Car Craft Magazine Homepage Car Craft
 

How To Build a Trick Dashboard



Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Sheetmetal Template
With the paper transferred to the back of the sheetmetal, the approximate location of the socket was revealed so we could cut an access hole.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Bracket
This is the finished gauge bracket with the access holes, studs, and gauges installed. This is the time to test-fit the bracket in the car. Dash braces, wiring, and ducting are going to get in the way. Make additional cuts before you finish the details.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Painted Black
The front side of the gauge cluster was painted with Krylon Semi-Flat black and reassembled to check for fitment. This is actually a cool look, but we wanted to match the accents inside the car with a two-tone silver.
Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Tape
The blue tape represents the parts of the dash that are to remain black. The entire panel was then painted with Dupli-Color Instant Chrome, dried, and the blue tape was removed. Use clearcoat after the paint dries or it will rub off on your fingers.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Chrome Paint
Other than some small touch-ups, this is the way the dash was reassembled and put in the car. It probably has $20 worth of art supplies tied up in it.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Glove Box Cover
We found a photo of an AMC American hood ornament and used the color scheme to develop a plan for the glovebox logo.
Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Glove Box Cover Painted
The glovebox paint job was accomplished using the same reverse masking technique as the main gauge panel. The only difference is that Steve hand-lettered the American insignia with brushes from a hobby shop.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Radio
The radio was cleaned up with Meguiar's clear plastic polish and cleaner, and the bezel was painted to match the glovebox and dashpanel. Knobs and fobs were touched up with a small detail paintbrush.		 Custom Dash Gauge Cluster MSD Shift Light
The final touch was to weld a small bracket to the gauge frame to feed an MSD shift light through what was formerly the cigarette-lighter hole. From the front, it looks inconspicuous.
Prev  | 1  | 2  | 3  | Next
Discuss in Our Forums
Get Adobe Flash player
Get a FREE no-hassle price quote on any new car.

Related Photos

Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Factory Gauges Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Back Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Modified Panel
Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Factory Cluster Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Dremel Custom Dash Gauge Cluster Tap
More Photos

 

Related Articles

 
1960 Chevy Kingswood Wagon - No Ordinary Soccer Mom
Perry and Carrie needed a family vehicle and decided that a 1960 Chevy Kingswood Wagon was perfect... more
 
Add 100 HP to Gen III Small-Blocks
Add Headers And A Cam On A Stock 5.3L And Make 100 HP... more
 
1969 Chevy Nova - Heads Up News
Street-Legal Drag Racing... more
 
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle - Riding On Air
This 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle is the first ride in a car equipped with air springs. It's kinda nice.... more

 

Get Adobe Flash player

Car Research Guide