Hot Rods 55-6 chevy gauge placement

I've got a hole saw and I'm not afraid to use it! I've always like gauges mounted IN the dash of 55 and 56 chevies. Here are the three options I have in mind. Stock dash trim, two gauges on either side of radio or delete plate. after market "no radio hole" trim with 5 gauges either centered of offset to drivers side.Opinions welcome.

 

Here's some examples I swiped from the interwebz. Also I plan on mounting my "Big Daddy" Don Garlits Dixco tach on the dash to the right of the speedo hump.

 

First pic has a cl***ic look and the second pic probably has a bettor placement for a quick look.

 

True, It's a tuff choice, considering the hole saw situation.

 

Pic #3 in post #1 looks pure IDGAF badboy hotrodder..meaning no symmetry, just drilled the holes as close to driver as possible.

"This ain't "Martha Stewart" stuff..
.

 

"This ain't "Martha Stewart" stuff..
Great line!

 

Use the aftermarket one and leave the O.E. alone.

 

My '55 had stock gauges...
...plus oil pressure, amps, and vacuum gauges in the trim strip and the tach mounted on the column.
Worked great. Hope this helps!

 

I've got the first pic saved from earlier! How comfortable is that gas peddle?

 

It's bolted directly to the stock pedal so the ergonomics are good.

 

My 55...I've owned it since 1977 and in the mid 80's I got a hair up my *** and decided to weld up the stock radio opening and the glove box and ash tray. The plan was to metal finish the work so I didn't have to do a dash insert and mount the gauges in that flat area, but gas welding all that stuff caused enough warpage that I had to use some body filler. With that, I made the dash inserts (both ends and the center) from an old aluminum road sign and installed the gauges. I still like the look, but if I had it to do over again, I probably wouldn't have welded all that stuff up.

 

looks good, you posted in my other thread about the speedo lens.

 

Notice your trim is 56, I personally dont like a bunch of holes in the dash but I like this ok in a radio delete position if I had to have em there,

 

yep I like that one too.

 

I just found a pic of my old nomad dash, it had 5 gauges off set to the drivers side. I knew it had been cut but i didn't remember how bad.

 

Just my opinion, Don't cut the holes in dash! If you can ,put where the radio was.I've had 56 2dht since 73. But you know what they say about opinions.........

 

I used this set up from Hampton Engineering. The "V" is several degrees wider than stock and requires the use of a cutoff wheel to accomplish the task. Measure 4 or 5 times-cut once.

The interesting thing is that people notice that there is something different but they can't put their finger on it.

 

Normally I would agree with this, but I really like this modification. And the car is not a restoration project it's a hot rod. And it's an easy fix (for the next guy).

 

And I'm gathering parts for a 56 g***er type rod my self...Gauges will prolly go in dash. I'll mind my on business!I guess the trim could cover up holes later on??

 

Those are nice but not the look I'm after with this car

 

I did ask for opinions!

 

Too much is too much. On my 56 Belair 2 door post car I added a water temperature and oil pressure gauge to the right of the speedometer snd thought it looked great.

 

I've never seen that one before, I like it. I have considered mounting one on each side of the speedo where the cig lighter and wiper switch go.

 

I do like the astorian, everything in front of you where you can see it. I think the tri five dash looks good the way it is! im a no holer!

 

What I did a few times back in the 1960's was to fabricate a "pod" that hung off the lower edge of the dash, dead center below the radio. Picture it with a blunt bullnose, sides and bottom, to match the 50's curves, framing some of that Chevy dash panel chrome inset about a half inch, all just wide enough for the four gauges. (sorry, no pictures - those were the dark ages)
I think I went that way mostly because it was reversible and I was hesitant to hack up the dash.

 

Come on I could be at your house in an hour with my holesaw!

 

I've read that anyone can restore a car but it takes a real man to cut one up. I'm not sure I agree with that but there is no shortage of trifive Chevies. Hell they're making new ones now!

 

I guess I should mention that this car started life as a four door. A local man did a beautiful job with the conversion for me. I look at it as a rescue, some holes in the dash and one in the floor (shifter) won't hurt it.

 

..after you get those gauges sorted out you need to find a 2 5/8 vacuum gauge to fit in the clock hole. I had a 56 way back when where someone did that. it fit in there pretty good... sold the car long ago but still have the gauge