photos courtesy of: Classic Dash
A beautiful paint job, a powerful, well-tuned engine under the hood and a set of the latest wheels can do wonders for your aging late-model GM project car. But leave it to a cracked dash to totally ruin the look of your interior. What’s even worse is, dash panel damage can usually be seen from the outside, so it’s not just the interior that looks run down when the dash is out of shape. Then there’s the issue of non-working or unreliable gauges; this is a common problem for vehicles who are pushing, or over, thirty years of age. When your gauges work sporadically, give inaccurate readings or die completely, it could potentially cost you dearly under the hood.
Whether it’s an appearance thing with a cracked dashboard, or a functionality issues with your dashboard components, it has to be dealt with. For most owners of ’80s and ’90s vehicles, you might think that your options at this point are limited. You might try to restore the dash and components, but there aren’t many products or options here.
Most anything out there is only going to mask the damage, or worse, make it more obvious than ever. Even professionals can’t restore dashes with cracks and heavy damage. About the only thing you can really fix on your dash, aesthetically, is the finish, even then it can be a lost cause. As far as the dashboard electronics go, you’re in even worse shape when the gauges start to malfunction. Your best bet is replacement of the electronics with aftermarket gauges — but stock panels usually limit your options.
There’s a lot to consider and think about here. Yes, replacement is the easiest way to ‘correct’ dash panel issues, but the aftermarket isn’t great for late model GMs, at least not as vast as the aftermarket for classics. Plus, fitment is a legitimate concern with aftermarket dash panels, frankly, we’ve seen ill-fitting dash panels that make us cringe.
When Classic Dash started to offer late model dash panels, we knew we had to check them out. Their work is proven in the industry, and we’ve seen their craftsmanship speak for itself with classic panels, time and time again. They’ve recently started adding more and more products to their lineup, including a new selection of late model GM products.
“Digital scans are taken from every possible angle of the factory dash, to make sure we capture every dimension for extreme accuracy for the mold.” -Greg Wambold
For over a decade, we’ve been spotting their handiwork in race cars, show cars, stock restorations, etc. and have heard wonderful things from their customers. Most note that build quality, fitment, and longevity are key characteristics of a Classic Dash dash panel. However, we felt that we needed to find out a little bit more about what goes into these dash panels, so we talked to Greg Gamboled, personally.
Classic Dash has been in business since 2002, and they’re recognized as a pioneer in the molded ABS composite dashboard market. Positioned in Carson City, Nevada, their facility has been outfitted with the latest equipment to make the best dash panels. Availability for different vehicle applications has been limited in the past, but as demand grows, so does their application list.
“Before we decide to start offering any application, there has to be a certain level of demand. We log shopper requests and searches, and if the market needs the product, that’s when we’ll start to put the process in motion.” – Greg Wambold, President of Classic Automotive Specialties
To make a single mold for an application, it takes over 500 man hours, the majority of which is spent on the design. Around 4-6 weeks are spent in the design process before the machining is done to any molds.
The molds for the dash panels are cooled for over ten hours once created, to ensure proper proportions and a perfect fit.
To make sure the dash panels fit perfectly, the guys at Classic Dash will cut an original out of a donor car. Don’t worry, they don’t take a perfect car and chop it off, we’re talking junkyard cars, cars that have been totaled out, etc. They remove the plastics and gauges from the dash and take over 50 different laser scans to get the design input into their software. These scans are turned into a solid that can be manipulated and revised.
The gauge provisions themselves are made to accommodate a bigger speedometer and tachometer (on most panels). These are also made specifically for Auto Meter gauges as they are an authorized dealer. The dashboards are, however, also available without gauges as the end product, so you can use whichever gauges you ultimately prefer.
Any point on the dash that actually touches metal on the car isn’t changed, such as the mounting location holes, brackets, etc. Greg and the guys at Classic Dash do this to ensure they fit the application exactly. Several days of machining go into the mold to make it the best possible shape, and after the final trimming, it’s tested to make sure it’s perfect.
After the first mold is made, the CNC router is able to duplicate the mold over and over again. The end product must meet rigid quality standards before it ever gets packed up for inventory.
“Through the technologies we use, the CNC router is able to make each panel within 5/1000ths of the original each time.” -Greg Wambold
The dashes are made from UV-resistant ABS composite, so they’ll outlast most other products out there, and even some of the factory original dashes. Each application is available in matte black, brushed aluminum, or carbon fiber finish so you can customize your interior in the process of restoration. There’s also a ton of choice when it comes to gauge selection, check out the variety offered for each panel.
1982-1989 Camaro
The 1982-1989 Camaro panel is available as a complete 6-gauge panel with or without Auto Meter gauges. This panel is made from molded UV resistant ABS and replaces the original gauge panel in your 82-89 Chevy Camaro. It comes in your choice of Auto Meter gauges, but is also available without gauges, making customizing easy, if that’s the route you want to go.
Included when you purchase the complete panel kit is:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temperature sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 3-3/8″ Speedometer
- 3-3/8″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
If you opt to buy without the gauges, take note of the sizes listed above to make sure your gauge set will work for this unit.
Gauge selection includes:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
1990-1992 Camaro
Made to fit the dash panel of the 1990-1992 Camaros exactly, this 6-gauge panel is a great looking product. This panel is available with Auto Meter gauges, but the ’90-92 Camaro owner has the option of ordering it without gauges, for total customization. It is made from UV resistant, molded ABS and is an easy option for restoration, or customization.
When you buy the panel with gauges, you get:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
- Simple Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Gauge selection includes:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp II – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
1982-1986 Chevy S10
Uniquely made for your 1982-1986 Chevy S10 truck, these panels look great installed. They are made from molded ABS for an exact fit and come with or without a massive selection of Auto Meter gauges. This UV resistant option for customization is ideal for your S10.
When bought with gauges, the panels include:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to follow instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Choose from these Auto Meter gauges:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp II – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
1984-1987 Chevy/GMC Truck
This application is available in three different varieties of panels. All are perfect fit, molded UV resistant ABS panels.
Dash Panel with Auto Meter 5″ and 2-5/8″ Gauges
The steering column under cover is include with this dash panel. This panel is specifically made for a 5” speedometer and tachometer, and 6 2-5/8” gauges.
When using the gauge equipped version, includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-5/8″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to follow instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Auto Meter gauge selection includes:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
Dash Panel with 5″ & 2-1/16″ Gauges
This panel also includes in the steering column under cover and is made to house a 5” tachometer and speedometer, and six 2-1/6” gauges.
When using the gauge equipped version, includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
- **Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Auto Meter gauge selection includes:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
Dash Panel with 3-3/8″ & 2-1/16″ Gauges
This dash panel is made for a much smaller tachometer and speedometer than most of the others. It also accommodates 2-1/6” gauges and includes the steering column under cover.
When using the gauge equipped version, includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 3-3/8″ Speedometer
- 3-3/8″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Auto Meter gauge selection includes:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
1988-1994 Silverado
*This panel is the only on the list not available in brushed aluminum at this time
Silverados tend to be exceptional offenders of stock gauge and dash panel issues, this panel is a quick remedy. UV resistant and molded to fit, it will restore function of the gauges when you select from the Auto Meter line. It’s also available without any gauges if you want to customize, just be sure to use the right size.
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 3-3/8″ Speedometer
- 3-3/8″ Tachometer
- 2-1/16″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-1/16″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Auto Meter gauges available for this application include:
- Auto Meter C2 – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter NV – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter American Muscle – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter GT Series Gauges
1978-1987 El Camino
Like the other panels, this is molded from an original dash panel to ensure a perfect fitment in your 1978-1987 El Camino. It is made from UV resistant, molded ABS to fit and last. This 6-gauge panel can be purchased with or without Auto Meter gauges, and features their signature oversize speedometer and tachometer.
When purchased with the gauges, this panel includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-5/8″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
Here are the Auto Meter gauges you can choose from for this panel:
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
1978-1987 Malibu
If you’re looking for the perfect dash panel for your 1978-1987 Chevy Malibu. Before now, the options for replacement have been limited for the Malibu dash panel, but there are many variations offered under this application. No matter the finish or gauge options, each panel is UV resistant, molded ABS and will fit perfectly. It features the oversized tachometer and speedometer provisions, and can accommodate six gauges.
When purchased as a complete package, the panel includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-5/8″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
You can choose from the following Auto Meter gauges for any finish of this panel:
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
1978-1987 Monte Carlo
The 1978-1987 Monte Carlo dash panel replacement options haven’t exactly been vast in the past. Classic Dash has changed that, and offers a ton of different dash panel configurations. Available in the three different finishes, there’s also a huge selection of Auto Meter gauges to go in the six provision holes in the dash panel. These panels also feature the highly sought after large speedometer and tachometer provisions, so you can more easily use aftermarket options. Every panel option is made from UV resistant ABS that will replace your stock dash panel exactly.
They are available without gauges, but when purchased as a complete kit, this panel includes:
- Wiring Harness**
- Oil and Temp sending Units**
- Turn Signal, High beam and Parking Brake Indicators**
- 5″ Speedometer
- 5″ Tachometer
- 2-5/8″ Fuel Level Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Oil Pressure Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Water Temperature Gauge
- 2-5/8″ Volt Gauge
- Easy to Follow Instructions
**Not provided with panels equipped with Sport Comp, Ultra-Lite Mechanical and Phantom Mechanical gauges.
The Auto Meter gauges available for this panel include:
- Auto Meter Carbon Fiber – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Cobalt – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport Comp – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Sport-Comp II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Phantom – Mechanical Gauges
- Auto Meter Ultra-Lite – Short Sweep Electric Gauges
When you click on your application, you will also find information about wiring and other important technical information. Scroll through the slideshow below to see what each gauge face looks like, and you can elect per your requirements, tastes and needs.
It should be said that Classic Dash not only manufacturers and sells complete custom dash panels, but also offers up their customer’s with a wide variety of accessories for any repairs you may need to make for your cluster, or if you need an additional components for your application, sold separately. You can click HERE for to see their application chart, and select your application. Just about everything you need, from speedometer sending units, tachometer adapters and even complete wiring harnesses are avaialible through our friends over at Classic Dash.
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
