Working on new aftermarket dash panels, need input

[Geno 1,928]

I talked to Terry today and wanted to get input if this is something you guys would be interested in.  Terry mentioned to me the other day how much of a pain it was to install decals on these old dashes with the bump.  I've also seen several very rusty and pitted dashes on here that could affect the look after the decal is applied and longevity as there is less for the decal to adhere to.  I talked to Scot and we made one without the bump. The dash is inset so the more gradual bend still looks great.  We can do a sharp bend in it but that affects cost as none of us can do that so it has to go to another guy down the street that has a hydraulic bender.

 

The lighter and ignition switch will have to be moved upward about 1/4" to work with the bend so they sit flat and we get a more uniform bend.  These could be powder coated black or just painted satin black depending on what you guys think the rear side of the panel should look like.  They could also be done in stainless, bronze, etc, but that will only affect the rear side look and longevity.   

 

Once the plates are done I will send them to Terry so he can fit the decal to it.  I just thought of something else that I think Terry can do, what about doing a metal dash to replace the plastic ones and have a nice decal for it instead of the plastic (pic #2)?  Yea, he doesn't know about that one yet. 

 

How would you like to see this thing made?  Keep in mind, everything above affects cost.  What would you expect it should cost in the configuration you would want? 

 

These when ready will be shipped with the new dash plate and the decal already attached and done.  

 

Below is the first prototype, the second is in the works now. 

Edited November 7, 2014 by Geno

[slammer302 2,154]

I think that is a great idea!!!

[Geno 1,928]

And just how do you think it should be made?  

[slammer302 2,154]

I made sum from alum but never finished I will see if I can find them

[slammer302 2,154]

If there going to have a decal over them I would just go the cheapest route 1/8" carbon steel and not worry about the bump in the middle

[slammer302 2,154]

Doesn't hurt to have one of these around

[Bert 760]

I think that is a great idea!!!

I agree, I want dibs on 1st customer 

[Geno 1,928]

I made sum from alum but never finished I will see if I can find them

 

 

I crossed aluminum off the list at the start.  I was afraid if a choke cable stuck and it was pulled on hard enough it could bend the plate.

 

 

I have a guy 1/2 mile down the road that has one of those benders.  I would be dangerous if I had that thing! 

I agree, I want dibs on 1st customer 

 

What if if cost $149.95.       

[Bert 760]

Then it should be gold plated  

[rmaynard 14,909]

I just paint the old ones.

 

[slammer302 2,154]

Alum was probably not the best but I have a lot of it

[AMC RULES 36,945]

I split both...  

my dash into two, and decal into three separate pieces. 

Edited November 8, 2014 by AMC RULES

[slammer302 2,154]

How hard is it to split the dash plate

[Racinbob 10,296]

I do the same thing as Bob with the plastic ones (only highlighting the stuff used) but I can see a need for a metal replacement. A lot of the plastic dashed are warped beyond repair.

[AMC RULES 36,945]

Just locked it into a vice and rocked the bend back and forth a couple times...

not much effort needed to perfectly split into two pieces...for me anyway.

 

Seemed to me like it was pretty corroded, under the PO's white paint.  

Figured I had nothing to loose, but hard tellin', not knowin'...your results may vary.    

[Geno 1,928]

I just paint the old ones.

 

AFTER_DASH.jpg

 

A lot of people have warped or damaged plates. 

 

I split both...  

my dash into two, and decal into three separate pieces. 

 

You had a pretty good dash to start with.  I think the entire plate new with a decal on it may run around 75.00 if powder coated and done best way possible.  I think the decal alone is around 25.00 at regular price with no discounts.

Edited November 8, 2014 by Geno

[slammer302 2,154]

If I were to mess up putting a decal on and had to buy another I would spend almost the same amount as just buying one already installed so I could see the appeal of what your doing

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487]

Then it should be gold plated  

You forgot the diamond inlay.

Glenn

[Bert 760]

You forgot the diamond inlay.

Glenn

Opps my bad 

[slammer302 2,154]

How about a led lighted dash

[Geno 1,928]

You forgot the diamond inlay.

Glenn

 

Only you could come up with something like that Glenn, only you. 

 

How about a led lighted dash

 

Not worried about cost eh? 

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487]

Only you could come up with something like that Glenn, only you. 

 

 

Not worried about cost eh? 

Out in Kentucky we say "money is no object"

I guess? Lol

Glenn

[bmsgaffer 2,043]

How about a led lighted dash

 

With enough interest, that can be arranged. If I can get a plate with the words/symbols laser cut out of it, I can make it light up!

 

I love making stuff light up.

[Geno 1,928]

The plate is easy.  We are actually making Wheel Horse logo lights for the trailer sides that will be LED lit from behind. 

[CasualObserver 3,406]

Here's an old topic along these lines that may be of some interest to newer members.---->

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