver".
[ATTACH][ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]
Even though I lack time, money & space - I want to put in a stock LS motor and refresh it. When I bought it OK it was a 6cyl civilian vehicle, but had been an upper midwestern army vehicle so full of rust when I got it (we patched in floor boards, incorrectly fiberglassed holes in cab corners, did rocker and cab supports correctly, And now I discovered under the cowl rust) so there is plenty to do...
As I ponder the re-build and options (floor / vs. column shift, etc), we were on a limited budget in the day and my dad hacked in a Monte Carlo tilt column that required him to cut out the steel hump in the dash since it was much thicker than the original that the column sits just below and the arch in the dash bezel sits on top of.

See picture.
MY QUESTION IS does anyone know if this "hump" or "arch" in the dash for the columnwas spot welded in or bolted in to the dash, or part of continuous steel? I'd like to go back and put that arch back in and a more appropriate column. Thanks for any insight.

Mike H

[Getter-Done]

Welcome
Nice truck with a good history.
Thanks for sharing your story.
I can look at the loop in mine when I get home.
I have the cab gutted now.

[Jamon]

Thanks!

[Getter-Done]

It is part of continuous steel.
IMO It could be repair at the drivers side dash opening with some TLC.
The dash piece is bolted on both sides and welded under the windshield seal lip.
The sun was setting when I got home here is the best of the 2 pics I got.
Can take more this weekend if you need them.

[Jamon]

Ok, good to know. I agree, I'd try to repair it at the drivers opening and not trying to take out the entire dash - I think the alignment may be an issue but I can foresee using the dash bezel to help align it since it has the cutout for the arch. I may start a thread to see if anyone has a damaged or partial dash and could cut out the arch and sell it to me.
Thanks again!

[Getter-Done]

If you choose to become a subscribing member you could post a WTB add.
Some one probably has this patch they would sell you cheap.
To subscribe here is only 0.07 cents a day.

[old51sedan]

Interesting little truck you have, similar to mine. If you decide to join, it's well worth the price of $25.00 per year. You just go to the top of the page, click on subscribe and your in. Gives you a lot more freedom to look around & to advertise, buy and sell. Good luck with your project.

[Red71gmc]

Nice truck and its neat you kept it all these years. I wish I kept my first car. Nothing special still today with it being a 77 Monte Carlo but still catch myself once in awhile looking at the ones for sale.
Your center console was a nice build.

[Jamon]

Thanks, funny how we get attached to cars / trucks. My dad always regretted selling his 58' chevy he built as a teenager so I kept it, but I spent lots on storage over the years since I haven't always had a place for it - hopefully soon I can enjoy it again.