Dash Board Swap / Custom - How to?

[DETON8R]

Here's my first post for advice about my 1969 Camaro build, DETONATOR.

https://lateral-g.net/forums/show...ight=detonator

I have a 1999 Camaro for my donor car that I've already pulled the seats, engine, trans, steering column, and various electrical items for the 1969. The car has a complete dash, and even thought the air bags are blown, I can fab up replacement items for the air bag on the passenger side and customize other things from fiberglass to give it the touch I really want. The dash in the 1969 needs to be removed or replaced anyway and I'd like to hear from the community ideas about how to give it that custom touch.

Also, does anybody have and good links to "How To" articles for this kind of swap? I saw the Camaros in Camaro Performers that had 4th gen camaro dash swaps, (Bartoli's first gen and Noitis' second gen, both are Both Fred's just like my son and I...). I found a few photos on the build site for Full Circle Camaro (www.altronicsinc.com/camaro) however I have not found any specific swap tips or info.

And since I have a bit of fabrication experience, does anybody have any ideas for me? I'm not bashful when I say I've never done a custom dash, but I'm willing to learn from anybody with more experince than I have!!

For now the plan is to pull the dash and console from the 1999, rework the air bag cavity on the drivers side, exchange the gauge cluster for analog gages (or maybe even a Recepak digital dash!!) rework the air outlets after installing a Vintage Air/HotRod Air system, and fab a custom audio system face. The tilt colum from the 1999 will have the factory variable speed wiper control.

I almost forgot, the dash needs to go in after the roll cage is in. Any pointers about dash install after a roll cage bar is sticking out of the ends of the dash? BTW - I plan to bend the bars to hug the windshield post close and tight, so the bars will be going into the dash, not just behind the dash.

Keyless start systems?
Best size for a steering wheel? And design for a theme build?
Pedal combos?
Custom LEDs, and where to put them for effect?
And I will be modifying the stock door panels. Any good ideas or photos of custom mods of door panels?
Color Combos? Black with grey/silver is a classic, however the car is orange and black, and I'd love to see themes that highlight those two colors.

Your thoughts are much appreciated and your experiences will be really valued!!!!
Fred (and Fred Jr)

[XcYZ]

You can get the 4th Gen dash in your 69, but manual window cranks won't clear. You'd have to go with power windows or open the doors to manually open/close the windows.

The Racepak is a trick piece, very cool what you can do with it. I spent a fair amount of time driving a car with that setup, and personally, I didn't care for how the data was presented, I prefer analog over digital. But that's a personal taste, really.

[DETON8R]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

You can get the 4th Gen dash in your 69, but manual window cranks won't clear. You'd have to go with power windows or open the doors to manually open/close the windows.

The Racepak is a trick piece, very cool what you can do with it. I spent a fair amount of time driving a car with that setup, and personally, I didn't care for how the data was presented, I prefer analog over digital. But that's a personal taste, really.

Manual Window cranks won’t work, DARN!!
Guess I just have to get those power window regulators and billet switches!!
Any one install units from Electric Life? Specialty Power Windows? A1electric? What has been your experience?

And I really like the idea of having the programmability of the Racepak, like you described. I've heard it takes a bit of study to set it up and use all the functionality of the unit. I've heard that the output is something to be desired, and some who have it want the analog style as it is easier on the eyes.
Thank you for your insight Scott, and Lateral-G just gives a ton of great ideas and how-to info on every facet of a project!!!!

[Mikael A]

If you need any help let me know,I have some pic off 2001 dash instal in my 68 Camaro