I started putting together my new dash and have run into a small problem. I'm looking for opinions. The way the gauges are setup on the Covan dash it dosen't leave a spot for the headlight switch. I have a link for the pics of the convan dash and a factory replacement dash. The bottom left big square hole on both dashes is for the vent. The small rectangular hole to it's right is for the wiper switch. The hole directly above the vent on the factory dash is where the light switch should go, but as you can see on the Covan dash there's a gauge there. Keep in mind I have to have room to mount signals, high beam indicator, and emergency brake indicator. Called Covan's and they were no help. No recomendation whatsoever. I'm thinking about mounting the light switch on an L bracket onder the dash. Any other ideas?
http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?set_albumName=1970SS454ElCamino&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=2

No ideas for you, but I was wondering if you had made any progress on this. I've thought about one of the Covan's dashes, and it seems kind of lame the dash wasn't set up to have a spot for your headlight switch.

Good Luck with your project

Thats crazy! I have looked at the Covan dashes for a while, and it never dawned on me that the lightswitch hole was gone!! :oops:


well the bracket under the dash might work, but you could also cut hole for it on the OPPOSITE side of the steering column (I know that REALLY wierd!) if you are not going to cut a hole for a stereo....

....or you could put the wiper hole on the right and use that hole on the left of the steering column for the light switch...

only other possible place I see is in the upper left corner of the dash above the left-most gauge. That might not be too bad, except wiring it could be a son-of-a-gun you know....

anyway do keep us informed as to your solutions and lots of pictures, as I know I am several here are interested in these dashes....


by the way, what about your turn signals? where do they go???? :?

Dash install has been put on hold. My brother got a good deal on an 80 Corvette (I found it for him) and we worked on it last weekend. May get to work on the dash this weekend. Thanks for the ideas 72ss454Florida. We may try the lights where wiper goes and move the wipers. We also thought about making a cover where the wiper switch goes and putting the light switch and wipers above and below. Problem is, until I get the old dash out I wont know how much play I have with the wires from light and wiper switch. I guess the aggrivating thing is for over $900 bucks you'd think Covan would've thought this out. Not only is it my problem, but now that they have my money, they don't care. I think if you buy from them you should make them address this issue. Signals etc. are small LEDs so really you can put them wherever you want. You also have to cut out for the radio if you put one in. They do give a template for that.