Hey folks, I want to really ditch my boring dash in my 80 and replace it with, say a 72-77. I don't just mean the gauges, I want to yank the whole dash, and put in an older style. We're talking steering wheel, guages, get rid of that glove box, the whole deal. Is this even possible?

 

or you can do what i did...check my gallery.... pics are old but you'll get an idea...also there was a thread about custom dashes....search that


b

 

It can be done but it's a lot of work. None of your electricals will plug in. Also the HVAC controls are different in the console. Early console has no place for mirror controls. You need a 76-77 dash so you have electronic tach and electric oil pressure and a voltmeter.

 

i bet its a different wiring harness also....

 

If I were to go through all that trouble, I would just go with a custom dash. It would probably be cheaper, plus alot more unique and modern looking. I thought was litevette did was pretty impressive
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...9&page=4&pp=20

 

Got any pics of your finished setup, onaqwst?I'd love to get rid of my entire center console...I'd also like to make some better (more solid!) door panels than the wimpy vinyl-covered-cardboard-fastened-with-velcro-like-patches-and-a-few-screws-that-love-to-pull-through stock ones

 

i was gonna fiberglass the doors but didn't feel like doing it this year....you can strip off the old vynle and staple some polyester felt to cover it then resin it...then do some matt/resin over that and sand/smooth paint.... it'll take a while...fiberglass is a pita to make it look nice

b

 

Yeah. a lot of work, and then what do you have? More rigid for sure, but still weak fastening setup. Has anyone come up with a customized approach to this? I just can't keep mine firmly attatched to the doors with the stock hardware...

 

 

75 was the last of the origional dash. If the birdcage hasn't changed, maybe you could fit an older dash into a newer C3

 

Go to a boating supply store....Boat US, maybe, and use stainless screws and fender washers....about the only decent option, all the rest suck....appearance compromise is worth keeping the damn panels on the freaking door....

as for changing out that plastic crap console and instrument panels, I suggest a custom, the old mechanical a/c controller is more of a PIA to deal with, and the late shark a/c controller is a POS right from the git go...with no repreive it's terminally junk....
for the a/c controller in my car I got later GM controller solenoids from an car with electronic controlled HVAC....this gave me switch controlled vacuum sources which I routed to various dash pots, and have a simple electrical switch on the dash to activate those controller solenoids....that whole setup allowed me to build my own dash panel, in which I incorporated a whole lot of crap....cruise controll, tranny controlls for lockup, fog lights, the works...course I have a '72, and so that work is simplified by not having that black plastic junk console bezel with the defective screw mounts for everything in site...


GENE

 

77 was the last year of the original dash. The st. column was shortened in 77, which is a plus for taller guys.
The console gauge cluster & console was updated. The removable sides of the console is a plus for wiring changes.

You could replace the dash & keep your st. column w/ a modification described in Jim Shea's later column in early C3 article. You could use a 77 console gauge cluster & have very minimal changes there & use your console. The 80- console gauge cluster will work w/ the 68-77 dash w/ modification. Have one in my 77 so the added oil temp. gauge (in place of the clock) inset would be the same as the other gauges.

 

My 74 has a similar problem. I'm getting my tach changed from mech to elect. The rest of the inst cluster is cracked/damaged. Many of the connectors and reinforcing points are cracked/broken. Any reasonable suggestions as to how to fix this? Originality is not a big issue. I want to get rid of rattles/squeaks. A complete custom dash is not pratical at this time.
I'm hoping to find someone who has done this repair. TIA

Rick