Cutting out the dashboard

[frank_a]

I can't see re-wiring the old hot rod, as everything electrical worked. What I would like to do it cut out the dashboard so I had easy access to all the wiring, but wonder what's the best way to do that? Best tool? Any other suggestions?

Obviously I would have to cut around all the stuff I have mounted, but then plan on having the new dash be aluminum. As long as the dash cut-out is approximate (i.e., not perfect), I would just bolt the new aluminum dash over it, hiding the edges right?

This is pretty much a requirement, as there is no way at my age and and in my condition that I am crawling under the dash to do wiring. It needs to be easier to do.

Thanks,

Frank

[Bill Holley]

i'm with u one the old farts stuff... i did my last bucket and i'll need to look up some pic's to refresh the brain cells. but one thing u SHOULD plan for, is when u attach the new dash think ahead of how ur gonna do it so that the next time it'll be very easy to remove. i used 2 stud at the corners with a acorn nut to hold it on.. so don't cut everything off.. u also may want to consider all wiring be connected to plug in's.. that way u can pull the full dash and work on the bench.. trailer flat plugs work fine.

[Rolla Hessel]

Frank, Cuz makes jumpers for the positive and negative wires to go from gauge to gauge so there is only one hot and one ground needed to feed them all. Then you only have the sending unit hook ups to deal with. There are inserts called " Nutserts" that crimp in like a pop rivit which eliminate having to use nuts at all. You could then use a countersunch screw to attach them to the dash.. Those are available at most hardware stores like True Value etc. There is plenty of room that you could use nuts on the back side or as Bill suggested attach studs and put acorn nuts on the front side .. Just another option sir!! I am just glad you are moving forward with your project

[frank_a]

Thanks guys. That is the reason I'm asking these questions. I want this to be well thought out before I even start. Right now it is absolutely frigid here and I don't have heat in my garage. Plus the body is out in the pole barn. By the way, I glued truck mat strips to the bottom of the body, where it rests on the chassis, so that is done. Once I get the chassis finished I plan to start working on the body. One door or two? Removable dash. Neater wiring. New bucket seats. Got plenty to do.

Thanks Bill & Rolla.

Frank