70BBvert

for now Spent more time than I care to admit fitting everything, getting hoses routed, and modifying the harness for the Auto Meter gauges. But it's in and attached to the D/S dash pad. Now I just need to get the nuts on the bottom studs started

It's a repo console & the center gauge panel has the single DIN adapter which wraps around the bottom. The studs are barely long enough







And with the lights on



Next weekend I'll test everything & work on getting the top dash pad in.

Thanks for all the tips

Jim

Glassbowtie77

Wow it looks great, that dash panel really lights up nicely! Nice job, congrats.

CQRT

Wow -- very cool . . .nice work !

gotz06?

Very nice like the blue lights

TWINRAY

Wasn't Saturday nuts? I was outside with the spray bomb hitting some accessory parts

blueray72

Very nice. What model gauges?

7T1vette

Instead of those studs being "short", could it be that the lower console is not moved fully into proper position? Also, if the bracket/brace to which those studs attach has slotted holes, just start the nuts onto those studs, THEN slide the lower console over them. With those nuts started already, it is much easier to get a 1/4" ratchet/socket on them to tighten. Remember to just snug those nuts up; if you try to lock them down, the studs will break off of that flimsy pot-metal bezel.

70BBvert

The radio plate wraps around the bottom adding a 1/16" or so plus the repo console is pretty thick, much more than an original. Tried to install with the nuts just started, but had no luck. Are the studs pressed in or are they threaded in? Toyed with the idea of replacing them with a longer stud but was afraid to break it, cause then I'd be

blueray72 - The gauges are Auto Meter C2's and I did install their dimmer also. Using the headlight switch the dash lights were either on or off, no dimming.

Twinray - I was outside most of the day in a Tee shirt. Big difference from last year at this time. Hoping it stays in the the high 30's low 40's a little while longer. Of course my hands are a little beat up from working on the dash for two days

Thanks

Jim

Phil Zell

Looking great !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alan 71

Hi Jim,
Looks VERY cool!!!
The reflection of the gauge light in the gaule bezels is pretty neat looking!
Regards,
Alan

Raphiki

I replaced the nuts with a couple of rod couplers from the hardware store. Makes installation much easier.

Lupigiato

Man I am really digging those gauges, speedo and tach in a black interior Shark! Seeing several recent reso-mod projects with AutoMeter and they really pop!

7T1vette

The studs are part of the bezel casting. I do not know whether the threads are cast with the part or if they are chased after the bezel is cast; I suspect the latter.

I suggest that you do what you can [or need to] to make the lower console fit flush with the bottom of the bezel, so that there is no gap left between them. You may have to shim, or install spacers or extend the mounting brackets from tranny tunnel to lift the console a bit more. Otherwise, you will have an unsightly and weakly supported console/bezel assembly.

Good luck.

dbeall1968

Looks cool, but do those gauges say "C2"?

GD70

Looks great! Keep at it and you'll get that nice & snug.

Glenn

70BBvert

Thanks, more work to come this weekend, I like Raphiki's idea of the coupling nuts. I may pull it out to rework the console as a last resort. Pretty sure a little heat to soften things up & I can get everything lined up.

The console & the reinforcing bracket are loose so they can come up to the gauge panel. Also needs to shift toward the back of the car about 1/4"

Jim

70BBvert

Don't think I ever realized that

Your son talk his way into a flight in a fighter jet yet?

Jim

69VetteFla

Looks awesome!

RobRace10

Jim, It looks great, your cars almost there!

UberLegend

That brightens up the cockpit for day and night.