NewTimer Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 I know I seen that aluminum dash insert but are their any other options that anyone has used that maintained AC vents in the car? I am hoping to just find a replacement for the woodgrain insert and reuse pre existing holes for head lamp switch and seat belt warning lamp(not that import). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostnFound Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Hey Arthur, what if you fabricated one from Aluminum yourself cutting it to the shape you want to keep the A/C vents? You could leave it aluminum or paint it black or colour of your choice. Round off the edges nicely of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Hey Arthur, what if you fabricated one from Aluminum yourself cutting it to the shape you want to keep the A/C vents? You could leave it aluminum or paint it black or colour of your choice. Round off the edges nicely of course. Â That is sorta like what I did. Couldn't get quite as much roll as the original dash has so I needed to build up behind it and added the angled bezels underneath the gauges. And I didn't keep the A/C vents. I had it powder coated also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostnFound Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Originally Posted By: LostnFound Hey Arthur, what if you fabricated one from Aluminum yourself cutting it to the shape you want to keep the A/C vents? You could leave it aluminum or paint it black or colour of your choice. Round off the edges nicely of course. Â That is sorta like what I did. Couldn't get quite as much roll as the original dash has so I needed to build up behind it and added the angled bezels underneath the gauges. And I didn't keep the A/C vents. I had it powder coated also. Â Ya...sure, sure...no pics, didn't happen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 I forgotten to include it. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 What thickness did you use for the insert? and how did you create the edges for the corners and how difficult was it to bend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 It's 24 gauge. I think if I would have gone a bit lighter it would have been easier to bend. I mocked it up with a piece of cardboard and cut it out with a jigsaw. Spent a lot of time filing and sanding the edges and all the holes to get everything to fit. I used LED's for the turn signals, high beam indicator and brake warning light. I even added a light beside the temp gauge to come on when the electric fans kicks on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 Actually found exactly what I was looking for. A blank insert ( Linky to picture ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostnFound Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Cool! That looks like "the easy button" to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 Hey, I'm in college. I'll use that easy button whenever I can! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 I looked at that same insert. Had I known how much fun I was going to have designing my own I might have gone that route! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreas Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Actually found exactly what I was looking for. A blank insert ( Linky to picture )  That is the Dash Insert I used in my Monte  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 yeah I know I am no metal shaper. Maybe if I had a welder I would attempt it but I'm better at cutting holes. Â Andreas- that's real close to what I will be doing I was thinking of putting my single din where all your switches are and replacing factory switches with a Vintage air black anodized contol but it does look good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Here's what Jeff (Judge) did. Used the existing dash insert and redid it to look like carbon fiber. Also put aftermarket guages in. Â Â Â Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 What about the dimmer on the factory head lamp switch? Has anyone been able to re use it with aftermarket gauges? I know autometer has their own dimmer switch but if I could re use the factory switch that would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreas Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 What about the dimmer on the factory head lamp switch? Has anyone been able to re use it with aftermarket gauges? I know autometer has their own dimmer switch but if I could re use the factory switch that would be great! Â The dimmer switch works great with my Autometer gauges. you might have trouble if you ever use LED light bulbs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Mine are LED's and not dimable. But not too bright at night for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 The LED bulbs or LED gauges? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 What size are your bigger gauges Andreas? 3 3/8? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreas Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 What size are your bigger gauges Andreas? 3 3/8? Â 3 3/8 for tach & speedo, 2 1/16 for the others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewTimer Posted October 13, 2013 Author Share Posted October 13, 2013 Couple gauges came in  Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted October 13, 2013 Share Posted October 13, 2013 Sweet! That will be a nice winter project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71 monte project Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 will a ss dash fit in my non ss monte? i found a sweet ss dash set up but its for a super sport.. dont wanna dish out the dough if its not gonna work.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostnFound Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 All our Montes came basically with the same dash whether an SS or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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