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Dash Upgrades If Possible ??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
Dash Upgrades If Possible ??
Having never owned a vet newer than a 72, here is my question. Would it be possible to put a 78-82 type complete dash in a 1968 vert. That would include center console as well as all dash components. My concern would be the fitment next to windshield and along each outside edge near the doors. Trying to look at pictures along these lines but hard to tell. Did GM change the metal structure that much between 77 and 78 for interior upgrades. Can this be done without MAJOR modifications? Yes, I know, crazy old man at it again. Any type of insight on this mod would be helpful.
Thanks,
Norm
Thanks,
Norm
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
I'm surprised I see a fair amount of interest in this... I'm putting a 69-76 interior in my bubble window car. I think the 78+ interior looks "cheap 80s" and the prior looks like a classic car.
To each their own...
To each their own...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 16
From: Los Angeles California
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Definitely agree with this. 77 and earlier look classic and cool. After that not so much. Didn't they even have the speedo stop at 85 mph and have 55 highlighted in orange?
If I had a 78 up car I would be looking to put in the classic interior.
Also agree to each their own. No offense to those that like the newer C3 gauge styles.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
EasyMike,
Have you done this before? I am not afraid of work with 16 months already in this project. When you start with just a body and a frame, a dash modification seems like just another step to me. If you have detailed info that might sway me one way or the other, I would appreciate having someone share it with me.
Thanks,
Norm
Have you done this before? I am not afraid of work with 16 months already in this project. When you start with just a body and a frame, a dash modification seems like just another step to me. If you have detailed info that might sway me one way or the other, I would appreciate having someone share it with me.
Thanks,
Norm
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 16
From: Los Angeles California
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
To 76CSRvette,
That was a very informative post with all the right answers for my situation. I now know for sure it can be done. My gauges, wiring harness, and switches will all be aftermarket brands. Starting with a clean slate should make this job a lot easier than some people had led me to believe.
Thanks again,
Norm
That was a very informative post with all the right answers for my situation. I now know for sure it can be done. My gauges, wiring harness, and switches will all be aftermarket brands. Starting with a clean slate should make this job a lot easier than some people had led me to believe.
Thanks again,
Norm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
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From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
To 76CSRvette,
That was a very informative post with all the right answers for my situation. I now know for sure it can be done. My gauges, wiring harness, and switches will all be aftermarket brands. Starting with a clean slate should make this job a lot easier than some people had led me to believe.
Thanks again,
Norm
That was a very informative post with all the right answers for my situation. I now know for sure it can be done. My gauges, wiring harness, and switches will all be aftermarket brands. Starting with a clean slate should make this job a lot easier than some people had led me to believe.
Thanks again,
Norm
If you need any pointers or anything while you're doing the swap, feel free to message me.
My taste was the opposite of everyone on here...I thought the round gauges looked too dated and made the car feel old....I like the "modern-er" look and feel of the 78 gauges.
**edit**
one more thing, don't forget the a/c ducts. None of the pre-78 ones change over. You will have to get them all and they are pretty important so it doesn't sag.
Last edited by TurboStitchCW; Aug 29, 2014 at 10:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Definitely agree with this. 77 and earlier look classic and cool. After that not so much. Didn't they even have the speedo stop at 85 mph and have 55 highlighted in orange?
If I had a 78 up car I would be looking to put in the classic interior.
Also agree to each their own. No offense to those that like the newer C3 gauge styles.
My 79 L-82 gauges that I got go up to 140mph.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
Thanks TurboStitchCW,
Need all the wisdom you care to share. I have just put the Vintage Air box in my dash. It was ordered for a non air 68. Of course it came with a ton of hose. May be a minor problem hooking into the dash vents but maybe you can shed more light on that. I look at all the pics I can find on line to help sort out my concerns. Most of the center dash section and center console will be gutted to accept custom made switch panels and gauges. Thanks again for jumping in here. The negativity we get from some of our members will certainly put a sour note on our visions if you let it. No harm in trying to be a little different.
Norm
Need all the wisdom you care to share. I have just put the Vintage Air box in my dash. It was ordered for a non air 68. Of course it came with a ton of hose. May be a minor problem hooking into the dash vents but maybe you can shed more light on that. I look at all the pics I can find on line to help sort out my concerns. Most of the center dash section and center console will be gutted to accept custom made switch panels and gauges. Thanks again for jumping in here. The negativity we get from some of our members will certainly put a sour note on our visions if you let it. No harm in trying to be a little different.
Norm
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 16
From: Los Angeles California
You guys just do your thing at the end of the day its your property I've seen a lot of cars that I shouldn't have and im sure it not the end of the world if you put a newer dash in older vette. I personally liked the 2000 Camaro dash with steering wheel and all but lack the knowledge and money to pull it off. But once I get my career going im sure I can build the car more to my liking rather than what I can afford at the moment. We have an ol saying that goes a little some like this "se vale son~ar" which loosely translate it pays to dream sometimes
