Pondering how to upgrade stereo and also provide a/c and gauge upgrades without cutting orginal dash. Thinking counsel that would cover stock radio opening and extend halfway to floor. aux gauges would mount in built-in pod where orginal radio was located and remainder would provide radio opening and future a/c outlets and maybe 4in speaker openings. Have built small prototype out of fiberglass with a cardboard core to test possibility as the design would be difficuilt to produce with any other material and it must match stock interior theme. So far no failure of test unit even when exposed to + 100 degree temps. Any further ideas?

Dave, go to my article on installing A/C in a early A-body and take a look at the console I built. I also wanted something that looked "period", so I couldn't just buy one from Walmart.

I cut the dash for the radio, but you could mount yours in the location I used for extra gauges and A/C controls.

I used hardwood, high-density fiberboard and 1/8" particle board to build the form. Then I covered everything with matching carpet and padded vinyl. The panel for the gauges and top are .125 aluminum. The chrome accents are nothing more than door edge protectors.

Will admit 64-vert you have one nice set up. On a 63GT their is some unique trim detail I will have to duplicate in plexiglass and have chrome plated as I will have to machine a pattern into it, eitherway like your idea of fiber/partical board. Thanks as always for the input. Looks as if I will end up with a plexiglass/fiberglass/partical-fiber board combo. Did you know ABS pipe end caps make excellent aftermarket gauge pods?

Yep, after those photos were taken, I made matching gauge bezels by machining some plastic pipe parts. Unfortunately, PVC plastic can not be chromed, according to Mr. G's and so far I haven't found ABS in the right size.

I'm also trying to find a way to duplicate the finely grooved pattern found on the '64 Valiant dash. One machinist I talked to said it was too fine to duplicate on large pieces of thin material like aluminum or plexiglass.

Agree duplicating these lines will be tricky, Think I will go to the nearest hobby shop and see what size dremel cutters are available-need to think miniture as in model making. Then construct a miniture router table with a dremel with the necessary guides and depth control. Depending on fineness could possibly carve by hand once you had template. Would try various x-acto knives to cut these as you can stack the blades if necessary for width.