Dash Replacement Options

[BGBronco]

I'm close to replacing my wiring harness and it seems like a good time to replace / repair the dash as well. It's not horrible but the radio spot has been hacked a bit along the way. I'm assuming i can probably have that patched but also looking at just replacing the whole thing. Also, I know it's 'period correct' but not sure I want to keep the ashtray and in dash speaker which will both be unused.

The only options I've seen without these are from BCBroncos and the price is right at $199. However, their dash options require drilling all the holes for everything except steering, speedo, and glove box. They have multiple options but here is one of them:

https://bcbroncos.com/shop/interior...speedo-stock-glove-box-hole-for-early-bronco/

How difficult is it to get the holes cut so it looks good and all the knobs go back together correctly? Also, I don't have the ability to do the indents for ignition and headlights.

Thank you.

 

[TX SS]

If you want all the stock provisions, Dennis Carpenter makes a reproduction.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en/trucks/body/sheet-metal/d4tz-9604320-a-dash-panel-wo-radio-hole

Or if you want mostly plain, they also offer one with cutout for cluster/column and indents for two switches though you still have to drill the holes.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en...c8tz-9604320-c-custom-dash-panel-66-77-bronco

I'm putting this one in a Bronco now and I will say it is not straight bolt in and required some modification like making custom lower brackets. Overall it's a decent piece but not perfect out of box.

 

[nickgp]

I say repair the original. It will Be next to impossible to duplicate the factory holes if that is your goal.

 

[BGBronco]

Appreciate the responses. i will probably move a few of the switches around. If the second DC one had a glove box, it would be perfect!

 

[omureebe]

I say repair the original. It will Be next to impossible to duplicate the factory holes if that is your goal.

I had my speaker area welded up so I could reuse the original dash - looks super clean. Keep in mind original stuff fits perfect vs any reproduction part.

 

[BGBronco]

I had my speaker area welded up so I could reuse the original dash - looks super clean. Keep in mind original stuff fits perfect vs any reproduction part.

I may end up doing but my welding skills are not good and finding someone to do it!

 

[sanndmann3]

I did a totally custom dash/wiring (actually 75% of the work was done with/by a friend of mine). Used the BC Bronco blank dash as a starting point.
Posted in this thread how the holes were cut (post #13)
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280147&highlight=dash

And the finished product is seen here... (post #5)
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280175&highlight=dash

really happy with how it turned out...

 

[BGBronco]

^^ Wow. very nice.

 

[nickgp]

I’ve been involved with three dashes on different rigs. First one had zero mods with a custom auxiliary switch panel in the radio hole. Second one was move the glove box, delete the speaker grill and ashtray. Yes, a lot of work but worth the effort. Last one was an unfinished project Bronco that had a total custom dash started with all aftermarket gauges and switches. A TON of work! Turned out very nice and fictional, but like I have said about this rigs from scratch wiring job, never again.

 

[mustanggarage]

double d fab can make you anything you want.
he used my original dash as a template. he makes custom jeep dashes. I convinced him to expand into broncos. he used my original dash to duplicate it virtually and can modify the original to whatever you can imagine. https://www.doubledfab.com/

 

[BGBronco]

^^ Thank you.

 

[Jaxgtc]

Radio Fix

I say repair the original. It will Be next to impossible to duplicate the factory holes if that is your goal.

When I re-did my dash a few years ago I had them weld 4 holes that the PO drilled for a CB. Fixing that radio hold would probably not be too challenging for someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[yakattack]

I have the BC Bronco blank dash that just has the speedo, steering and glove box holes. It is a challenge to make the holes with a Dremel and I am hoping that the bevels/switches are larger than the holes so the end result will look okay. Beside the speedo, I only have the ignition, wipers and lights switch so I didn't want five extra holes.