How we did it TECH. The Dash 55 Cevy/32 Ford

[Nick32vic]

First, me and my dad found a 55 Chevy dash. http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-1-1.jpg Bought it. Then installed it in my 32 ford vicky.

Second, Please bare with me I have a good amount of pics so i wanna spread them over a couple different posts. I will let you know when im done. Thank you.

On to the tech!
First,we made a frame on the car for the dash to bolt to. Then we cut the dash in half. Next, we cut the left end off. Then we determined our position for the column drop/column. Then we tack welded the dash back together after shortening it roughly 14 inches.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-1-4.jpg
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-1-2.jpg
Next, we re-fabricated each side wrap around thing to better fit our 32.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-3-1.jpg

We also welded up what was left of the glove box and existing holes.

Next post coming shortly..........

[Nick32vic]

Then, we welded sheet metal on the top of the dash to match the 32 windsheild. Next, we fabricated a guage cluster for more gauges into the center of the dash. To make this we made a template then cut out a peice of 16 guage sheet metal. Then welded it in place.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-2-2.jpg
The next thing we did was all the body work on the dash. This was a good learning experience for me.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-3-3.jpg
To do the body work we clamped some rectangular tubuing to the table and welded the other side to the dash to temporarily hold it steady.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-5-5.jpg
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-5-4.jpg
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-5-3.jpg
One more post................

[Nick32vic]

After all the body work was done, we cut a hole in the center for my cd player. After that we cleaned it up then put it in a coat of primer.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-3-5.jpg
Next we mocked it all up with the guage cluster, speaker grill, cd player, column and steering wheel.
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-4-2.jpg
http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-3-4.jpg
Personally, I think it turned out GREAT! Better than I expected. It was realy fun to work/learn from my dad just like the rest of the car.
The dash is a complete bolt in unit. We made tabs to bolt onto the frame we made in the car. It works out really nice. My dad is one clever dude!
Here are some more pics that i forgot to show.

Me > http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-4-3.jpg

http://photo.starblvd.net/~Nick32vic/2-2-1.jpg

Making this thing was WAY harder and took longer than I expected! It was tons of work and my dad did a great job and taught me lots.
I hope everone enjoys these posts. If you have any questions, Ask Away! Thank you very much.

Nick Giacalone (me) and Nick Giacalone(my dad) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DONE!

[wideglide74]

Thanks. I have a 55/6 dash that is going in my 34 pu. was kind of curious what it would look like

[Hot Rod To Hell]

That looks really cool... At first I thought it'd look poopy, but after seeing the mock up that's pretty cool! Nice work! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[autocol]

that looks friggin' awesome mate... good job...

[Skate Fink]

...Nick I & Nick II..........GREAT job!! Really nice installation. You probably should have left the "body work" undone and not painted it to keep some of the "Traditional" guys happy...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Super post Nick II.........

[roadstar]

That dash looks great.

But the best part of this whole post is the fact you and your dad are doing this togeather, and you are learning about fabracating and bodywork.

My son and I work togeather on lots of projects and it couldn't be better for a good relationship.

[JimC]

Good post.
Good job.
Keep it up.

Jim

[TomH]

That smile on your face says it all. Great post.

[dadseh]

Yea, great work guys, that dash metalwork / cut and shut is great . I looked and looked but I gotta say those end wings are as GAY AS HELL!
DADSEH

[Harrison]

Awesome work man. I love it!

JH

[ratster]

Nice looking dash!

Working in the garage with Dad is priceless

[Plowboy]

Man that looks great!

I was really close to putting a 55 dash in the spacetruck. I could have bought the whole car for 300 bucks! I didn't because I couln't afford to lose any room in the cab of the truck (depth wise). I wish I would have bought the car though. Oh well, you can't buy 'em all.

[Fat Hack]

That absoloutely KICKS ASS!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

If the rest of the car comes out that cool...you are gonna have one gnarly ride, Nick!!

WAY too cool for words, Dude!!!!!!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[volken65]

My hats off to you and your pops Nick...

[ QUOTE ]
That smile on your face says it all. Great post.

[/ QUOTE ]

I second what TomH said...

[kustombuilder]

nice job Nick. maybe one day i'll get my dad in the garage and teach him a thing or two http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif...


Mike

[36couper]

Nick. Nice job. Its not gay. If you blend your doorpanels in to meet the edge of the dash, it would look great.
Don't worry about trying to keep the Trad guys happy. Do what you want and drive the piss out of it.

[Nick32vic]

<font color="blue"> Thanks for the good words everybody! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif </font>

[Rolf]

Great job! Looks great. Makes me want to re-think the repop S/W thing...

[beatnik]

Hi Nick, that looks pretty good, nice job.

[NealinCA]

Nick -

Great work. It is really good to see you working with your dad on a project. My dad had my brothers and I all build cars in high school. I got my 49 GMC when I was 13 and still have it today. You will treasure these times and pictures when you are older.

Keep up the good work.

Neal

[burger]

In the immortal words of Sauce, "NIIIICE."


Ed

[CLSSY56]

Really cool for a Ford... just kid'n. Good job, I hadn't seen that last pic yet. Can't wait to see it in person.

[zman]

Excellent work. I'll save any comments on the wings till I see the reat of the interior done. I have a feeling you and your pop will work it in. Keep it up.

[Tinbender]

Tech week just keeps getting better! Nice job!

[shoebox72]

Nice work!

Billy

[Rocky]

Ya done real good, boy.........

[QQMOON]

Great Job Nick &amp; Nick jr good to see the teamwork pays off

[C. Montgomery]

that looks awesome. the wings don't look "gay" (?) just be sure to make your door panels continue the shape ant it'll look awesome. really like the other guage cluster. Excellent work..Ya'll did good.

[Zeke]

Honestly I don't care for the wings.Who care though, cause it's a fuckin nice piece of work. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Great job man.

[Nick32vic]

<font color="blue"> Im glad most of you liked it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I understand that some of you didnt like the end wings. That is cool. I know theres stuff that i dont like. I think they look great. We will try and work them into the door or somethin. But thank you for alll your coments. I think it turned out great and me and my dad had fun doing it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif </font>