A friend of mine is building what we thought was a 54 GMC pickup however, the dash is unusual. Anybody know what this is? Thanks.........
The 'other' piece is a mirror image of the piece you have. Where the speedo is, is usually just a filler plate with "GMC" script on it......but it is for a tach on models so equipped. I have two of these trucks and one of the things I like about them is the unique dash......They are '54 and 1st design '55 models only. Ray
Today I have three of these trucks and the dash is one of my favorite features too. A parts wanted ad in the appropriate part of the forum at oldgmctrucks.com will probably turn one up. I feel stingy but while I have several more than I have trucks I don't want to part with any of mine.
That answers my question I guess. Just gonna be a little harder to find. Thanks for the help guys..................
The panel, or both, for that matter, would pretty easy to fab from flat sheet......use 18 ga or maybe 16 ga. for a really stiff piece..........but 18 would be easier to form the edges. Make a pattern from MDF with radiused edges......clamp between the pattern and a similar piece only slightly smaller and hammer form the edges.......use a sheet metal punch die or hole saw for instruments..............Voila'.........a new dash panel(s) Ray
That is actually one of mine. Its no longer in that truck and this cab is scheduled for major repairs because of lower cab rust issues. That steering column is in a '51 GMC in Se**** and the frame is standing on its edge in my shop with a GM 14-bolt and C20 IFS both nearby. This one will be a Cadillac 500 powered tow pig if I ever get it finished. I've considered soda blastiing and power coating for the dash units, though when the day comes to do something I'll probably just sand and paint.
I live in the Northwest. Here patina may look cool but it turns into rust and corrosion pretty fast. In a reliable driver I prefer to eradicate it and this project is supposed to be just that.