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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!!!!
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!
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