47-55.1 Aftermarket dashes

[rnrdthefox]

I've got a '53. How well do they fit? A little fuss? A lot of fuss? No fuss? I'm guessing option three isn't reality. Thanks for your responses.

Renard

[_Ogre]

i don't have much knowledge of ad trucks, but what are you asking about?
aftermarket instrument cluster or replacement dash patch panel?
specifics, links and pictures get more results than cryptic whatever

typical builds can go on for years, long after the warranty period of dash gauges expires
just something to think about, especially if you purchase a gps speedo
do you have a build thread going? if so, add a link in your signature (see my signature)

[rnrdthefox]

I'm asking about replacement of the dash.

I'm trying to decide if I want to go through the process of removing the dash and do rust repair or just remove it an replace with a new after market dash. If an aftermarket dash fits "ok", then I would tend to just R&R the dash.

Thanks

[e015475]

As a rule of thumb, you can count on having to put a few hours of rework into any reproduction sheet metal part. A new dash is around $350 and I'd guess you'd have at least that again in labor to replace it.

For the most part the dash doesn't suffer from rusting out on these trucks, but from a PO hacking it up for gauges, radios etc. It might be better to find an original dash somewhere. The cab can be completely rusted out and the dash panel will usually still be good.

I bought 'half' an OE dash with the intention of replacing a section of my dash where a PO had put about a 2" hole for an aftermarket gauge, but the guy that did the metal work on the truck said it was cheaper and faster to make a patch panel, so that's what I did. (I bought the half dash from Mothertrucker in Tucson who goes by the name 'DeadZoneTrucking' on talk.classicparts.com.)

Per Ogre's comment, you might think about posting pictures of the dash you have and see what sort of suggestions you can get as to how to fix it. I'd only consider a reproduction part as a last resort.

[rnrdthefox]

First, I appreciate all the comments and feedback. Here are some pics. I have three areas of concern. Two of them are under the trim area on the left and right. I could cut these out and fab a patch panel and bodywork it and most will be hidden by the trim. The third area is under the glove box. I can do a patch panel for this also including the inner frame that will need to be cut out and replaced. It's rusted more than the picture shows. I can weld this up and bodywork it too, although more difficult on the bottom. The rest of the dash, outside of a few dents, is in good shape.

I really don't want to pull the dash. I'd rather fix these areas as they sit, but I think I'd do a much better job with it out, especially the bottom. At that point, I start questioning if I should just replace with a new dash assuming the new one is a reasonable fit. As has been pointed out, I could look for a good original also (probably the best option if doing a R&R)

With it out, I'd do as much bodywork on it before I put it back also. At least that's what I'm thinking.

Thanks

[e015475]

The easiest approach might be to buy the reproduction dash and cut patch panels out of it to repair yours.

There's a but-load of spot welds to get the dash in and out

[rnrdthefox]

Originally Posted by e015475

The easiest approach might be to buy the reproduction dash and cut patch panels out of it to repair yours.

There's a but-load of spot welds to get the dash in and out

Yes, I counted about 30...

[_Ogre]

Like I said, I'm not familiar with ad trucks, but you can replace a lot of metal with parts. Most dashes don't have that problem, you can probably ask around here to find those parts off a parts truck

[paulspickupparts]

I have a couple dashes and I think a couple I have already sold some cuts out of . May have what you need. Send me a pm . Shipping should be fairly cheap. Thanks

[paulspickupparts]

No response so I ended up selling the whole cab . Mine is no longer available