Dash Redoux.

[jeffs55]

Since some dummy cut an ugly hole in my dash,
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/245760873.jpg
I now have to fix it. :rolleyes:

I started out with a piece of sheet cut from an old hood off a junker.
Using my "custom" shot bag I found at a yardsale several years ago, and a body hammer of unknown origin, I begin pounding in the center and working outwards in a circle.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246362039.jpg

That gives me a rough shape but, I need it to curve backwards along one corner. I use the radius on my steel topped work bench for that.
(note: always have a clean and clear work space.
"Do as I say, not as I do"... :blush: )
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246362026.jpg

I started welding at the bottom right corner and lined up the edges and tacked as I went around. A little rough grinding here but, it still needs some hammer and dolly work.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246362011.jpg

Getting better. And a few more "spots" welded shut.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246362002.jpg

Good enough until I get the top portion in.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246361995.jpg

I'm glad I did this on the passenger side. Having the speaker grille out has made it much easier (possible) to access.

[MikeKy55]

Recovering nicely. I knew you would.

[55fazzi]

Looks great Jeff,
Your dash will look good as new...even better! Keep us posted.

Tom

[chevman57]

Looking good. Now you just need the vents that are going back in to see where you still need to fill in.
Terry

[MP&C]

Jeff, If you wanted to practice with some metal, I could have just sent a door over. There was no need to cut the dash all up. Hey wait ....the tailgate needs work too! I'll send it right out!

:D

Nice recovery. I'd fill in the whole thing, then worry about cutting it out once you find some suitable vents.

[jeffs55]

I'm not so sure you want me anywhere near the one you're working on Robert.:D

But, here's the last piece formed like it did the last one. Cut, break, shrink the lip, and a little hammering.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246826081.jpg

And welded in with a little rough grinding.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16082594/246826085.jpg
We went to dinner with the family for my Mom's 80th birthday last night.
This is as far as I got.

[jeffs55]

I got some vents from a 64 Imp and put them in this morning.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247472253.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247472245.jpg
And figured I'd just put some in the center of the dash too.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247472238.jpg

I WISH! I talked with this guy today at Super Chevy.
He said it took about two weeks to get these in and matching up like this. But the results....
They look awsome! He said he's had a lot of questions on those.
Check out the console too.

Here's some more A/C vents, consoles and valances.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247471928.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247471881.jpg

Not a tri5...but...
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247471888.jpg

Here's a factory air dash.
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247471897.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247472262.jpg
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL1135/4322794/16178502/247472282.jpg

[chevman57]

Looks like you got some very good ideas today. Nice looking shots too.
Terry