the best way

what would be the best way to flatten out this raised section on the dash? should i cut it out and make a patch panel?im new to metal working,just a warning.or could i make a few cuts and flatten it then weld it?what would you guys suggest?

 

Why are you flattening it?

 

I would cut out a big section, a make a replacement panel.

Carve some MDF to the correct shape,
and hammerform the replacement piece to fit, trim and weld.

 

i dont like it.plus the gauges im using wont look good with it there.i want it to look like this,

 

And it will make a few people scratch their heads.

 

thanks unkl Ian.i just may end up doing that but like i said im a newb and i want other more experienced rodders opinions.

 

seems like just cutting it out completely and putting a new panel in it's place would be the easiest thing to me.

 

Keep the curves. That other dash looks too straight and 80's. Use the gauges that go with the curved dash.

 

Seems like you could fabricate a whole new panel or find a donor with the correct shape with a whole lot less effort than trying to eliminate the hump in the one you have.

Frank

 

Totally. Looks like some 80s Caprice dash or something with the curve out. My Merc brotha, don't do it!

 

Never could understand why guys want to remove the things that make Mercs stand out! If you straighten out the dash,it will look like some idiot put a Monty Carlo or Caprice dash in it!
If you really have to do it,don't forget the GM tilt column,CD player ,and the consol with the drink holders. Hell,might as well go with 20's while you're at it!
Sorry.....i'm a Merc purist!!!

 

i dont have any other parts to the origonal dash except the metal frame and glovebox door and dont really have the $$$ that comes with ebay merc parts.plus i want to run these gauges,

i think they would look weird with the arch in the dash.oh yeah it already has a monte carlo tilt wheel.

 

OOOOOO! Swing and a miss!!!!

 

WTF kind of gauges are those?

 

new "bomber series" from cl***ic instruments.im a ww2 plane freak in my spare time so they really appeal to me
thought it would be cool to cross a b17 and a merc

 

UH........NO!!!!!! Not on a HAMB freindly Merc! Save that for a 73 Duster build....

 

i had a 71 duster.i miss that car.i got no respect in it till the 383 magnum kicked in.

 

WINNER! WINNER! CHICKEN DINNER!!! hahaha.

Bob, you must be clairvoyant.

 

You gonna put a propeller on the front of that Merc too?????????????????
Those gauges and Mercs are like oil and water...Dont mix very well..my 2cents

 

if you had a b-17, would you be tryin to make it look like a merc???

 

This guy doesn't see the problem with the new dash!

 

Plenty of replies NOT to do it...I hope you get the subtle hint!
But......what other options do you have?
Lots. Get guages from another Merc dash. Install generic gauges BEHIND the Merc openings, so you get modern performance, with cl***ic looks. Get a dash from another car , 56 Olds is very popular, as are mid 50's Pontiacs, 59 Chevy, etc, and install it. A bit more metal work, but still retains the nice old car look the Merc deserves.
Even if you do one from scratch, keep it old looking, unless you are building a "street rod" type Merc, and in that case, you're on the wrong forum!

 

Look on ebay for something like a '61 Chrysler gauge cluster. Those would look cool with that dash.

 

Those gauges might "fly" in a hot rod, definitly in a street rod, but not a custom.

 

i was thinking of using a dash out of a 55 chevy,but im not sure if the two arches are the same or close enough to work?plus i'd have to get rid of the bowtie.

 

Stude Trucks is right.

 

I agree. Why make your dash like an El Camino?! Mullet man is on here a lot lately

 

Ok give they new guy a break , he's at least asking for help and guidance.

I would suggest a little homework before starting out on the dash project.
Since most everything is missing , you basically have a clean sheet of paper to start with . Go to Rik Hoving's site and look through the pics of traditional custom dashes for some inspiration. Get some 50's custom car mags to look through for giggles. Look at some of the design sketches featured in many of the period magazines.This should get you some knowledge of what works and what doesnt. Once you find out what suit you tastes. Get out a paper and pencil if your old like me or warm up the photoshop program in your computor if your one of the youngsters and sketch out ( photoshop ) your ideas. Its easier to figure this out on paper and you will stand a better chance of a good looking design than if you just "wing it". The exterior and interior should flow together.
You also will find that this can also help keep costs in line. Styles change but good well thought out design is timeless.

Oh and dont mind the guys they get like this on "New Years Eve"

 

I agree , give the man a break . He could have gone and cut up the dash and took a piece of plastic and clued the air plane gauges in and THEN did the post and ask use how we all liked it !!! I would make a flat piece that fits the Merc dash to mount the gauges in . I don't think you can get all those gauges in there anyway . Put the dash in the car , sit in the drivers seat and take your time and think it out . How are these gauges going to look in my Merc . Then it will hit you like a ton of bricks . I shoud have FIRST asked the guys at the HAMB what gauges would look good in a Merc . You did it backwards . Send the gauges back or get new one . BUT Hey it's your car in the end and you have to live with the airplane dash . This is my 2 ents worth .

 

Your killing me smalls!!!! NOT to the merc! You sure are new to this," With all due respect", oh hell, who am I kidding. GET A CLUE!!!!