Aftermarket Dash Panel for GMC??

[siggyfreud]

Hey all,

It seems like aftermarket dash panels for 60-66 Chevy are pretty easy to find, however I have yet to find one aftermarket dash panel for a 60-66 GMC. Anyone know of any? I simply cannot turn one up, which makes me wonder if there is a small market not being served here.

[markeb01]

These guys offer one:



http://www.boeseengineering.com/

They are listed under Chevy Truck.

[Barney 66]

Ordered

http://www.boeseengineering.com/

[newbe351]

I got the Bose insert with the Autometer Old Tyme Black gauges. In hindsight, I wish that I would have gotten a blank one and used the Autometer Classic gauges (black face, white numerals, and orange pointer)........

[gimmy 64]

there is a guy on e-bay that sells them. I believe it is dolphin gauge. --easy wiring. bought one with gauges for $270. go to parts --antique and collectable and put in gauges for gmc and it will come up

[siggyfreud]

So I see that they have the back plate with gauge holes, but the original bezel was more than just that flat piece. It was recessed (top one in pic). So what are people doing to fill that gap with just the flat aftermarket pieces?

[markeb01]

I presume they are meant to be used with a sliced up version of the original rim/backing. That's how I did my 1960. I cut out the center and made my own plate 2 piece front plate.

I have no experience removing the newer plastic design, but the early metal version tends to scratch the dash paint badly, so I modified mine so it could be removed while leaving the stock rim attached to the dash.

[siggyfreud]

Ah okay. I didn't realize they had metal versions. Mine is plastic. I actually had a local guy cut me a center piece, but then had to use the plastic rim to hold it in, which looked tacky at best. Really looking for a way to get a nice full piece in there. Could be worth building a prototype and getting someone to mold 20-30 of them.

[Captainfab]

I have made a couple years ago before Boese Engineering made theirs. I did cut the original plastic bezel and use it sandwiched between the face plate and a back plate. With the bezel painted nicely it looked good IMO.

[Shaky]

I'm no fabricating wizard, but I was able to make one for my Chevy with a little patience and some hole saws.

[Robert Haas]

Building your own is not a terribly difficult endeavor. Aluminum is easy to work with. a little TIG welding and some gentle forming over a wooden home made buck can net a fantastic looking part.

Attachment 1223818

[Rob Fisher]

Here's what I did to the dash on my 64 GMC.
Cut up a damaged stock bezel to create the outer ring.
Cut a flat piece of 1/8" plexiglass to fit within the stock trimmed bezel.
Mounted a set of Dakota Digital VHX gauges designed to fit a 64 GTO.
Finished it off with a brushed stainless face and 4 machined rings.
Fits perfect,

[kieth]

We used the stock cluster, had it chromed, added a few stock sun gauges, added a little crinkle paint and ended up with this on my 66 GMC...

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-X8WmmMg/A


installed:
http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-GMC/i-6RPBQ7f/A

[BigDan3131]

I'm just going to cut out the holes and use these 3 in 1 gauges: http://www.newvintageusa.com/images/40254-01.jpg

[jbgroby]

I used the original panel insert and had a simple flat aluminum plate cut to fit the insides so it would go back as original looking.

The tack and clock are OEM