Help finding a dash for 1963 GMC

[JMack]

I bought my wife a pickup that has a butchered dash and I would like to start over.
I placed an order at egaugesplus.com a couple months ago and never received an order confirmation or the dash and had to get a refund through my CC company.
I've looked at the Dakota Digital dashes for the Chevy pickups but I don't know how much different and what it would take to retrofit one into the GMC.

Do you guys have any advice for a new GMC guy?

Thanks!

[Funky61]

Hello JMack,

Here are a few links that offer suggestions and examples.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=804330&highlight=gmc+digital+gauges

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=360089&highlight=gmc+digital+gauges

This uses a 60-61 cluster panel and a Boese insert.

[JMack]

Hello JMack,

Here are a few links that offer suggestions and examples.



Thank you sir, just got an AutoMeter 2104 Direct Fit Dash Panel, 1960-66 GMC Truck ordered from one of your links.

[Funky61]

You're welcome JMack!

Here's a link to the item for others to consider.

https://www.autometer.com/direct-fit-dash-panel-gmc-truck-60-66-fits-6-gauges.html

[jbgroby]

JMack,

When I restored the truck, I had the stock plastic dash, and it was a bit funky. Back in 2006 they didn't have the choices they have now, so I made a wooden templet of what I wanted, made sure it fit and then went to a local metal shop and had them cut me aluminum insert (like the kind they sell now). I had them make the same 5 lines like the OEM back panel, $100.00.

[JMack]

JMack,

When I restored the truck, I had the stock plastic dash, and it was a bit funky. Back in 2006 they didn't have the choices they have now, so I made a wooden templet of what I wanted, made sure it fit and then went to a local metal shop and had them cut me aluminum insert (like the kind they sell now). I had them make the same 5 lines like the OEM back panel, $100.00.

Thanks @jbgroby , This pickup had a steel dash with gauges when we bought it and I've been looking for the stock plastic dash so I could build exactly what you have.

[AZKen]

Need pics of "butchered dash". Dash is dash. Gauge cluster is another thing. Which is it?
If you use other than stock gauge cluster you will have issues to solve. If you are experienced, should work out eventually.

[JMack]

Need pics of "butchered dash". Dash is dash. Gauge cluster is another thing. Which is it?
If you use other than stock gauge cluster you will have issues to solve. If you are experienced, should work out eventually.
This is what it looks like now.

[AZKen]

So what's not to like? Autometer white face gauges. On a custom panel. Up to you to decide what you prefer and we can suggest how to get there. Maybe a new blank panel to install all or some of the Autometer gauges. In other words, what does "start over" mean. Go back to original, a different custom look or what? Anything is possible and available.

Just to be sure...is "this is what it looks like now" the "butchered dash" or something of a fix you did? Not clear on that yet. Is the dash structure still intact. Like the mounting features for a stock gauge panel not modified? Please give us the details on all of the above.

[JMack]

So what's not to like? .

I apologize AZKen it took so long to reply I’m working on three separate vehicles right now and lose track of web forums.
This pickup was somebody’s dream five year project that bounced around several different shops and some of the work was great and other was less than stellar. I’ve stripped all the wiring and I’m starting over trying to save as much of the good as I can, I’ll try to get some better pictures but Funky61 gave me the info I was looking for and I’m heading down a path now to get this pickup on the road.

[HyePo]

:welldone:

Too bad my buddy only suggested I make these in September as it took that long to get the project completed. CAD drawn from scratch & SLA printed (I used to do vacuum-forming bezels but he wanted a more original looking bezel). Now I can mass produce his 64 GMC specific plastic bezel in darn near any gauge configuration… but this is what I call standard.

Glad you found a solution. For me, better late than never. :)

[HyePo]

If anyone is looking for a instrument bezel, I’ll be making more after Jan 15, 2025