About Us

hihocarp · 01-14-2008, 03:47 AM

Hey there, I'm new to the Firebird scene. I bought a 67 convert & am in the process of redoing the interior[new wiring, seats etc] and was wondering if there is a place to buy a custom dash panel to fit a set of autometer gauges. I have a 74 Challenger & was able to purchase a custum dash set up for the autometer gauges. Any help is appreciatted.

Cammer-6 · 01-14-2008, 08:09 AM

in the center dash panel above the heater controls is a perfect spot.
Cut some pieces of chrome 2 inch tailpipe extensions on bias to tilt
the gauges toward the driver. Do the same to the U shaped mount
so that its still square with the gauge.
I did this to my first 68 when it was a couple of years old and have
done it to all of them since.Of course I used the Stewart Warner Custom face
gauges until they became unobtainable.

Eighttime · 01-14-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cammer-6

in the center dash panel above the heater controls is a perfect spot.
Cut some pieces of chrome 2 inch tailpipe extensions on bias to tilt
the gauges toward the driver. Do the same to the U shaped mount
so that its still square with the gauge.
I did this to my first 68 when it was a couple of years old and have
done it to all of them since.Of course I used the Stewart Warner Custom face
gauges until they became unobtainable.

Have you got any pictures of these in the car?

blackbird455 · 01-14-2008, 12:46 PM

check out this thread it may help
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...ighlight=covan

Eagle406 · 01-14-2008, 03:51 PM

try this one: http://covansclassic.com/

Eighttime · 01-14-2008, 04:24 PM

Will these work on the first gen birds? I read something about having to attach the center panel with screws. How about the column cluster? Are there any mods needed here? $119 isn't too bad, if you think about the fumes and time spent working on a fiberglass mold.

hihocarp · 01-14-2008, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I sure like the look of the Covans 6 gauge column cluster in brushed aluminum. Will that fit the Firebirds as well or will I have to do a few Mods. Thanks again. I can't wait to start ripping into the ol bird.

Eighttime · 01-15-2008, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hihocarp

Thanks for the replies guys. I sure like the look of the Covans 6 gauge column cluster in brushed aluminum. Will that fit the Firebirds as well or will I have to do a few Mods. Thanks again. I can't wait to start ripping into the ol bird.

I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow. I thought about making a mold of the one I have. I'm not sure where to get the kit though. I found this site listed below. I haven't called them but I think their product would work. You take an original Firebird gauge housing and make a mold from it using high-tech plastics. You would need to make a negative first, and then the positive. They have so many products that you virtually have to call them to see what they recommend. Now, I've only heard about it being done, maybe someone else has experimented with this.

http://www.smooth-on.com/liqplas.htm

http://www.smoothonsecure.com/store/...ts_id=10002490

Eagle406 · 01-15-2008, 05:02 AM

The Colum cluster is a direct replacement from the original, no customizing there. The center panel can be screwed on the dash, upperpart that is. I went for a smooter look; I cut the upper part of an old center panel and clued it to the covan's panel so it hooked at the plastic bracket as original.

Cliff

Eagle406 · 01-15-2008, 05:08 AM

To give you guys an impression:

I"ll look for better pics of the dashes and how the upper part is attached when at home tonight.
Cliff

Eagle406 · 01-15-2008, 03:43 PM

Got this pic from this board a while ago. Works perfect:

Eagle406 · 01-15-2008, 03:45 PM

another one:

hihocarp · 01-15-2008, 03:57 PM

Thanks again. I'm going to go on line & order one right now....

hihocarp · 01-15-2008, 05:04 PM

Ok I ordered the brushed aluminum 6 hole dash panel, plus went over to Ron Francis wiring & ordered the wiring kit as well, Talked to an upholsterer also about a new convertible top & redoing the seats. It's almost like I have spring fever, can't wait for the long days of summer again.