70-72 Chevelle dash insert!

[72monteman]

I have seen a lot of threads looking for alternatives for the Covan's dash, so I started thinking what cant I make one? I got a wood grain appliqué from EBay for a 72 Monte Carlo, cut out the center gauge section and reformed it w/ Fiber glass. This is the finished product (minus the Speedo on back order) It really was not that hard took about 4 days to complete

[vp23271]

Sharp! Turned out great!

[John McIntire]

Nice Work! How was working with the fiberglass? I was always interested in playing around with it, just never gave it a try.

[72monteman]

Not bad , it was my first time. i just followed the derections on the resin can. i still need to work out the turn signial and high beam light but figure will use LED's

[70 Chevelle]

Funny, I just recently did something similar only I used a junk dash and cut out the cluster area and used that as a mold to make a complete fiberglass insert. Now I need to fabricate individual tubes for each gauge to flush mount them. Couldn't justify the covan piece. I was going to post pics on my update on Monday but got busy at work. Nice job.

[72monteman]

Thanks, I also just couldnt see paying Covans price, I think i have $55 bucks in the panel + gauges

[70 Chevelle]

What did you do about the headlight switch hole?

[72monteman]

I havent tackled that yet but thinking on relocating to above the wiper switch/ wating to get the car back from the trany shop

[deeboe78]

This is right up my alley, and a hell of a good thread. What can of materials did you use to cut, etc. (newby) and what kind of junkyard dash do you reccomend for a 70 chevelle sweep style dash.

Convan's LOOK OUT!!!!!! Looks good man.

thanks

SSG D

[deeboe78]

Man I' am pondering this one lol. Could I just use the one I have now in the car and use the fiber glass and cut holes in for the gauges and stuff?

Thanks

SSG D

[72monteman]

I used a cordless Dremel with cut off wheels to cut out the center section (took allot of them they like to brake), cut out some poster board to get the shape and depth I wanted. Used duct tape to hold in place also worked well as a release agent for the fiberglass, I used bondo brand fiberglass resin and mat, then refined with a good light weight body filler (lots of sanding to get right) laid out my pattern and cut the holes for gauges with whole saw.

[deeboe78]

OK man you wana make some money. Build me one. LOL seriously I'll pay for shipping and all.

[72monteman]

I dont know if this will fit a sweep style dash?

[deeboe78]

Oh Ok. Do you have a idea how to make one? If so consider me a customer.

[IMPALAMAN1]

i did mine the same way.. but for the impala.

[deeboe78]

OK, But who would be willing to make one for a chevelle sweep dash style panel?

[slownova]

i kinda did the same thing...

[deeboe78]

nice!!!, was that a dash a sweep style? could you make me one. can any one of u all MAKE ME ONE!! LOL

[newbaa]

deeboe... do you want a fiberglass one, or a real one? i know i have a sweep style dash, but i'd have to look it over again just to make sure everything is there and it's not busted up... but i'd be willing to sell it to you, cuz i want one of the "ss" style dashes. it's from a 70 chevelle.
pm me if you want to talk about it.

[deeboe78]

Finally. fiberglass. send pix of what you have of both what will be your asking price? Just to make sure Im clear I wont round gauges and it just needs to fit a sweep style dash. I have one in mines now i hate and I dont wont to pay convans classics prices, So I thought one the well skill craftman could make me one.


Thanks

SSG D