Custom dash boards in Portland OR area (auto, plugs, pickup)

[corel]

I'm going to be picking up a early to mid 70's VW Transporter, and would like to have a custom dash installed in it. Does anyone have some recommendations as to who or who not to have do the work? I'm just outside of Portland Oregon, but I wouldn't mind making a drive to get good work done.

I have in mind a metal dash like in the 60's bus. I'll be having paint and upholstery work done as well, so if you know good people in those areas please share.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[StealthRabbit]

If you are into VW's then you need to know about Halsey Discount Import parts, they have a great selection and good staff. The owner has some custom Tranports (Crew Cab pickups too). They have referrals in their office area, and also the folks involved with local Pacific Waterland events. (like double J motorwerks or sunset import) Pacific Waterland - Home There is also a great VW show in Puyallup in the spring.

Discount Import Parts in Oregon City & Beaverton is another local source for VW referrals.

I have my own machine shop for making billet or aluminum parts and dashes, but not doing any custom work at the moment or in the future, as I need to sell and move.

Which side of Portland are you? There are decent shops in each direction.

[corel]

Thanks for the information I'll check out your recommendations. I'm on the NW side.
You said you aren't doing any custom work... do you have any standard dashes for VW bus's?

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by corel

I'm going to be picking up a early to mid 70's VW Transporter, and would like to have a custom dash installed in it. Does anyone have some recommendations as to who or who not to have do the work? I'm just outside of Portland Oregon, but I wouldn't mind making a drive to get good work done.

I have in mind a metal dash like in the 60's bus. I'll be having paint and upholstery work done as well, so if you know good people in those areas please share.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Do you want a custom dash pad, or are you talking adding some gauges, or do you want to replace the factory dash entirely?

First is easy, second is not too bad although most bodgers will tend to do it all in one color wire and won't include the needed quick-disconnect plugs so you can take it apart for service.

Third option, really hard, probably 99 people out there that would make a complete hash of it to the one that would do it right. And the price from the one that will do it right will curl your hair, neverthless the true craftsman does not make that much money considering the time and trouble involved.

[camaro69]

I know the Guru of custom dash boards, but he's in Belleville, NJ.

But I'm sure with the right sizes he could do something and ship.

BTW...He loves VW's.

[GTOlover]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

Do you want a custom dash pad, or are you talking adding some gauges, or do you want to replace the factory dash entirely?

First is easy, second is not too bad although most bodgers will tend to do it all in one color wire and won't include the needed quick-disconnect plugs so you can take it apart for service.

Third option, really hard, probably 99 people out there that would make a complete hash of it to the one that would do it right. And the price from the one that will do it right will curl your hair, neverthless the true craftsman does not make that much money considering the time and trouble involved.

yeah even the gauges are expensive if he goes autometer they are very expensive for an auto meter lunar tach with led shift light it is close to $250

[corel]

M3 Mitch,

I like the look of the bare metal under all the padding, but for my tastes it need a little more work like the original black box that the gauges sit in, I would prefer that to be metal. And the glove box door made of metal. I could probably work with the rest of it.
To be completely honest I am new to restoring, working on cars. I'm doing a lot of research to make sure I know what I'm doing before I do it, and making sure I'm doing it right. But I am a novice.

The third option though really tempting, I'm sure is out of my budget. I'm trying to find a way to make the metal base under all the padding work and look right.

Thanks again.


MPBsr,
Does your NJ custom dash Guru have a website?

[M3 Mitch]

If you want an earlier bus with a metal dash, you would probably be money ahead to get an early bus.

This is not a typical "starter" project.