59 Chevy Apache radio patch panel repair (Part II)

Hello my followers and fellow DIY’ers and Classic car enthusiasts!  Part II of the radio patch panel repair is quite exciting to me as it a major leap in progress! Although it was an incredible amount of work, I’m thrilled at the outcome! ; ) I’m happy!  However, this part shows not only the patch panel repair, but the entire dash made to my liking.

First was, what the hell am I going to do! Part 1 showed the heavy work of cutting, welding, making the patch panel work and look good, or great(at least better)!

Now that the patch panel has been successfully incorporated into the dash, prep was next.  The entire dash was scuffed with red scotchbrite so the epoxy primer would stick, then washed with warm soapy water and rinsed. Of course the entire truck had to be covered so not to get primer, paint, and or clear coat on it!

After two coats of epoxy primer, I’m now ready to shoot some color!

The color is a Poly Beige (metallic beige). It’s amazing color as it takes on the color which it is near and the Sun and light alter the color a bit. Isn’t it beautiful?!

I was a little nervous, worried that I may get a run or miss a spot, but after 3 coats of paint, I’m sure I didn’t miss any places and no sags or runs!

The clear coat, a matt finish, was shot the following morning which came out very nicely!

Notice the steering column and parts of the dash, took on different colors from the flash of my camera.

Not much to say here, just needed some TLC!

I bought a refurbished speedometer cluster from Ebay for 200 bucks! very nice! It’s not connected, I just set it in the dash to give myself a little excitement! ; )

Back somewhere in time, someone probably decided to install an 8 track tape deck, it was the thing to have! a modern marvel of the day! However, the metal dash having been altered (to be nice) , someone in the future was going to have to fix it~ me ; )  I’m honored.

This Boss 7″ flat screen DVD, radio, and back up monitor, should be a nice addition to this classic Chevy truck!  The screen will tilt upwards by the push of a button. Note the AC/heat controller to the right of the monitor. The two extra holes, one will be a 12 volt accessory outlet, the other? not sure yet.

Am I getting close~ not by a long shot! I still have a long ways to go! So, pleased stay tuned as I whittle away and putting the classic truck back on the road!

This pretty much sums up the radio patch panel installation! (thank goodness) If you should have any comments or questions, please write, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog ; )    dne’