FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Just thought I would start a new thread on dash modifications in FE & FC I know of a few who have been down this path and it may help other members with this modification in mind. will have a shot of one that I have done soon. Who's DONE THEIR DASH ........FC427.........

I get a lot of comments on mine.
Removed the factory speedo, fuel and tell tales and replaced with Autometer gauges the only mod for the speedo was an MDF ring to stop it slopping around. Had a panel shop fill the holes where the fuel and tell tales where, then carefully cut the holes for the Autometer gauges. I used a couple of bezel mounted LEDs from Jaycar for the indicator lights.
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/stinky456/20040619%20FE%20Sedan%20Dash%20and%20Wheels/FEProgressShots19-06-2004008.jpg)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y184/Fevanv6/P1200002.jpg)

Here's a pic that FC427 sent me of his soon to be completed dash.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/Holden/markdash.jpg)
Looks cool Mark.
I am sure you will tell us all about it now that we can see it.
Regards
Alex

That looks real kool 427, got any pics of yr build?

 Thanks Alex for posting it for me .This is the dash I made for another members car I built, I have tried to keep it looking just like a FC dash the steering column goes between the two big gauges so it was necessary to move it over towards the pillar to get it in the right place It is fitted with a set of white VDO gauges and the fuel and idiot lights have also been colour matched to suit .will post a shot in the car soon  .....FC427.....

Hey Mark
I wondered what it would look like in relation to  the column.
Did you extend the glovebox an equal amount to keep it symetrical?
Regards
Alex

Alex you caught me out I wanted to but did not extend the glove box lid, the owner was not that keen  still looks OK in the car.......FC427............

MArk,

Nice dash,

twin big dials are cool, although they need a fair amount of work to make them sit right.

To retain the flow and line, I cut and shut the right hand side too, so it is much shorter than stock.  This allowed the column to sit between the dials.
The left hand side was stretched to meet the standard glove box line.

I like the triple cluster... nice.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Ed74mnd/FE%20Holden/100_0839.jpg)
here's a build shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v128/Ed74mnd/FE%20Holden/89011043.jpg)
Cheers

Ed

Ed your right there It was a lot of mucking around to get it to sit right after the cut and shut but next one will be a lot simpler to do, Maybe should have pulled a mould of it and made a run out of fibreglass ones??? .......FC427........

You could make fibreglass dash boards but then someone else will have one.  ;)

I almost threw my dash board in the bin out of sheer frustration.  I put too much heat into it and it buckled quite badly.  A mate persuaded me to keep at it. I’m glad he did.  around this time I started to think about a fibreglass dash board too.

Fibreglass buckles with heat too.  If you lay up too many layers at once and make your mix too hot, as it sets it pulls tight just like a metal weld.

Cheers

Ed

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x198/jack_fc/fc%20dash/FC005.jpg)

(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x198/jack_fc/fc%20dash/FC001.jpg)

sorry, tried to get 2 pics from photobucket on here, obviously FAILED. computer-illiterate old bastard...
Got as far as putting them on photobucket - jack_fc - FC dash - pics FC 001, FC 005; cant get any further. Maybe some of you computer whizzes can help! (and please dont refer me to the instructions in members cars - tried that; its all gobbldygook to me)
Think I'll go and do something I CAN handle; the beer fridge is in the shed :-\

At least ya tried, all fixed.
A quick tip just click in the little window indicated below and paste that in your post for the image to appear.
(http://i25.tinypic.com/15q9si9.jpg)

hey jack_fc thats along the lines i am doing for my fe wagon,is that a 4 inch speedo.

just40, tach n speedo are Smiths, 91mm OD bezel. Right hand gauge is combined oil pressure n water temp - I wanted a "clean" oldschool look; minimum gauges n knobs. Chrome push button start where key used to be (its now hidden under dash near handbrake). Knobs are chrome push/pull - off/on/on for lights
cheers jack

i also have a smith taco and speedo,and just had a temp and oil combo gauge rebuilt($176),i have cut mine pretty much the same as yours too.....

just40, when possible some pics would be real interesting. What switches will you use?
cheers jack

when i get back to it i will put up a few photos,swapping the motor in my sedan at the moment to get it ready for mt gambier. for the switches i will be using the ignition and lights only,but in different position.

will be looking for it at the Nats
cheers jack

John Rapinette sent me a pic of his dash layout to put up here, but first up, here's 1 I had on file.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/customfc3/FEFC%20NatsSat/10Nats148.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/Holden/JohnDash1.jpg)
Regards
Alex

Just for good measure, Here's Miss Behavin's dash.
Nothing radical, just wanted to show that some dechroming and repainting can change the look.
All gauge faces are painted the same as the dash, with the numbers and words repainted in blue to match the car.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c44/customfc06/Miss%20Behavin/dash.jpg)
Regards
Alex

jeeeeeewiz

they are all awesome mods, but personally i would find it hard to get rid of that chrome bit in the middle...


BUT IN SAYING THAT.... I LOVE A CUSTOM TWIST ON ANY THING AS YOU SEE THE INDIVUALITY COME THROUGH....


thanks for the ideas
matty martin

How about something ol' school.
Loose the speaker grill along with the dash inserts and run a complete timber dash with a new set of gauges.
Here's 1 from the late 60's with a rosewood finish.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/Holden/wooddash1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/Holden/wooddash2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/customfc2/Holden/wooddash3.jpg)
Regards
Alex

here is a pic FC 427 sent of the dash he is working on.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/FCCOOL/joe.jpg)

That is very cool,I'm in the process of building one similar,will post soon.Cheers Jamie.

Here's Jack's from the Nationals
Just ignore the grey interior  ;)
(http://i31.tinypic.com/2iuvnt2.jpg)

here is another from FC 427.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/FCCOOL/IMG_0008.jpg)

I like that heater, radio setup,it has an oldish style to it and doesn't look out of place in an FC,is it home made or did it come out of another car.  8)

Pedro that is not a heater that is Air Conditioning the heater sits behind the parcel shelf that is why it is so narrow, you can just see the bottom of the heater in the photo . Thanks for the posting Leon I will learn how one day and be able to share so much more ......FC427......

Thanks' didn't even think about that ???, air con. would be good up here, but i don't think the old grey would appreciate it, i'll just have to keep looking for a nasco or similar heater.