55.2-59 Let’s see those 55-59 GMC dash panels

[NWA58]

Looking for some fresh ideas from the group on 55-59 GMC dash inserts. GMC is very different than the small Chevy V and is a large flat billboard, so I’m looking for different finishes. The original deluxe panel was a split 2-piece and Rick Hendrickson has done some amazing restorations. I like the restored original look but there are more gauge options with aftermarket billet panels. Has anyone painted their polished slab of billet or done any cool vinyl wrap treatments? Let’s see ‘em!

[NWA58]

Here are some from the inter webs

[dsraven]

kinda depends on the rest of the build, a stock looking truck or a resto mod truck with lots of other trick items? lots of chrome or mostly painted surfaces? you gotta stick with the theme i think. post up some pics of the truck and maybe you'll get some cool ideas coming back.

[BBPanel]

[NWA58]

Originally Posted by dsraven

kinda depends on the rest of the build, a stock looking truck or a resto mod truck with lots of other trick items? lots of chrome or mostly painted surfaces? you gotta stick with the theme i think. post up some pics of the truck and maybe you'll get some cool ideas coming back.

I’m full restomod with several mods to the dash and cab. I’d like to use Dakota Digital instruments in a GMC style insert because I didn’t want to go tri-five, 59 Impala or anything too crazy. Just enough difference to where some may not notice a radical change. I have a chrome column I was going to use but am not married to it. Now thinking that with a full polish panel will be too much bling, thus the desire for less on the dash.

[dsraven]

if you're not married to the chrome column maybe a brushed nickel look or a semi gloss silver painted column with a matching dash panel and a nice set of dakota guages set in. I kinda like the look of the analog gauges but thats me. they make some nice clusters as well and since that is a good sized hole for gauges you could adapt a panel to accept a cluster of your choice. the good thing about individual gauges is they can be replaced singularly if something screws up but that is a whole different look than a cluster.
just spitballing. I would say, dark glossy dash maybe needs a little contrast but not too glossy. your truck though

[NWA58]

I like the red color match with chrome bezels on the gauges

[dsraven]

that would be an easy fix then. just gotta decide on gauge packages.

[G&R's57GMC]

My plan is to mount Speedo with tach combo in one location and 4 gauge combo in the other stock location . 2 a/c vents in the other stock locations in the gauge panel .

The a/c controls in the ash tray location and a/c vents on either side of the glove box .

If I want a radio I could move the a/c control up and the radio below .

[dsraven]

personally I would use a flat or semigloss on the dash top because full glossy paint reflects sun into the driver's eyes. these old trucks have little for windshield tint compared to new vehicles.
I like a speedo and tach that are very easily found and read when driving. I would do those 2 gauges large and have the periphery gauges maybe multi use style. thats me though.

[dsraven]

the oval analog one could be made to work with a/c vents around the cluster.
again, my opinion.

[SideStepper]

I am considering installing a black padded dash or a least make a dash cover. Besides the safety aspect of a padded dash, having a low gloss black dash has the advantage of reducing glare, plus it provides the great look of a two-tone dash (assuming your interior is not black). I have not seen this done yet on a GMC but someone has got to be the first.

[northerngmc]

[mr48chev]

They all look great, I had a 57 GMC 3/4 ton Big window that was such a rust bucket it wasn't even close to restorable but the dash was beautiful.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by dsraven

personally I would use a flat or semigloss on the dash top because full glossy paint reflects sun into the driver's eyes. these old trucks have little for windshield tint compared to new vehicles.

this is a non issue for 50 years of driving tf trucks
truk's yellow dash never gives me a glare that i can't tolerate anymore than the car in front of me

[dsraven]

too funny ogre, you're like 9 ft tall. try it from a short guys perspective, looking through the steering wheel spokes. haha