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DJenkins '68 el Camino
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I decided to work on this custom dash for the el Camino. It’s been in the back of my mind for awhile and I spent way too many hours on YouTube watching various approaches. I mostly got my inspiration from the guys doing door panels and speaker enclosures.
***Warning: For the “I like factory best” guys, this will not be your thing.
For the dash on this project, I wanted to put in Dakota Digital VHX gauges and a 2 DIN stereo/video head.
I’ve seen lots of guys who put 2 din stereo heads in a custom console, but I just didn’t like that look. I wanted it in the dash.
I was hoping someone made a custom part for this, but could not find one, so I decided to make my own, using the factory dash insert as a starting point.
Here is what I started with:
![Cap Baseball cap Gas Bumper Machine]()
And here is the final product:
![Plant Motor vehicle Steering wheel Automotive design Steering part]()
I’m really happy with it! It took a “ridiculous” amount of time, but apparently that is what it takes. I learned a lot and could do the next one in only an “absurd” amount of time.
I recorded a video of the process for anyone who is interested in how I did it, or crazy enough to want to do something like this. The final approach includes some unlikely things like; Spandex and Bed Liner, seriously!
***Warning: For the “I like factory best” guys, this will not be your thing.
For the dash on this project, I wanted to put in Dakota Digital VHX gauges and a 2 DIN stereo/video head.
I’ve seen lots of guys who put 2 din stereo heads in a custom console, but I just didn’t like that look. I wanted it in the dash.
I was hoping someone made a custom part for this, but could not find one, so I decided to make my own, using the factory dash insert as a starting point.
Here is what I started with:
And here is the final product:
I’m really happy with it! It took a “ridiculous” amount of time, but apparently that is what it takes. I learned a lot and could do the next one in only an “absurd” amount of time.
I recorded a video of the process for anyone who is interested in how I did it, or crazy enough to want to do something like this. The final approach includes some unlikely things like; Spandex and Bed Liner, seriously!
Joined
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137 Posts
Wow! That looks fantastic. You can be proud of that "one off " solution.
Is that a good thing? 😀
You are a great encouragement. I appreciate it. Especially based on the work you do. Wow.Stunning.
What a terrific project.
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6,395 Posts
Absolutely.
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54 Posts
I have to say, this build is sooooo awesome. Can't thank you enough for sharing such great pictures and sharing. I'm very excited for the final product and I'm sure she will be amazing. Keep the pictures coming...
Joined
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327 Posts
Nice work on the suburban! Want to paint my car when you're done? haha
Thanks! Even if I charged $1/hour, no one would pay what it would cost. I go soooo slow. But hey, it's a hobby, right?
Next project on the car is to put a "trunk" in the bed. I've seen some other folks who have done this and got some good ideas.
I got a new front bed sheet metal panel from OPGI since the original one was pretty beat up.
![Wood Automotive tire Grey Flooring Gas]()
As many of you know, the 68-72 el Caminos shared a lot of parts with the wagons.
The space under the front bed section is actually the rear passenger foot well on the wagon.
There is a lot of space there and I want to use it for storage, and I'm going to put the battery there (clean up the engine compartment and better weight over the rear.) I'll cover the smugglers box opening in the cab and just have access via a "trunk" lid in the bed.
![Automotive tire Hood Grey Wood Automotive exterior]()
I'm going to cut the brand new sheet metal to create the "trunk" lid. I didn't want to use the whole section as there is a gap around the perimeter that was filled with seam sealer from the factory and not filling it would look bad. And the edges around the wheel tubs scrape. Grinding them back for clearance would result in a bigger, crappy looking gap.
So, I'm cutting out a rectangle for the "trunk" lid and will spot weld down the perimeter and seam seal it like the rest of the bed edges.
I'll put a rubber trim piece around the rectangle, to make it look sort of a factory finish vs. a cut metal edge.
![Wood Bumper Automotive exterior Auto part Rectangle]()
And here is the cut and spacing to accommodate the rubber trim.
![Wood Floor Wood stain Hardwood Gas]()
Next I'll add some bracing to the "trunk lid" (it is sheet metal and flexes a lot) then work out the hinges, latch and mounts for the hydraulic lifter arms.
I got a new front bed sheet metal panel from OPGI since the original one was pretty beat up.
As many of you know, the 68-72 el Caminos shared a lot of parts with the wagons.
The space under the front bed section is actually the rear passenger foot well on the wagon.
There is a lot of space there and I want to use it for storage, and I'm going to put the battery there (clean up the engine compartment and better weight over the rear.) I'll cover the smugglers box opening in the cab and just have access via a "trunk" lid in the bed.
I'm going to cut the brand new sheet metal to create the "trunk" lid. I didn't want to use the whole section as there is a gap around the perimeter that was filled with seam sealer from the factory and not filling it would look bad. And the edges around the wheel tubs scrape. Grinding them back for clearance would result in a bigger, crappy looking gap.
So, I'm cutting out a rectangle for the "trunk" lid and will spot weld down the perimeter and seam seal it like the rest of the bed edges.
I'll put a rubber trim piece around the rectangle, to make it look sort of a factory finish vs. a cut metal edge.
And here is the cut and spacing to accommodate the rubber trim.
Next I'll add some bracing to the "trunk lid" (it is sheet metal and flexes a lot) then work out the hinges, latch and mounts for the hydraulic lifter arms.
Joined
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166 Posts
Great job! Interested in watching the rest of this project. It's something I need to do to my 65. I like your approach with the sides and front......great idea right there!
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