LUVTruck.com

I just removed the full entire dash on my 1980 chevy luv. What I was wondering is do I only need a dash cap and thats it. Will it hold the gauges in.

A dash cap only covers the top surface of the dash. And it installs over the original dashtop. A dash cap doesn't tie into the instrument cluster.
Either reinstall the dash (but it's most likely wasted at this point) or order a replacement dash from Australia (it's kinda pricey but they look really good) or build a custom dash.

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Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

Just another word of warning, the dash cap only covers from the top of the gauges up, so don't rip apart the whole dash before you know what will replace it.

I've seen a lot of dashes cleaned up with none of the foam pad on them that looked really nice though. You can really make it look quite good without a cap or anything.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

Sounds like the destruction has already taken place.

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

The foam padding on top is a requirement as far as rego and saftey goes. After a certain date cars had to be fitted with a "soft" dash. Not sure on why, where and how, but theres a good chance that a dash pad will be required to be fittd in your luv.


Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

the law started in 1968, had to have a soft front edge

When I bought my LUV, it didn't have any paddin, just metal. I used foam board for the top of the dash, and tweeded the entire dash, looks sweet. The pic I have is a lil blurry but you can get the idea.....

Nice.

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If you think no one cares, try missing a couple of payments...



FIAA!

SFPP!

It looks like there's more work to do. Those dashes from Australia are almost $700. If you can afford it they look pretty complete before installation. I don't recall seeing an installed photo. Somebody can do that, right?

Your dash looks like you're customizing it. I hope you add a clear photo of it when you're finished.

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

Hey Bagged79, is that just a cap that sits on top of the dash or is it a permanent top? It sure looks sweet and quite professional in the pic!

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I've never been wrong! Once I thought I was, but I was mistaken.
Rick
Loranger, La
1980 Stepside LUV (Again)

As far as the dash from Aus, me and Troy (ctmandu) I think are the only two around with the improved version. I have mine installed, Troy was just over and I think his is going in soon. I have had pic's of it here on the site.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

Looks nice to me. Wish mine was done . My replacement pad is already warped. Would like to carpet my whole dash.

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Too much to do and not enough time or money!
Courage is the other side of fear!
Pain is the weakness leaving the body!

here are some ideas
fleck paint and carpet

good bottom redo top

have it upholstered

or new

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My old but now gone Luv...

That grey looks pretty cool.

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Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

Yeah, it looks good in #1 photo. The new dash from Australia; have you installed it yet?

Where can I get a chrome trim around my gearshift boot, like you have in photo #3?

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

Dash's look great. Also instead of spackle paint you can you rock guard onthe dash and paint it. Most good paint brands have the rock guard that is used along the bottom of rocker panels. Very hard and durable and gives you a wrinkle type finish yet glossy

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Too much to do and not enough time or money!
Courage is the other side of fear!
Pain is the weakness leaving the body!

, not yet will probably be summer now. As I don’t have a garage and its cold and wet... As for the chrome ring I got that from AutoZone, Hurst aftermarket... just noticed in pic #3 the chrome ring thats not mine but used one like it when my truck was many colors

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My old but now gone Luv...