Monte Carlo Breadbox - Switch and gauge ideas. - Complete

[oldmansmonte]

So guys I have a column shift bench seat car and I want a clean way to add about three toggle switches for the car(TC lockup, fans, other) and possibly a gauge or two. I was wondering if I bought a repro breadbox for the early SS if that would be cleanly mounted to a non center console car?

Also If anyone has any ideas or pics of how they cleanly installed some switches w/extra gauges I would appreciate it. I just dont want some huge metal panel like I've seen in some cars. Trying to keep it looking in the ballpark of an original car.

 

[axisg]

In my car I originally mounted my TC lockup and A/F ratio gauge in the breadbox ( breadbox attaches to the console BTW so you would need to fabricate another mount in a bench car ). I found they were a little too far away to reach and see conveniently. Instead I mounted both the switch and gauge under the gauge surround on the dash ( just above my right knee ). You cannot even tell the toggle switch is there, and the the AF gauge does not really stand out. Bonus is there plenty of room in the housing at the rear defrost switch to mount a small gauge in there. Also there are A pillar gauge holders. When installed high enough they are only noticeable when you are sitting in the car.

Another idea for the lockup is PN# 14032087. You can mount it under the hood and it controls the lockup with a vacuum switch. There are plenty of write-ups online but I found this one useful where they install it with a brake switch.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/2563274-81-trans.html

 

[TURNA]

One of the guys here used an under dash radio kit box and it came out great.

I can not remember who it is but they did a real nice job with it

Someone here will remember and post a link to it hopefully

 

[TURNA]

Here is a pic of the kit it fits under the G-Body dash perfectly

 

[Texas82GP]

One of the guys here used an under dash radio kit box and it came out great.

I can not remember who it is but they did a real nice job with it

Someone here will remember and post a link to it hopefully

Here you go.....
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/trio-gauge-mock-ups.62072/

 

[TURNA]

Cool!! thanks

 

[oldmansmonte]

In my car I originally mounted my TC lockup and A/F ratio gauge in the breadbox ( breadbox attaches to the console BTW so you would need to fabricate another mount in a bench car ). I found they were a little too far away to reach and see conveniently. Instead I mounted both the switch and gauge under the gauge surround on the dash ( just above my right knee ). You cannot even tell the toggle switch is there, and the the AF gauge does not really stand out. Bonus is there plenty of room in the housing at the rear defrost switch to mount a small gauge in there. Also there are A pillar gauge holders. When installed high enough they are only noticeable when you are sitting in the car.

Another idea for the lockup is PN# 14032087. You can mount it under the hood and it controls the lockup with a vacuum switch. There are plenty of write-ups online but I found this one useful where they install it with a brake switch.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/2563274-81-trans.html

Yeah my initial thought has been to do the gauge surround. Seems to be a lot of room there. The breadbox thing crossed my mind as an idea but it doesn't seem optimal.

 

[81msw79]

This how i did my gauges. the reproduction breadbox is from DIXIERESTRORATIONDEPOT. i added the black delrin to tie it in with the radio surround.nice part is it angles the gauges upward. i am doing this for my other car also without the delrin sheet. i have since moved the used port to a different location

11702775_1078811652146993_715753029438279887_n

• 81msw79
• Aug 16, 2015

 

[TURNA]

With the price of gauge surrounds/faceplates getting ridiculous not to mention finding one in decent shape I would not cut or drill holes in mine.

I know they make repops of the faceplates but I believe that is only for the 86 and up style.

 

[oldmansmonte]

This how i did my gauges. the reproduction breadbox is from DIXIERESTRORATIONDEPOT. i added the black delrin to tie it in with the radio surround.nice part is it angles the gauges upward. i am doing this for my other car also without the delrin sheet. i have since moved the used port to a different location

11702775_1078811652146993_715753029438279887_n

• 81msw79
• Aug 16, 2015

I also converted my early interior and dash to match the

How did you attach the bread box to the lower dash? Can you snap me a pic?

This how i did my gauges. the reproduction breadbox is from DIXIERESTRORATIONDEPOT. i added the black delrin to tie it in with the radio surround.nice part is it angles the gauges upward. i am doing this for my other car also without the delrin sheet. i have since moved the used port to a different location

11702775_1078811652146993_715753029438279887_n

• 81msw79
• Aug 16, 2015

Nice. I too have switched my '85 interior to a 86 and later style dash and such, minus a few pieces still.

I'm wondering, how did you attach the bread box to the bottom of the dash? Could you take some up close pics so I can have a look?