Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » GMC dash (dash shell)
| GMC dash [message #267382] |
Tue, 09 December 2014 19:05  |
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winsumlosum
Messages: 64
Registered: July 2013
Location: Pharr, TX
Karma: 2
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I have been to the custom dash products page and have called them. Their products are nice but a bit out of my range. Does anyone have a shell that they bought but did not use? Is there anyone who has made a shell that could be mounted in place of the original? Buggers, mine is just a big ol hole an I got ta fill it, I looked at Col. Ken's an that is a thing of beauty but I have no way to make it, Ideas?
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 #267384 is a reply to message #267382] |
Tue, 09 December 2014 19:10  |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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You looking for the original plastic wood grain panel?
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Dave
Simmons
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 5:06 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] GMC dash
I have been to the custom dash products page and have called them. Their
products are nice but a bit out of my range. Does anyone have a shell that
they bought but did not use? Is there anyone who has made a shell that could
be mounted in place of the original? Buggers, mine is just a big ol hole an
I got ta fill it, I looked at Col. Ken's an that is a thing of beauty but I
have no way to make it, Ideas?
--
Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to
rise from the ashes again.
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267392 is a reply to message #267390] |
Tue, 09 December 2014 22:56 |
Dave Mumert
Messages: 272
Registered: February 2004
Location: Olds, AB, Canada
Karma: 0
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Have you checked with Frank Jenkins?
https://sites.google.com/site/gmcfrank/dashboards
He may have a new fiberglass dash
Dave Mumert
> -----Original Message-----
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash
>
> :) Thanks Y'all BUT there IS no shell, no metal bar that held the lower valance on either. The face plate (Donut), back plastic
cover and
> the lower valance were basically put together with something akin to stikum and putty. When I took it apart to fix the speedo
cable
> there was nothing to put back together. There were some very small broken pieces of plastic (fit in your hand)but that's it. I
called
> Golby, Applied, and a couple of yards that had GMC for parts but nada :roll: So that is why the call to CustomDash Products. The
site
> shows that you can buy just the basic shells But you still need about another 300 to 400 dollars for other parts and then you
still have
> to fabricate parts. :evil: I have a fella down here who says he will whip me up a fiberglass piece/proto type thing to see how it
fits. :p I
> was just a hopn' that someone had a CustomDash shell gathern' dust
> :roll: never hurts to ask :lol:
> --
> Dave Simmons, Pharr, TX 1977 26'ex Kingsley 455/Thorley's, "The Phoenix" to rise from the ashes again.
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267395 is a reply to message #267382] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 07:39 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Frank Jenkin's fiberglass dash would certainly be a great option if your entire dash is coming apart and needs replacement. I managed to locate a complete dash assembly from a parted out coach, and then had a fiberglass backing laminated onto the original plastic, but I think that Frank's would give you a much better base to renew your interior.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267396 is a reply to message #267395] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 07:58 |
94nubble
Messages: 275
Registered: July 2011
Location: Chesapeake VA
Karma: 3
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Dave
I have the same problem. My dash is laying on the steering column. I am trying to come up with a solution myself. I do have an extra dash bonnet/cover and ring if you can use them. PM me if you want them.
Tom
Tom McManus
1977 Royale
Chesapeake VA
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267399 is a reply to message #267396] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 12:00 |
SThornbg
Messages: 127
Registered: September 2011
Karma: 0
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Would there be any benefit to painting over the original dash shell with a coat of epoxy? Ours is also brittle, but so far I don't have any reason to disturb it.
I have very little experience with epoxy so I don't know if this would work, but seems like it would.
Steve
Steve Thornburg
South Bend, IN
77 exPB 455 "Tinker Toy"
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267404 is a reply to message #267382] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 16:50 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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I'm in the planning stages for a complete new aluminum dash with a new dash cluster and cover. I'll cover the aluminum with vinyl on the cover and probably use woodgrain on the dash. If there is interest I might think about trying to make some but they will have to be fitted and anchored to the internal steel structures. The problem would be the layout of the dash itself. I can punch various size holes but when someone wants this gauge here and that gauge there, it will get complicated.
I'll be posting photos of mine. It was on the list for this winter but that was before the tranny swap. I'm not sure it will get done before spring now.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: GMC dash [message #267411 is a reply to message #267408] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 19:27 |
Gatsbys' Cruiser
Messages: 91
Registered: August 2014
Location: Illinois
Karma: 0
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Hi guys.
How much of the dash do you have left? I looked at mine and it seems rather well put together. The hood on the back of the donut does have plastic nubs to attach to the dash portion. Now, I may be missing something here but, I am pretty sure you can restore them with epoxy and some fiberglas cloth.
The donut on my coach is secure, seems to be attached to metal some way. If yours is broken off and you are trying to save money, I don't see why you can't restore the attachment points.
As for the instrument hood falling apart, is that cracking?? I would put a single layer of fiberglass cloth and epoxy on the underside to reinforce it.
With this new product, Plasti Dipp out, I can see using that to coat and color the dash and donut, even the steering wheel. If your donut is tore up, if this is a last ditch effort, and again trying to save money, my immediate thought would be to use clear packing tape or duct tape. try not to layer it to keep it smooth. You might have to fill in the torn up areas of the donut to level it, maybe with spray foam then trim down, tape over it, then spray the Plasti Dipp over it, in the color of your choice.
I actually like the OEM dash. And as of recently, found out why the heat did not work, now it blasts hot air out the vents in the winter cold. What a difference.
Just offering a thought....
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267413 is a reply to message #267408] |
Wed, 10 December 2014 20:01 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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I suspect most of you who are interested in dash upgrades have looked at my
album:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4899-new-dash-panel.html
And perhaps have been daunted by the project. Believe me, it's not nearly
as difficult as those photos might lead you to believe. I have NONE
Kerry's sheet metal working skills. And I have little metal working
equipment, mostly a HF sheet metal shear, a few aviation snips, and a 40+
year old Japanese table-top 18" sheet metal brake. I do have access to a
much more complete shop, but the only use I made of it was to use a large
brake to make 90* bends on about 4 each 36" long panels -- all of which
could have been done with a pair of C-clamps, a couple of boards, and a
hammer.
This photo shows the most important structure related to the HVAC:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4899-new-dash-panel.html
That box on top of the dash creates the heater/defroster duct. There is a
simple door beneath it which is later connected to a vacuum diaphragm to
select between those functions. The 3 round holes low on the fire wall are
the return portals for the recirculation air in the Type II HVAC mod. The
rectangular slot to the left of those is the SOLE source of cool air -- a
cover on that hole with connected flexible ducts to louvers on a new dash
would be FAR more effective than the OEM distribution system. A SIMPLE
solution!
With that fundamental problem solved, there arises that of structure for
the dash itself. That can be solved simply with 1, 2, or 3 each 3/4" or so
square tubes run from sidewall to sidewall at the locations where you want
to "bend" the dash. One of those can also support the steering column.
For my dash, I chose to terminate those tubes at a center console, but
that's definitely not necessary and does significantly complicate the
design and fabrication. With that structure in place, covering it with
aluminum (or other, including even FRP) would be simple. By installing a
simple panel, similar to that on the passenger side, all the way across,
the structure would be simple. Finally covered with landau top foam
(fairly dense 1/4" foam) and leatherette, a VERY nice looking dash could
easily be achieved.
The instrument cowling atop the, presumably flat, dash top is probably the
most difficult fabrication task. But mine was EASY: Just cut the shape
out of styrofoam and took it to a local body shop where they covered it
with fiberglass. Then I covered it with landau foam and leatherette. It's
by no means a professional-looking job, but most of the wrinkles don't show
and even I no longer notice them.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/new-dash-panel/p24125-new-fiberglass-instrument-cowling.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/new-dash-panel/p24326-1250-this-is-the-only-angle-the-awful-wrinkles-are-visible.html
A 2" hole saw and a rat-tail file make quick work of the dash panel holes
for the instruments, which are generally 2-1/16" in diameter. Achieving a
decent brushed finish on the final panel is the toughest part.
Don't be afraid of the project; It won't even take as long as you expect --
a real surprise for me, who usually requires 3+ times a long as my estimate.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/new-dash-panel/p23857-completed-forward-dash-top-notice-the-diamond-27s-are-concealed.html
Most of the tasks shown in my album would not be require for a simple dash
without the console. And my total cost was probably Yes, Frank's dash is nice but I don't have that much cash. My wife's[/color]
> dementia is keeping the piggy bank from filling up.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] GMC dash [message #267428 is a reply to message #267425] |
Thu, 11 December 2014 16:04 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Nelson wrote on Thu, 11 December 2014 11:42
On Dec 11, 2014, at 12:13 PM, Mike Miller wrote:
> kerry pinkerton wrote on Wed, 10 December 2014 14:50
>> I'm in the planning stages for a complete new aluminum dash with a new dash cluster and cover. I'll cover the aluminum with vinyl on the cover
>> and probably use woodgrain on the dash. If there is interest ...
>
>
> Metal dash?
>
> I collected this picture some time back:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/3698/IMG_00045-574x4282.jpg
That dash was done by "Kentucky welding" in the Florida keys. I saw the coach last weekend as i drove down the Keys highway.
Nelson Wright
Orlando FL
78 Royale rear bath
Did they ever finish it? Whether its your cup of tea or not - you gotta love the ambitiousness of it.
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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So that is why the call to CustomDash Products. The site shows that you can buy just the basic shells But you still need about another 300 to 400 dollars for other parts and then you still have to fabricate parts. 
I have a fella down here who says he will whip me up a fiberglass piece/proto type thing to see how it fits. 
I was just a hopn' that someone had a CustomDash shell gathern' dust 
I'll tell ya there are some mighty good craftsmen around. Make something out of noth'n. 
