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Checking intrest in 100% cnc machined dash bezels

rdn2blazer

rdn2blazer

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Another part I'm considering machining once our shop is up and running is the 67' to 72' dash bezel, and possibly matching glove box door. I would like to make it with several options. Maybe some custom ones as well. I do not have any pricing or anything like that, I'm just checking intrest in them and would like to know what kind of things you would maybe like to see incorperated into it that would make it so bad arse you just have to have one.


Opinions please, thank you! Oh, and they don't have to be all blingy polished aluminum stuff either. Clean bezels Black powder coated or Black Anodized with some detail milling after PC or Anodizing to make it really stand out, or....??? Whats inportant for it to have or not have? Cost for this will be more on the pricy side then not of course. And I'm NOT talking a flat 1/4 thick panel with some ball milling on it, thats lame. I'm talking an exact replica of a factory dash panel only out of billet aluminum. I can make them with factory sized holes, to match Autometer gauges, VDO's whatever. Opinions and comments please, thank you.
 
I might be game. Big thing on these you'll want to consider is standard size gauge holes. The center slot on the 67-72 bezel is an oddball size and is almost impossible to find something to fill. For me, pricing is a key point as well.
 
YES!

I like what you're saying.... I don't want a blingy dash bezel, but would absolutely LOVE a quality metal version of the factory plastic part. :bow:

Could be a brushed perimeter, with a black "pebbled" finish on the interior areas...

Just quick thinking out loud, some guys might want to have some different hole options so that the fuel gauge wasn't 5" diameter (and taking up such a huge amount of the space). There might be some value in making the bottom 4 gauge holes a tad larger so that you can fit a larger "standard" Autometer gauge in there.

Maybe also put a slight angle in those mounting holes so that there are very subtly angled upward toward the drivers eyes. The deep pockets of the stock bezel tends to shroud the upper part of the gauge and block it from view.

You know what I'd also REALLY want? Knobs! Wiper knobs and headlight knobs made out of a solid-feeling metal.... Probably steel instead or aluminum so that they have more "heft" than the flimsy factory plastic ones. Again though, I want them in factory color combos. (black anodized maybe? With a silver center button)... How about a set of shift knobs that match the shape of the factory NP205 too? (sort of a flatter football shape with the vertical perimeter grooving)? I'd like to replicate that look with the factory engraving on the knob....and I'd like to get versions for my Atlas-4 shifter levers too. :waytogo:

In my view, things like the shift knobs, dash knobs and steering wheel are the areas where the driver gets tactile feedback from the truck about its "build quality". There is something cheap-feeling about plastic knobs. A hefty, solid knob would give the whole truck a sense of solidity and substance.

...oh, radio knobs too! Similar to the dash knobs bit slightly different IIRC.

I know, I know....knobs are WAY below your skill level and pay grade. But I'd love a complete set for the Might As Well build and would pay handsomely for well-rendered but "stock appearing" pieces. :deal:


-G
 
Oh man! I forgot about the pebbling. That would be super hard to replicate on a cnc. The contour milling for soooo many peaks and vallies would be insane. I wonder it thats possible with todays cnc programming software. To program a surface to cut with suck surface finish? Something I'll be looking into. Honestly, that sounds tough. That would probably be the only thing that may make cost too high. It would extent machine run times through the roof possibly. Well, only time will tell. Thats what prototyping if for now isn't it :D.
 
Greg, I should have quoted your post. Knobs will be being made at some point as well. I've been thinking about this stuff for literally years and years and have ALWAYS wanted to make this stuff, cause I believe it can and will sell. WHen you can not, and I mean can not deny when some trick machined work of art is just so freaking bad ass, and you HAVE TO have it. Thats what I'm going for with the quality of my parts I want to put out there. I'm going to give it my best shot indeed brother :waytogo:.
 
Good to hear Rob..... I think you are on the right path with your thinking.

The pebbling effect might be solvable with some kind of modern paint process. Trying to replicate that with CNC is insane... I'll bet if you talk to any of the So Cal custom shops they can help you find a way to get the pebble finish without all that machine work. I know I've seen it done somehow. That high-end shop (ICON) seems to have a lot of contacts in your area for their finishes and textures.... They are the ones building the $170,000 early Broncos, and original LandCruisers.

Keep at it and let us know what you figure out, I'm definitely subscribed for this one! :bow:


-G
 
I'd certainly be interested, especially with the holes set up for aftermarket gauges. Although I am in the same boat as AJ, price would be a big issue for me.
 
Even a simple clean Black wrinkle may not look too bad if it's more gloss then not. Then polish the outer portion like factory.



Greg72 said:
Good to hear Rob..... I think you are on the right path with your thinking.

The pebbling effect might be solvable with some kind of modern paint process. Trying to replicate that with CNC is insane... I'll bet if you talk to any of the So Cal custom shops they can help you find a way to get the pebble finish without all that machine work. I know I've seen it done somehow. That high-end shop (ICON) seems to have a lot of contacts in your area for their finishes and textures.... They are the ones building the $170,000 early Broncos, and original LandCruisers.

Keep at it and let us know what you figure out, I'm definitely subscribed for this one! :bow:


-G
Click to expand...
 
I would be in for a matching glove box door to my lonely bezel. It has 4 2 5/8" holes and 2 5" holes. I like it because it doesn't have the hole in the middle taking up space that is nearly impossible to find a gauge to fit.

image.jpg
 
Just drag it behind your truck to get a rough finish! :D

Billet badges would be cool, door lock pulls, AC vents, a bolt together '72 outer grill surround (makovai and I were discussing that at one point, but couldn't figure out how to do it cost effectively)

Two things I would like but likely not high volume are:
4L80e to NP205 adapter
NP205 rear housing with mechanical speedo and VSS hole

Other things I've seen that are cool:

LS motor mounts
Billet side clearance marker lights for CST blazers
Billet rear taillight surrounds
 
I'd be interested in a dash bezel and the switch pulls like Greg said. Looking forward to what you can come up with Rob!
 
Of course we're starting super small, but the plan is to grow like wildfire, as long as my health can keep up.
 
rdn2blazer said:
Of course we're starting super small, but the plan is to grow like wildfire, as long as my health can keep up.
Click to expand...

I hope for your health, the health of your business and the health of copious amounts of sweet custom parts that it goes to plan:waytogo:
 
AJs72K5 said:
For reference:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=252902
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=374791

Closest I've seen to a well made factory style replacement.
Click to expand...



Well, that figures. I've been wanting to machine there for years, probably even since getting into machining some 20+ years ago. Finally, someone did it and beat me to it. But yes, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Looks like I'll have to see how competitive we can be with them. There is alot of machine time with one of these. His price is not unreasonable though, but it is alot of money for sure. Not sure what a re-pop costs, I'll have to look.
 
rdn2blazer said:
Well, that figures. I've been wanting to machine there for years, probably even since getting into machining some 20+ years ago. Finally, someone did it and beat me to it. But yes, this is exactly what I'm talking about. Looks like I'll have to see how competitive we can be with them. There is alot of machine time with one of these. His price is not unreasonable though, but it is alot of money for sure. Not sure what a re-pop costs, I'll have to look.
Click to expand...

He may have beat you to it Rob. But, he's pretty much stopped making them. Didn't produce very many from what I can gather.
 
AJs72K5 said:
He may have beat you to it Rob. But, he's pretty much stopped making them. Didn't produce very many from what I can gather.
Click to expand...



I'd bet most don't want to, or just can't swing the price tag. Especially when a plastic re-pop does the job just fine for most all restorers. This would be for the guys who just like trick machined stuff. I still want to make these. I doubt they will sell great though. But with the probable cost, this type of part may make it work it to set up and run a couple at a time only, or as orders are placed. Other smaller parts need to be manufactured in gang type setups to make it worth machining. I hope I can sell a few of these if I can come in under what he was charging. I'll make one for myself regardless as I WILL hopefully own another 67'-72' pickup, K5 or suburban again someday. I'll have them on hand at least. Hell if anything for a decrative thing to hang on my wall.
 
Any guess on price point? For me the biggest things I would like to see are tilting the lower gauge holes so they are readable, and making the center hole a size that accepts a standard tach.
 
Could you blast it with a higher grit abrasive to mimic the pebble finish and then anodize.

I know I don't have a first gen, but engine turned aluminum would be what I would want
 
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