Custom Dash Bezel Build

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John81287

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Alright guys, here comes an interesting one! I'm going to be completely rebuilding my bezel with autometer gauges and LEDS for my idiot lights! I will be sure to take lots of pictures along the way! Maybe I'll even earn a stickie! :wink wink:


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Stroked

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Sweet! Looking forward to pics!

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Green79Scottsdale

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You planning on making them on an angle like the factory for viewing pleasure? I too am interested in the outcome of this. I have seen some great ones, and some ****** ones. Hope yours is the stuff of legends.
 

John81287

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Debating on how to achieve the angled look


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John81287

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Will probably end up making them mounted straight forward


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Mr Clean

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Are you going to use your stock bezel, for a stock look with better gauges.

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Green79Scottsdale

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Are you going to use your stock bezel, for a stock look with better gauges.


The really nice set-ups I have seen are this method. The aftermarket gauges were custom mounted to the back of a stock bezel. This also allows for the angle to allow very nice viewing of them. Just a warning, you might not like them mounted straight. I was thinking of buying a truck a couple of years ago, but it had straight mounted gauges and that alone caused me to not buy it. It is fine for some people, but I would not be able to live with it.
 

Green79Scottsdale

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These are a couple of pictures I had on my computer.

Top is the way to go IMO. Yeah it is a little bit of work, but I think it is worth it.

Bottom one, personally I don't care for, but your opinion may vary.
 

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John81287

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Are you going to use your stock bezel, for a stock look with better gauges.

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That was my plan was to. Modify the stock bezel with a new center piece made of 1/8" abs plastic. As for the angle of the gauges I was thinkin of getting some gauge angle rings to angle them towards the driver better. Only problem is the speedo and tach don't get rings because they don't make them. I think they are big enough though that it won't be a problem. Like these..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00062Z6OC

The idea was for mine to look more like picture 2 with a couple variations.


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John81287

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Step 1 is to remove the back part of the gauge pod. Found the jigsaw worked well on low speed and the soldering iron with a flat iron. Make sure to wear a mask and well ventilated area as it creates some nasty smoke!


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89Suburban

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:popcorn:
 

John81287

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Ok for my plan to work I have to completely remove the stock rings from the bezel. Here is a pic of my practice attempt on a broken one I had laying around.

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Also a pic of what will be used in the finished product. A bit more scientific on the finished product. Also done with a jigsaw


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John81287

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John81287

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After cutting out the center parts! I've also cut out the turn signal arrows due to using LEDs in their place. Also kept the cut out pieces for tracing onto my new piece of 1/8" abs plastic. More to come after lunch!


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John81287

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so after cutting now it's time to trace our pieces onto our abs. Since the abs is black I will use masking tape so I can see my marks.
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Once cut out they are ready for rough fitting into the bezel and then permanent affixing with black plastic weld.


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