Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
72-80 Dash inserts? #2459874
03/02/18 12:48 PM
03/02/18 12:48 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
Mr onetwo Offline OP
member
Mr onetwo  Offline OP
member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
Is anyone making metal inserts for these dashes.I searched and can't find anything current.Was thinking turned stainless with new Speedhut gauges would be nice.

Engine Turned Stainless Steel Panel.jpgindex.jpgspeedo.JPG
Last edited by Mr onetwo; 03/02/18 01:09 PM.
Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2460019
03/02/18 06:12 PM
03/02/18 06:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
B
bboogieart Offline
master
bboogieart  Offline
master
B

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
I like this idea.
Really like that gauge. up

Thought about doing this myself.

There is a water jet shop up the road from me, but I figure it would cost more than my trucks are worth.
Wouldn't hurt to go ask em. shruggy

My plan was to get a scrap piece of 1/4" plywood or plastic and make the pattern.
If it comes out good, then I'd try the turned aluminum.
Pretty sure the hardware store or tractor supply would carry it.
I couldn't justify the cost of stainless on my old trucks.


I have mechanical Aptitude.
I can screw up anything.
Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2460269
03/03/18 12:46 AM
03/03/18 12:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
poorboy Offline
I Live Here
poorboy  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
I saw turned metal backing panels on sale someplace, maybe Speedway?

I have a big hole where the instrument cluster once set, so I have to put something there to mount my gauges to. I was originally thinking I would just use sheet metal and paint the whole dash body color, or the dash body color and the mounting plate black or something. My gauges are 3 3/8" in diameter, I have the speedo and the other is 4 gauges in one set. My gauges have a black face with a black trim ring. The numbers are white and the pointer is red.

I do have a piece of 18 gauge brushed stainless steel (think fridge front) here I could use to mount my new gauges, but once the holes are cut, any clean up removes the "brushed" look. I suppose I could cut the holes undersized and use a rotating cutter to bring the holes out to size.

I also have a piece of 5/16" thick aluminum left from a job I did, I could make the gauge backing from that as well. Gene

Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2460301
03/03/18 01:46 AM
03/03/18 01:46 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 735
Pa. U.S.A.
moparborn Offline
super stock
moparborn  Offline
super stock

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 735
Pa. U.S.A.
You can buy vinyl wrap in engine turned finish and lay it on your existing panel.

Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2460332
03/03/18 02:41 AM
03/03/18 02:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,069
Washington State
70Duster440 Offline
super stock
70Duster440  Offline
super stock

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,069
Washington State
We fabbed a 3 piece aluminum insert over a heavily modified (ie: hacked up) donor bezel that served as a foundation so it would all go back in as one piece using the same anchor points. A pair of Speedhut combination gauges monitor vitals but with the radio delete there’s a lot of available real estate. The combo gauges are looking lonely.

dashinsert.jpg
Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2461361
03/05/18 09:27 AM
03/05/18 09:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
Mr onetwo Offline OP
member
Mr onetwo  Offline OP
member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
I have talked to these guys...FPM Metals, but I may try the wrap idea and adapt new gauges to the existing bezel.

FPM Metals.JPG
Last edited by Mr onetwo; 03/05/18 09:28 AM.
Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2464260
03/10/18 01:11 PM
03/10/18 01:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,449
Orange Park FL.
L
LilRed7879 Offline
pro stock
LilRed7879  Offline
pro stock
L

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,449
Orange Park FL.


David S.
Part Time Owner
Dodge Connection
www.dodgeconnection.com
904-209-9388
Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: LilRed7879] #2465090
03/12/18 08:41 AM
03/12/18 08:41 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
Mr onetwo Offline OP
member
Mr onetwo  Offline OP
member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 195
Coastal Maine
Very nice work...thanks for the link!

Re: 72-80 Dash inserts? [Re: Mr onetwo] #2465876
03/13/18 05:04 PM
03/13/18 05:04 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
B
bboogieart Offline
master
bboogieart  Offline
master
B

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
That is very nice. up
Gives me hope.
I don't have a mill, but I'm gonna give it a try.


I have mechanical Aptitude.
I can screw up anything.






Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1