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bolt the dash on or weld ?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by ChefMike, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. ChefMike
    Joined: Dec 16, 2011
    Posts: 647

    ChefMike
    Member

    [​IMG]Have a 47 ford pickup and making a new dash and want to know if you think i should weld it in or make some barackets and bolt it in place. The photo of the dash still needs glove box and holes for the gages, the center will be joining a center console yet to be built.
    Thanks for any imput
     
  2. lowpunk
    Joined: Feb 22, 2007
    Posts: 350

    lowpunk
    Member
    from berwyn, il

    I'd probably say bolt it in would be a lot easier. You can mount the gauges and even wire them on a bench top instead of bending over backwards to install them while the dash is in the car. I'm sure there are pros for welding it in but i'd prefer to bolt it in.
     
  3. Dreddybear
    Joined: Mar 31, 2007
    Posts: 6,084

    Dreddybear
    Member

    X2 I wish I made mine bolt-in...
     
  4. bolt for sure, you never know when your going to have to unbolt it to do something down the line.
     

  5. gnichols
    Joined: Mar 6, 2008
    Posts: 11,345

    gnichols
    Member
    from Tampa, FL

    Anything you can make easily removable for repairs / maintenance is a very good idea. Gary
     
  6. Bolt it, and consider welding threaded studs to the back so you have a clean looking face. Also think about setting up defrost vents before you put in the gauges.
     
  7. F&J
    Joined: Apr 5, 2007
    Posts: 13,222

    F&J
    Member

    On that style and shape, it might be easier/better to weld it. It looks easy to see under it, and to be able to work behind it?

    It just seems like making brackets that will be rock solid, won't be all that easy. And if they don't hold it steady, it will squeak and rattle IMO
     
  8. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,829

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    I sure wish I could remove the dash out of a car I'm currently working on. it has the harness out of some unknown vehicle in it with hot wires hanging in the breeze not attached to anything along with other under dash problems I don't want to fix.

    I say make it removeable
     
  9. Jedidiah
    Joined: Oct 8, 2008
    Posts: 177

    Jedidiah
    Member
    from Ft Worth

    I changed the dash in my truck and made it bolt in. It is easier to work on and easier to paint. Just make sure your mounts are solid so it doesn't shake or vibrate. I'm with Osage Orange on bolting from the back.
     
  10. fatabone
    Joined: Nov 3, 2003
    Posts: 1,437

    fatabone
    Member

    We just had to paint a dash that was welded in and it was a pain in the ass!
     
  11. Window Licker
    Joined: Apr 18, 2009
    Posts: 287

    Window Licker
    Member

    Bolt in, i used neoprene washers to keep the squeaking down on mine.
     
  12. rld14
    Joined: Mar 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,609

    rld14
    Member

    I'd bolt it in, and THEN if ya like how it fits you can weld it. See, this way if you're a klutz like me then you'll get it properly fitted before ya make it a permanent fixture.
     
  13. 40Standard
    Joined: Jul 30, 2005
    Posts: 5,963

    40Standard
    Member
    from Indy

    on that truck, weld it
     
  14. Dog Dish Deluxe
    Joined: Dec 23, 2011
    Posts: 777

    Dog Dish Deluxe
    BANNED
    from MO.

    For sure bolt. It's alway easier to just weld things together but it makes it a pain in the ass to work on later.
     
  15. if the console goes all the way to the floor, and it would have to come out to remove the dash i would just go ahead and weld it. make a removable panel insert for the gauges, to match the glove box door. how complicated are the mechanicals that are going under there? air conditioning? more than four gauges?
     
  16. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,027

    19Fordy
    Member

    Don't be a dolt. Always use bolts.
     
  17. Shaggy
    Joined: Mar 6, 2003
    Posts: 5,207

    Shaggy
    Member
    from Sultan, WA

    Hinge it so it's easy to work on.....
     
  18. the metalsurgeon
    Joined: Apr 19, 2009
    Posts: 1,237

    the metalsurgeon
    Member
    from Denver

  19. ChefMike
    Joined: Dec 16, 2011
    Posts: 647

    ChefMike
    Member

    thats what I thought ! thanks for the advice
     
  20. Stevie Nash
    Joined: Oct 24, 2007
    Posts: 2,999

    Stevie Nash
    Member

    I've been rewiring the Nash with the dash out, bolting it back in every once in a while if I need to wire to a switch or something. Piece of cake.

    So I left the dash in cause I needed to just wire a cigarette lighter. Tried to wiggle between the seat and dash hanging upside down. What a bitch!!!

    Point being... Do not weld it in!!!!
     
  21. JB Weld. :D

    I am with the bolt it in corwd.
     
  22. Zandoz
    Joined: Jan 23, 2012
    Posts: 305

    Zandoz
    Member

    Bolt it. Nothing is as temporary as that which is considered perminant.
     
  23. EnragedHawk
    Joined: Jun 17, 2009
    Posts: 1,229

    EnragedHawk
    Member
    from Waco, TX

    Haha, that might need to be my new motto. It's come up far too many times.
     
  24. RFOSTER
    Joined: Dec 23, 2009
    Posts: 118

    RFOSTER
    Member

    Def. bolt it in I made the mistake of welding one in. Point being it made my life a living hell when I needed to get to wiring and things!
     
  25. Agreed- Works well for me
     
  26. k32t
    Joined: Jan 2, 2011
    Posts: 295

    k32t
    Member
    from Hog town

    Bolt it in. If you change your mind it is easy to change.
     
  27. Retro Jim
    Joined: May 27, 2007
    Posts: 3,854

    Retro Jim
    Member

    I would bolt it back on if possible because as soon as you weld the dash in , you are going to have to remove the dash again . that's how things like that always work .

    Retro Jim
     

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