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We recently installed a Classic Dash panel with gauges in a vintage Chevy truck.
We recently installed a Classic Dash panel with gauges into one of our project cars with great results. You can see the original article here: Classic Dash Saves 1960 Chevy C10 Interior From A Butchered Dash.
Once the article started making the rounds, we fielded a lot of questions on different aspects of the installation. We were expecting several questions on the electrical side of the installation, but the instruction manual, which is available online, is so thorough that any questions are answered just by following the instructions in the sequential order.
Our readers immediately noticed the Classic Dash panel's neater look and cleaner mounting.
We did get several comments on how great the dash panel’s fitment was. Our installer noted the same things at the time of the installation. The original dash panel does not have the same extended face that covers the dash fascia. If your eyes follow the outer edge of the Classic Dash’s panel, you’ll see that the new panel hides a lot of the old fascia around the dash panel. This cleans up the dash, and hides a lot of damage that happens in this area over the years. When you are talking about a 60 year old truck, this makes a huge difference in most cases.
The one question that we were not expecting was “What do you need to install a Classic Dash panel with gauges? After checking with our installation crew and the team at Classic Dash, we proudly bring you a list of needed tools and consumables for a proper installation:
- Side cutter pliers or “dykes”
- “Red” butt connectors
- Electrical/crimping pliers
- Multi-meter
- Drill motor
- 5/32-inch drill bit
- Center punch
- Tape measure
- Screwdrivers (Phillips & slotted type)
- Razor blade or box cutter
- Open end wrench or socket set (3/8 through 9/16 inch)
- Shrink wrap with heating device or electrical tape for connections
We were reminded by the crew at Classic Dash that hand files might come in handy depending on the amount of damage to the surrounding fascia, and how much material needs to be cleaned up or removed. Fine and medium files are optional.
