The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Shop Area Interiors Dash repair

Hi everyone. I'm restoring my 1949 3100. Someone down the line opted to take out the original radio and hack the dash up to put in an aftermarket radio. It looks like they cut the dash out to where the knob control pegs would have gone in. What are my options for repairing this besides buying a whole new dash?

I cut the damaged area out and welded in a patch panel sans any radio holes.
I wanted no radio.
Made the patch out of a computer tower.

I have seen repair panels offered for the radio area. Maybe LMC or Chevys of the 40s. Check the catalogs, they’re out there.🛠

Chevs of the 40s - full dash
LMC - full dash

Do you see a smaller repair panel on either site/catalog?

Tim, it’s been several years ago and I really don’t remember who had them. I’ll keep looking.🛠

Without seeing a pic or two. As patch material: Use a radio delete plate which has the same thickness and curvature. Several have sold recently on Ebay for less than $20.
or, of course, a donor dash piece from 47-53.

Depends on how much of the dash is missing and how talented your body man is. The dash in my truck had been cut up to add a larger radio. We were able to fabricate and shape a metal patch, which we welded in to fit very well and added a radio delete cover. Only by looking under the dash can the repair seam be seen. I am told complete dash replacement is a VERY big job as it is welded in.

I don't think anyone is talking complete dash install just for a radio patch. I assume they are asking "is buying a whole dash the only way to get a radio repair patch". It would be quite silly to replace the whole dash in my opinion. It is true that any part of any truck can be "made". But many folks are not that good at some shapes with DIY skills and can't afford a skilled body man. This area does not seem to be too difficult to "bend" a piece of sheet metal (computer tower) over a 55 gal drum or just use a piece of 55 gal drum. ......or something like that. Using a delete plate seems best to me. As I said, without seeing exactly what the damage is.
P.S. I do not see a patch offered like TF and up have.

Watch out, Jerry has a wheelbarrow tub trick he may employ here.

BTW: old washers and dryers make good free sheet metal. Avoid the powder coated ones if you can.

If I had a hacked up dash, I'd take a couple of good/clear photos of my dash, showing enough of the dash so that the viewer sees what needs to be repaired/replaced.

Clearly mark the borders of the area of your dash that you want to replace. Make a paper template for the area you want, with "orientation markers" on a standard dash.

Post those photos here in "Parts Wanted". There are members here with unrestorable cabs/trucks, who might be willing to cut up their dash. Be ready to send your template to a responder who says they have clean cut-out area on their donor dash. The seller should send you clear photos of the dash area they intend to sell you. The seller should then make a copy of the template and return original template with the cut-out metal. That way the buyer/seller has a copy of what was ordered and what was bought/sent.

If I still lived in upstate NY, I'd first check with Bob Adler in Stephentown, NY - I do not know if he sells cut-outs, but I know he has a lot of 47-55 cabs.

I coulda sworn Wheelwright Restorations had a patch but I didn't see one there. I noticed that, if his product is being sold through a supplier, he takes it off of his web site. You might inquire to see if he makes a patch.