mo_1040 '67 chevy

mo_1040, did you make a mold for that dash??? Alot of guys don't have a dash pads and this would be great for other 2nd gen vanners. Plus you could make a few bucks for your van. Just a idea

It was pretty easy to build. If I had a parts van I would gladly make more for people who needed them. I was going to make it look just like the original but later decided to go all the way down to the windshield to cover up the middle speaker grill. I covered the dash with about 3 layers of tinfoil and layed down one layer of fiberglass. Across the front of the dash I screwed a thin piece of oak to the mounting holes over the fiberglass. On the top of the dash I used a thin strip of metal and brazed studs and mounted it on the top of the dash so it mounts just like the original. I used 4 layers of fiberglass to build up the cap sanding it smooth after the 2nd layer, 3rd then 4th. If I was going to use padding I wouldn't be too worried of having it perfectly smooth because the padding would of covered up any imperfections but I glued the marine vinyl directly to the fiberglass with Locite heavy duty adhesive spray glue. It wasn't to hard to build. If I was going to use padding, this project would take 2 days to build but without padding it took me a week with all the sanding that needed to be done. I was going to drill the holes for the front mounting screws but after I bolted down the top of the dash I found no need for the front strip to be screwed down and looks a lot cleaner without 6 screws going across the front.

If I ever run across a parts van I plan on using it just to make custom fiberglass parts for myself and whoever else wants them but that may be a few years down the road until after I finish my own van.

This was actually a fun project to do...If anyone wants some tips on making a dashpad I'll gladly help you out. I should of taken picture as the build progressed. Maybe I'll make one more to look the original with padding and post a step by step in the "this is how it's done" section.

Been away for a while...neglected the house for a few years working on the van that I had to play catch up...finally got a ceiling in the kitchen after 4 years. Wife is happy for a while so been sneaking some time back in the garage.
Got the windshield in today, went in pretty easy. This is the same glass that got sandblasted along the drivers side pillar. Sanding and polishing glass is a pita but turned out great.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get the dash cap and the visor back on.

Also got hitched and a new steering wheel...


Soon I'll have my thrush side pipes ready to hang and fire the beast up... I'll post some more pics when that gets done...Later all...good to be back and playing with the van again!!!!

[iGood for you!! and ill add - ur not fooling that wife even a minute sneakin out to the van!!

Really like the steering wheel! where'd ya get it? Glad to see ya back on it!

Keeping the wife happy will make you a happy vanner for sure

Damn that is some great work you are doing. I really like the visor

BvrWally wrote:MO...Your paint "Garnet Red Metallic" looks the same as what I used. Mine was a 1984 color.

B.W.

BvrWally That's the first time a actually saw you Van in real life. Very cool Customization. I need to spend some time Checking out more in the showcase and gallery!

mo_1040 Love visor! Great work! Does it vent for airflow? looks sealed.

mo_1040 Love visor! Great work! Does it vent for airflow? looks sealed.

The visor is vented... It has a 1" gap across the whole top. It's weird seeing my van without the visor on.

BvrWally wrote:Very Nice job you did there! I myself just acquired an "Original" J & J visor! I was told it is the "First" piece he ever made Vannin wise!??
B.W.

Is this visor the same as the TAZVAN Visor? I REALLY want on like that. Does yourself or anybody know where I can get one like that or if there's someone out there that can Fabri-duplicate it?

This is different than the TAZVAN visor... I chopped the ends off on this one and made new ends to fit my van...wasn't too hard except for the bulges on the side to fit over the rain gutter. I would like to eventually make another one someday but got too much other stuff going on now.

Here's a link to the closest thing I can find that my visor looked like when I got mine... These I'm sure would have to have the ends cut off and rebuilt like I did mine... I found mine on eBay and think I got it for about $20.

http://www.classictruckconsoles.com/classic67-72chevytruck_sun_visor_gmc60classicfiberglass.htm

Started my van for the first time today with a big BANG! Distributor was 180 off. Got that straightened out and had it running for just a short time because I have no exhaust on her yet...LOUD! Getting excited now as I get it closer to being drivable. Next, exhaust so I can get her tuned up. Gas gauge didn't move but only had maybe 1 to 2 gallons in the tank, will have to add more to see if that works. Volt gauge pegged out at 19 volts??? Have to find out what goes on there?? Still need to wire up the electric fan and tie up odds and ends...but damn it feels good to have her running!!!

That's awesome! Nothing like starting it the first time to get your blood pumping!

whopman wrote:That's awesome! Nothing like starting it the first time to get your blood pumping!

I'll second that !!

Something about the sound of a fresh uncorked small block brings a tear to my eye . Bill

It looks real kool when you light it up at night for your buddies. Love the way the fire comes out and makes everyone jump...lol... Well done mo_1040.

BILLS66 wrote:Something about the sound of a fresh uncorked small block brings a tear to my eye . Bill

Definetly will if you get to much rich fumes in your face. lol. It is a good feeling to get a vehicle started up again after major work.

thought I was going to drive the ol van this weekend for the first time... my rear end is junk, but didn't sweat it cause my friend has a '68 chev van in his yard. Went over to take the rear end out and the yoke was sheared off from one of the times it was moved with the big forklift... pretty bummed out, so the search is on for a rearend.

picked up the rear from my friend and got it all cleaned up, blasted, painted, axles looked like new. Now with some parts from Digz, I should be able to get this together and rolling.


Looks like pink in the pic but it's metallic red

Mo, did you take the engine out through the 2 side cargo doors or the passenger front door?

HandiVanMan wrote:Mo, did you take the engine out through the 2 side cargo doors or the passenger front door?

I went through the 2 cargo doors, seemed like I had more room that way.

I think that I am gonna go through the side cargo doors when I pull engine out.

HandiVanMan wrote:I think that I am gonna go through the side cargo doors when I pull engine out.

Just make sure you have the legs of the cherry picker extended all the way out... it's a good reach in there. For my v8 I had to have the valve covers off to fit it in the doghouse.