Pioneer Stage 3 LSA 69 RS SS Camaro by Unit2

4 minute(s) of a 47 minute read

One of the items I had to change was the original dash panel. 67 and 68 have a much better design but the 69 to me is a complete disater. Not sure who was driving that design but I had to do something with it. I have had some emails asking if the dash panel was available for sale. This is a one off build and here are some images on how it was built. I used a detroit speed dash panel from Classic industreis PND104012 along with Autometer cobalt gauges. I like the look of these because of the blue backlighting which gives it a modern feel opposed to the standard warm white or green. I wanted to create a different look instead of just cutting holes and inserting the gauges into the panel, to me this looks unfinished so i did dome research on other cars and was inspired by the mustangs. They did a better job on their dash design. To creat a similar look i have to build a panel that fits around the gauges to have them appear that they are recessed into the panel. The panel is made from Model board, but you could use MDF, ABS Acrylic or other solid material. Model board is widely used in mold making or pattern making it comes in different densities and thickness. Easily cut, milled and painted. I moved the AC controls to the lower part of the panel which gave me enough room to place all the gauges and have air outlets. Since it did not need to adjust the outlets they are fixed openings. Another item i needed to change was the turn signals instead of just mounting a light i placed the LED in the back of the sheet metal and drilled holes of the surround to hold pc of Acrylic rod that was frosted. The main gauge "hoods or brows" came from an old alfa part that i cut up and fitted, but you could make them from PVC pipe or alum tube. Once all the parts we fitted the panel was painted and ready for final assembly. I item i used to secure the LED in place was a glue called Goop, if you have never heard of it, well now you have. You can get it at Home Depot in the paint section, near adhesives. Just get the plumbing type it is the same as the household but comes with the applicator. This is one of the best adhesives that you can get which holds like mad but is removeable. It has many uses. There is more detail but I will add that in the next post.