My long term 57 project

[dennis57]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Making progress! The dash is ready for the final install. Have a look at what I've done on the back side. My painter made a suggestion that I paint it white so that it's much brighter and easier to see when your working behind it. I also welded on two tabs on each end to mount some under dash lights. The single leg on each end is there so I can bolt it the the same mounts that the oringanl dash was secured to! The Red paint was applied from a spray can just to cover the back edge that I'm not sure will be accessable once it's in.
Enjoy the pics and all comments are appreciated!!

Another great idea that I am going to use on my project. Looking good JJ.

[OrrieG]

Thats what I did, firewall too. Lights are a good idea, I'm glad I got the 21 circuit wiring kit. Nice progress.

[Keevee]

ChuckDriver, that's a great looking truck you're building, and your work is awesome. Enjoying the build pictures a lot!

[lakeroadster]

Awesome build thread Chuck Driver! Your step-by-step posts give us inspiration to jump in and start cutting.

I have wanted to swap my dash, something older, with more character. Really makes a statement... yours looks phenomenal!

[ChuckDriver]

Thanks Guys! It's been a lot of work, but a lot more fun to see it all come together!! I hope to get it back on the road soon cause I really miss driving it.

Hope to have more pics for you guys this weekend!

[nickp51chevy]

I really dig the lights under the dash. I'm gonna have to do that also. Keep it coming.

[Big Block]

Your truck has come a long way. It looks great! I like your dash upgrade. Very cool!

[ChuckDriver]

Well she's in SOLID!! Finished it up late last night. I completly welded it in along the edge and plugged the screw holes. Followed by A LOT of grinding and smoothing of the welds. The hardest part was fabbing a very small patch to fill in the corners by the A pillars where the windshield trim ends.

Today I spent time fitting the Chevrolet trim above the glove box. Had to drill 3 holes for the mounting studs. I like it!

My painter says he will be ready for it on Thursday!! I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Here's the pic's!!

[not2oldchevy]

Perfect truck,would you tell me what your steering column is out of? Thanks Bill

[ChuckDriver]

It's from a 70's chevy van.

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Kim

[dennis57]

Looks nice JJ!

[chev3600]

Looks Great! Keep up the good work.

[ChuckDriver]

With the steering column not coming through the dash I needed to fill the hole in the bottom of the speedo housing. All I could think of was some type of mesh that would hold some filler. So I went to the hardware store and came back with some window screen and epoxy. My painter said it will be fine after he covers both sides with "All-Metal". What do you think??

[nickp51chevy]

I think as long as you don't hit it hard with anything it will do just fine. It's looking good btw.

[ChuckDriver]

I picked these little gems up today, should have the truck back in my garage tomorrow! They were painted with "Hot Rod Red" from the Hot Rod Flatz line of pre-flattened paints. More pics to follow!!

[ChuckDriver]

Well I got her back home today!! Made a little progress getting it back together. I think it's going to turn out nice.

[apache200]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Well I got her back home today!! Made a little progress getting it back together. I think it's going to turn out nice.

ChuckDriver where did you get the round ac vents from that you put in your dash? Also where did you get your dash switches from, I am looking for some for my dash. Thank you

[ChuckDriver]

Originally Posted by apache200

ChuckDriver where did you get the round ac vents from that you put in your dash? Also where did you get your dash switches from, I am looking for some for my dash. Thank you

The round AC vents came from Vintage Air. The headlight switch came with the wiring harness, the wiper switch came with the motor from Brother's, and the ignition switch is the original from GM!

Thanks!

[nickp51chevy]

That turned out nice.

[OrrieG]

Lovin' the dash, looking very cool.

[dennis57]

WoW!! That looks great JJ.

[ChuckDriver]

Making progress getting it back together. All that's left is to wire up the new gauges!

[ChuckDriver]

Finally it's done! I can't believe it took me so long to complete this mod. But I really think it was worth the time and effort looking at it now. It really changed to look in the cab. Now I've got to do something with the seat and carpet. I was thinking of cutting the back of the seat down a couple of inches so its out of view through the back glass.

I wanted to keep the look of the dash some what original looking so I reused as much of the 59 parts as I could and some from the truck line too. I used the 59 ignition switch and bezels for the lights and wiper switch. But I put the truck knobs on the switchs. I also put the vent pulls back under dash close to their original locations.

The gauges are from Classic Instruments and they look great! I had the signal and high beam indicators installed on the face of the speedo when I ordered them. It follows the orginal theme and keeps the clutter down.

The steering wheel is a cut down version from a 55 Belair. I really like this wheel and I think it fits the overall look I was going for. What do you guys think?

Thanks for all the positive comments and encouragement from all of you! Enjoy the pics!!

I took these at a local Tile store that has this old style gas station built beside it here in Charleston. The owners actually moved it several blocks when they relocated their business.

[ChuckDriver]

Here's a few more from the Station.