Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » GMC dash (dash shell)
| Re: GMC dash [message #267435 is a reply to message #267431] |
Thu, 11 December 2014 19:25   |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Mild Bill wrote on Thu, 11 December 2014 18:30Well I think that's over the top,
Heh. Art is often over the top.
https://carroseminis.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/twin-mill.jpg
http://24.media.tumblr.com/e0a401ee6a591a4cb7981cef316cb339/tumblr_mmgk04j00s1qlu8yho1_1280.jpg
http://www.drivingline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/CarShow_2_engine_Roadster.jpg
At least it wasn't paid for with a government grant - that we know of... 
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267443 is a reply to message #267411] |
Thu, 11 December 2014 23:56 |
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winsumlosum
Messages: 64
Registered: July 2013
Location: Pharr, TX
Karma: 2
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 I uh I uh, Man that's some good lookin' work  Sorry  This is what I had left of my dash: the light weight cosmetic shell, the donut, and the lower valance. The support for the dash is completely missing (The part everyone says is so brittle) and the lower valance with it's support bracket(missing) where the two vents and ash tray go, that is basically NG as the air box for the left side is completely missing and the vents are broken and the ashtray was glued shut because there wasn't any thing there  Amazing what a little glue and paint will do cosmetically. My driver's side panel has a big hunk missing and has a top to bottom crack that goes thru where the ride switches are, an' of course the switches are NG too. I will look into Col. Ken's work a bit deeper, that Diamond plate intrigues me, and I do like the flat topside. 
The biggest thing with all of this is..practabilty, (KISS) and then cost. Some may want more/ much more. My needs are simple, fix all the problems as inexpensively as possible without it looking terrible. That's why I bought the intelligauge 7 panel, small, digital, and has everything you need. And asked for Help  Thanks so much for all the great feed back, will keep posted on progress, and just maybe a easy solution for all
Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to rise from the ashes again.
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267445 is a reply to message #267443] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 05:59 |
Jim at the Co-op
Messages: 291
Registered: May 2014
Location: Orlando Florida
Karma: 2
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Guys, if all in this thread was generated by trying to figure out how to
replace a dash that has rotted off -- look at all of the options that has
been presented. Even if you put a stupid low cost on the labor you would
have in any of them -- man I have to tell you it will not be less money
than getting that new styled mac dash. Labor is the expensive part of
anything -- and if you are retired the value of the time you have to do
anything you want is really more valuable -- I mean how many more weekends
do you have left to be king. While the rest of us are being pick pocketed
by taxes, insurance and the capitalist world in general, you retired guys
should be spending your time doing more than trying to glue together rotted
ABS plastic.
Even if your dash didn't fall apart, you cannot build a better dash for
lest bucks than buying one of Macs. I'm sorry but there is more involved
than cutting holes in a wood panel and plopping gauges in. It's labor --
that's the expense you fight today. If you have never gotten involved in a
dash, do you want the first one you ever did be the thing you stare at
constantly while driving?
I'm sorry but this is simply the truth. Any part I can buy that cuts the
labor for me to do something I'm all in -- you cannot make a cheaper dash
-- even if it looks like crap -- than one mac offers. In the thread,
someone talked about taking 100 hours to refinish a dash. It would take me
@ 5-10 hours to install one of Mac's dashes. Don't quibble -- Mac has been
doing these dashes since before the majority of us have had a GMC -- I met
Mac over 20 years ago when I started and he was making dashes then.
I have rebuilt a pile of dashes, the dash on RC's recent restoration
literally fell off when we went back in to add something. I got it
stabilized but sooner or later we will put one of his bigtger dashes in.
All that said, if you want to retain your original dash cluster, use the
removable rear panel, secure it to the main part of the dash then secure
the dash "donut" to it then install everything from the front. Will not be
nearly as nice as lopping off what's left and putting a Mac dash iberglass
panel in and one of his new clusters. Look at my daily post from last week
and you will see my recovery of RC's dash.
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 12:56 AM, Dave Simmons
wrote:
> :blush: I uh I uh, Man that's some good lookin' work 8) Sorry :roll:
> This is what I had left of my dash: the light weight cosmetic shell, the
> donut, and the lower valance. The support for the dash is completely
> missing (The part everyone says is so brittle) and the lower valance with
> it's
> support bracket(missing) where the two vents and ash tray go, that is
> basically NG as the air box for the left side is completely missing and the
> vents are broken and the ashtray was glued shut because there wasn't any
> thing there :x Amazing what a little glue and paint will do cosmetically.
> My driver's side panel has a big hunk missing and has a top to bottom
> crack that goes thru where the ride switches are, an' of course the
> switches are
> NG too. I will look into Col. Ken's work a bit deeper, that Diamond plate
> intrigues me, and I do like the flat topside. :o
> The biggest thing with all of this is..practabilty, (KISS) and then cost.
> Some may want more/ much more. My needs are simple, fix all the problems as
> inexpensively as possible without it looking terrible. That's why I bought
> the intelligauge 7 panel, small, digital, and has everything you need. And
> asked for Help 8o Thanks so much for all the great feed back, will keep
> posted on progress, and just maybe a easy solution for all 8)
> --
> Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix"
> to rise from the ashes again.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267446 is a reply to message #267443] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 06:01 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Short of getting a cheap dash out of a parts coach, the cheapest solution will be To repair what you have. It sounds like you just need to rebuild the support structure under the dash. I'm not saying it will be an easy job, but, if you can weld or have a friend who does, it seems an easier job than re-building the cosmetic top part.
Can the side panel be reinforced on the back side to rebuild the cracked area, and the missing area glassed in? Gotta be cheaper than re-building the panel from scratch.
Keep us posted, we will be here to help if we can.
winsumlosum wrote on Thu, 11 December 2014 23:56 I uh I uh, Man that's some good lookin' work Sorry This is what I had left of my dash: the light weight cosmetic shell, the donut, and the lower valance. The support for the dash is completely missing (The part everyone says is so brittle) and the lower valance with it's support bracket(missing) where the two vents and ash tray go, that is basically NG as the air box for the left side is completely missing and the vents are broken and the ashtray was glued shut because there wasn't any thing there Amazing what a little glue and paint will do cosmetically. My driver's side panel has a big hunk missing and has a top to bottom crack that goes thru where the ride switches are, an' of course the switches are NG too. I will look into Col. Ken's work a bit deeper, that Diamond plate intrigues me, and I do like the flat topside.
The biggest thing with all of this is..practabilty, (KISS) and then cost. Some may want more/ much more. My needs are simple, fix all the problems as inexpensively as possible without it looking terrible. That's why I bought the intelligauge 7 panel, small, digital, and has everything you need. And asked for Help Thanks so much for all the great feed back, will keep posted on progress, and just maybe a easy solution for all
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267447 is a reply to message #267446] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 06:07 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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What about rebuilding a support structure for the dash out of pvc tube? As long as the horizontal supports were short enough, it could be made stiff enough to support the dash, without having to weld. you would need to provide a wired ground, of course...
Or have I had too much coffee this morning...
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267449 is a reply to message #267447] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 07:02 |
Jim at the Co-op
Messages: 291
Registered: May 2014
Location: Orlando Florida
Karma: 2
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The support structure of the main cluster is all ABS plastic, there is no
grounding metal involved in the structure. The metal dash face has a 10
ga. ground strap from the firewall. If you DO wanna try and put it back
together the most viable option is again to secure down the removable rear
panel of the dash and use it to support back the metal face and donut. I
did this procedure to Chuck Botts coach at the first Mariposa rally way
back and though it's probably not a spring chicken it's still intact and
being used. I documented the way I did that to RC's coach on my daily pose
last week-- go take a look. Will work but the real fix is to use a new Mac
dash, it's actually part of the reason Mac came up with them. Remember
there is labor and there are materials involved in anything you do. Don't
sell yourself short, the labor is THE most valuable thing you will need to
do the job.
On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 7:07 AM, Joe Weir wrote:
> What about rebuilding a support structure for the dash out of pvc tube?
> As long as the horizontal supports were short enough, it could be made stiff
> enough to support the dash, without having to weld. you would need to
> provide a wired ground, of course...
>
> Or have I had too much coffee this morning...
> --
> 76 Birchaven - New engine, trans, aluminum radiator, brakes, airbags, fuel
> lines, seats, upholstery, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were
> really thinking about us second hand owners...
> Columbia, SC.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267455 is a reply to message #267382] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 08:32 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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>new mac dash
Trouble is, I don't like the look of it. I'm very driven by aestetics ...go ask the guys at the co-op how many times we've huddled to discuss just how we're going to merge mechanics and art on this Royale. That new mac dash ain't my style.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
[Updated on: Thu, 18 December 2014 18:48] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: rcjordan [message #267458 is a reply to message #267455] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 09:17 |
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winsumlosum
Messages: 64
Registered: July 2013
Location: Pharr, TX
Karma: 2
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When I called Customdash Mac told me that there is still some metal fabrication that has to be done to attach either of the dash's they make to the coach. Then there is those niggaling costs; a/c vents and brackets and this an' that. I understand and appreciate it all, I was hoping just to get rid of the last vestiges of the "old" and get on with "new" complete. Have found that replacement of the "old"
is like an amputation, just cut it all out and start fresh. JimB's solution of the Mac dash is OK except that it's cost ($1,500 or more)to those of us where funds are limited to a few hundred dollars puts some of those options out of reach. If my speedo hadn't of failed and had other problems, I would have left it as it was, as it is now there is no option except to go forward and look for a solution. Necessity is the mother of invention  Hope springs eternal from desperation Oh snap too much caffeine again
Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to rise from the ashes again.
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267460 is a reply to message #267453] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 09:43 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Jim at the Co-op wrote on Fri, 12 December 2014 05:59... and if you are retired the value of the time you have to do anything you want is really more valuable -- I mean how many more weekends do you have left to be king....
Less than we all believe.
Heck, I'd be willing to bet the trials and tribulations we post from doing it ourselves is enough to convince some to hire it out.
By my dubious attempts at coach restoration, I'm a poster child for hiring it out...
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: rcjordan [message #267463 is a reply to message #267455] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 10:04 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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rcjordan wrote on Fri, 12 December 2014 08:32>new mac dash
Trouble is, I don't like the look of it. I'm very driven by aestetics ...go ask the guys at the co-op how many times we've huddled to discuss just how we're going to merge mechanics and art on this Royale. That new mac dash ain't my style.
I like the original dash. Way ahead of its time, especially the way the side panels blend into the dash. It's the actual instrumentation location, content, and ergomomics that date the coach. The gauges point at your navel, and the controls are spaced around the dash like they were trying to fill up too large an area. There would be room for a double din screen if the HVAC control were moved up a bit. The two rocker switches for the fuel and battery take up an enormous amount of space and they had a provision for a third.
The Mac replacement dash face is nice to be sure, but I'm not a fan of burlwood, or any plastic woodgrain. I'd rather it just be plastic. Woodgrain on the dash reminds me of unreliable british sports cars... 
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267464 is a reply to message #267382] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 10:14 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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>burlwood
I'm not a fan either, but with a good selection of blackface guages it worked out well.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
[Updated on: Thu, 18 December 2014 18:51] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267469 is a reply to message #267447] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 13:30 |
Emery Stora
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
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Joe
Here is what I did to reinforce my dash probably about 15 years ago. It is holding well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4883-dash-repair.html
Emery Stora
> On Dec 12, 2014, at 5:07 AM, Joe Weir wrote:
>
> What about rebuilding a support structure for the dash out of pvc tube? As long as the horizontal supports were short enough, it could be made stiff
> enough to support the dash, without having to weld. you would need to provide a wired ground, of course...
>
> Or have I had too much coffee this morning...
> --
> 76 Birchaven - New engine, trans, aluminum radiator, brakes, airbags, fuel lines, seats, upholstery, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were
> really thinking about us second hand owners...
> Columbia, SC.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267476 is a reply to message #267469] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 16:30 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Wow, ok. Thanks Emory. If that is the plastic we are referring to, that is a pretty simple fix - compared to some of the other challenges we have.
I was thinking the structure the donut, steering wheel, and everything else sits on, was gone.
Emery Stora wrote on Fri, 12 December 2014 13:30Joe
Here is what I did to reinforce my dash probably about 15 years ago. It is holding well.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4883-dash-repair.html
Emery Stora
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267485 is a reply to message #267476] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 19:53 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I am helping a friend with his dash and the supports from the donut to the
shelf has broken off. Tried to do what Emery did but now the shelf has
also crumbled into many pieces and is not providing any support. Will need
to reinforce the shelve some how and reattach the donut supports.
On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 3:30 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
>
> Wow, ok. Thanks Emory. If that is the plastic we are referring to, that
> is a pretty simple fix - compared to some of the other challenges we have.
>
> I was thinking the structure the donut, steering wheel, and everything
> else sits on, was gone.
>
> Emery Stora wrote on Fri, 12 December 2014 13:30
>> Joe
>> Here is what I did to reinforce my dash probably about 15 years ago. It
> is holding well.
>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4883-dash-repair.html
>>
>>
>> Emery Stora
>
>
> --
> 76 Birchaven - New engine, trans, aluminum radiator, brakes, airbags, fuel
> lines, seats, upholstery, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were
> really thinking about us second hand owners...
> Columbia, SC.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267494 is a reply to message #267485] |
Fri, 12 December 2014 23:33 |
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winsumlosum
Messages: 64
Registered: July 2013
Location: Pharr, TX
Karma: 2
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Member |
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Emory's solution was to use what he had left to make it work, there was still some of the support bracket and other bits left. If you look at Col Ken's dash rebuild, that first pic with nothing left but wires, that's what my dash looks like now. Talked to JimB this pm and looked at the pics on the CoOp page on how to use what ya got and I can see that if you have at lest some of the structure it's doable. Damian says he's willing to go the Col's route, I have given him all the pictures (Thanks Ken!) Decision made to go forward in that direction since the side panels will need to be replaced too. The only problem with this plan is I don't get to take Phoenix out to play and that I will miss, so I guess that means no free time for me.  Oh I suppose somebody will want pictures and all that HUMMM?
Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to rise from the ashes again.
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