Building a complex aluminum dash from scratch

In this two-part series, I show building a Corvette C2 style dash to fit a Corvair.
Rivet fan spacer: amzn.to/3qXiCXJ
5" contour gauge: amzn.to/3CEhta0
12" contour gauge: amzn.to/46eKsid
I'd get the 12"

[@julios1968]

Craftsmanship and Patience equals great results,well done sir.

[@RevengeCustomPaintCo]

And tools. Don’t forget the tools.

[@jimworley1048]

Hi John, I watched this video for the second time, it’s the best entertainment on KZbin except for the idiots that crash their cars because they don’t know how to drive. But design and manufacturing is top notch, you should’ve been a design engineer for GM or whoever. But I guess blowing a French horn pays more money and is really cool.

[@Itszachmiller]

This is easily my favorite build on KZbin rn

[@badmoon5249]

Amazing craftsmanship. Fun fact: That Corvair dash for which you showed such disdain, was adapted into Joe Rogan’s ‘69 Nova, and looks really good there.

[@shotsrodder]

I have given the dash a proper burial 😂😂 you never disappoint 👍

[@Tony_in_AZ]

We owned a 1964 Corvette back in the 1980s... Must admit we really liked the dash design in that car too.

[@phooesnax]

John. You amaze us all. Love cardboard CAD

[@kisoia]

I hope to see this car at the CORSA convention in 2025 - awesome work John, you're the best :)

[@rdyardie]

Dashing results John. 😊

[@JohnReynolds661]

Ha!

[@dougsisk6780]

John, you are so talented, and funny as well. Thanks for the great videos!!!!!!!

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Just a pleasure to watch and learn thank you!!

[@ricoolivier]

Really brilliant idea using a Corvette dash as inspiration. Building it is a serious undertaking but if someone can, it'll be you!.

[@richardpugh3434]

Just……. WOW. You do not disappoint. Beautiful work sir!

[@SusieMike]

That’s some beautiful work! Love all your tools and toys. And the subtle humor was a nice touch also.

[@TheCgOrion]

This is coming along so beautifully. This makes me miss my old '65 Corvair. My first car, and still the car I miss the most.

[@danhumphrey5755]

John, it is such a pleasure to watch you work. The attention to detail and overall craftsmanship is truly amazing. The only other builder I've seen that begins to approach your level of skill is Mike Bello's of Bello's Kustoms.

[@seanspain]

I agree with you Dan, on all points. Keep on keepin on John.

[@boatbloke6701]

As always, brilliant and funny at the same time, Thanks John!

[@waterbourne9282]

Incredible. Reminiscent of how those craftsmen used to do it back in the early 1900's but with better tools and no pressure.

[@davebarron5939]

Looks amazing, gotta hand it to ya, you dont take the easy road.

[@jakespeed63]

Watched both videos and it’s an absolute “ dash-terpiece”

[@nashguy207]

John you are a very patient and great fabricator.

[@phild5317]

How much would it cost me an hour to come watch you do this in person? Is it less if I promise not to help? Something tells me I'd learn 10X more at 10X speed doing so... All that said, you do great work. Thank you so much for sharing. Where do I mail my check, I want to join your fan club?

[@jpvill4th]

The Corvette dash was originally done in clay and I suspect that the final clay was reproduced in fiberglass. The way to do this if you can't model in clay is to model using urethane foam sheet. Then cover the foam with fiber glass.

[@boonetesterman]

Favorite channel on KZbin. Period. Look forward to seeing your channel keep growing. Best, bt

[@JohnReynolds661]

Appreciate that

[@raulplaysbass4865]

“Patient geniuses are the craziest peoples!” Amazing work

[@louisfkoorts5590]

Beautiful, even before it's finished. 👍🏻

[@johnjunge6989]

John, as usual you detail is overwhelming. Look forward to more.

[@maker-matt]

As always, great work John.

[@PetesSnakeBiteKit]

That dash is a work of art. You may know this but GM used that dash lay out on C-2s and Tri5s (twin humps) to make it easy to build right hand drive market cars. Amazing craftsmanship John!

[@sjoeld57]

From the direction you're heading with this dash, I can't wait to see if you plan on installing rudder pedals! We already know the car is gonna fly! Beautiful work!👍✌️

[@chrismedeiros3201]

Amazing talent displayed here.

[@blnokc6793]

Just when you think this project couldn't get any cooler and you skills couldn't get any more mind blowing you give us this! Love that Corvette style dash.

[@dmwi1549]

Awesome design and execution!

[@TheRootbeerfreak]

That's some serious skill right there. Looks amazing.

[@davidkimsey9591]

That is pure art! I’d give multiple thumbs up if I could. Can’t wait for part 2!

[@darrenswails]

Just hit like 4 times...

[@RealGenX]

U definitely made a c2 replica. The best dashboard ever

[@tedan8116]

You have a lot of talent and patience

[@DawnUSNvet]

Nice! would have never thought of a corvette-ish dash - Congratulations on becoming a master metalsmith too! Thank you :)

[@TheRealElDiablo]

I have enjoyed this build immensely!!!

[@stevenjay6959]

You are a true craftsmen

[@peterpan9785]

You deserve more likes and subsribers!

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Fantastic progress!

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

Man, this is something! Love it!

[@karlireland7771]

I have learned things from your video that I didn’t know before…. Thanks!!

[@z06doc86]

Cool dash!

[@baconcreek609]

That looks great! Your attention to detail is fun to watch.

[@ejharrop1416]

Sir, epic build and I look forward to the next installment. Thank you, take care and peace out. Rock on too. lol

[@JBroezel]

I am so much impressed I don't find any words to express my respect for your workmanship!

[@Kevin_747]

The C2 Corvette and the '69 Mustang dash are my favorites. I use a lot of 3003 to build aircraft fuel tanks. Easy welding stuff. The Mittler Bros. bead roller is da bomb. Nice work, as usual.

[@OldBlue62]

I love watching your videos. The craftsmanship is just superb. The humor is pretty good too! 😂

[@neilforbes1082]

Beautiful work as always John.

[@jackpledger8118]

Beautiful work John.

[@joefw2446]

Fantastic... Thanks!

[@juergenlohse6902]

A clocksmith build a car - i'm really entertained!

[@albegt98]

good job man 👍💪

[@bobbieandianguenter6693]

Looks amazing!

[@mobiledevto]

work of art

[@bjornahlstrand3404]

You are amazing!

[@freeidaho-videos]

As usual, beautiful work, and instructional. Thank you!

[@mcbridemotorsports5788]

What a work of art, I can tear a motore, trans or diff down and rebuild it. And even do some light fab work. , But this is beyond any of my skills.

[@bake162]

Why not, it only took 12 minutes to build 😂 Tossing the old dash in the bin was perfect

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

As always, thumbs up.

[@tjeffjenkins6226]

NICE job!

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

YAY! A John Reynolds Video arrived!!! So was the golf-cart in that one 'scene' a bit of foreshadowing on your next project, John? Maybe dropping a Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine in it?

[@JohnReynolds661]

Ha, I'm too lazy to walk from the shop to the house.

[@chevelleranch7481]

Outstanding!

[@rjung_ch]

Love how you solve any problem out there, very nice work. I can't wait for the next part, loving it so far. Thanks John for sharing your cool build. 👍💪✌

[@hackfabrication139]

I wouldn't worry too much about the Corvair Purists. They would have organized a blanket party for you long ago. Disclaimer: My first car was a 1967 Corvair Monza. 110hp/4spd. Loved that car.

[@Calibrumm]

as a member of the more reasonable side of the Corvair community, were just glad to see one that isnt 86% rust.

[@newtonfirefly3584]

@@Calibrumm Perhaps We are both within the Corvair community , enthusiasts. Am also among those that appreciate any individual that enjoys using, tending to any Corvair, work on, with, it suchit becomes useable, functional and especially modified versions as John is doing too. Just located a video of the recent Corvair Road Race - "Forgeline Yenko Spirit Classic Corvair Race INDT 2023" to enjoy also. -> My father and the family enjoyed his 1965 Corvair Monza for ten years, > 100k miles; sadly had missed out with my desired to repair, fix, modify that delightful light blue vehicle; still remember, recall Our first family summer vacation in the car into PA, Pocono Mountains into NY; they has become known already then to be among those that desired to modify them for higher performance, road racing including V-8 mid-engine swaps. That Corvair, bought in Toledo, Ohio, driven there for nearly three years [excellent in the snow, but drum brakes easily flooded - vehicle is unusually low - disk brakes are a certain necessary improvement, upgrade], then driven and, moved to MD-DC for the remainder did not have any significant rust -, the steering linkage, tie rod ends failed, broke, engine needed some work including oil leaks [mostly valve covers, gaskets, oil burning, ring and the never repaired exhaust leak into the heating systems -all rather simple repairs -would have been a fantastic first car, especially as was just turning 16 with my driving license - my mother was anxious to have the vehicle removed, out of sight, gone - had their been a place, location, buddy, friend where it could be have been taken, placed, thus to work on it, my father may have allowed me. Also V-6 engines had become available again along with the older Buick's too, thus also reasonable, usable, accessible; with more thought, investigation, there were other engine, transaxle options, especially via European vehicles or just rebuild the GM/Chevy flat six cylinder and add some or portions of the Yenko upgrades too. All The Best and Much Success, in Your Quest(s), Health, Happiness and Well Being , Sincerely

[@shotsrodder]

Your thought process is amazing 🤯 almost spooky 😂

[@pault4513]

I too would like to build my own dash for my dodge truck but i dont have all the tools you are using maybe some day

[@blueeyz2046]

Top Dawg Carona and I LOVE your videos! Such a craftsman! Amazing hand-made work! Thank You Sir!

[@johnohnsted5583]

Awesome JR 👌

[@ODIS-bp1ks]

Love all your work!

[@whogivesacrap84]

Love this project.

[@Toys4Life]

Love your videos. Cant buy this stuff off the summit catalogue!

[@michaelhelle7469]

Awesome build. Love the humor 😅

[@joakimlundgren5075]

What a masterpiese !

[@michaelf8302]

You are amazing..Love your videos

[@Adam-vc1xl]

I do love the c2 dash

[@DatBoiOrly]

i kinda like it even though it looks like those diagrams you get at school for female gentalia

[@JohnReynolds661]

Ha, if you turn it upside down, it looks like male genitalia.

[@David-uu1oj]

Cut away John! Just keep us posted 😊

[@BPJeep]

Hey John, do you need an apprentice, I have been racing and building cars my entire 60-year-old life, but it seems I need to drastically improve my skillset.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Yes, I do and my next project is an early Bronco.

[@BPJeep]

@@JohnReynolds661 Ok how do we get in touch.

[@JohnReynolds661]

@@BPJeep If you are on Facebook, we could do it there. facebook.com/john.a.reynolds.31

[@kentmckean6795]

Wow!

[@allenl9031]

'55-'56 Chev clock going in the right binnacle?

[@JohnReynolds661]

Probably glove box like the C2

[@newtonfirefly3584]

@@JohnReynolds661 John You continue to impress me with Your ingenuity, creativity, imagination, fabrication, execution, results. Your idea, view, imagination, decision, thinking to modify the Corvair 'Dash" [simply 'Dashing' as @rdyardie; posted] was certainly unexpected, surprising and very fitting especially for Your custom Corvair, transverse mounted LS4, V-8, performance version too; perhaps You will reveal Your selected name when appropriate too along with the independant suspension Certainly You are aware of the many Corvair based prototype experimental vehicles including the Monza GT, SS, Astro I, II, 'Vette' versions; Aerovette, Astrovette along with the obvious similarity with the model names. Am figuring that Nicole has continually been following the build with Your Corvair, having seen it with Your VW 'Bug'-'Super Beetle', Subaru EJ, turbo, 517 HP development, thus expectantly, anxiously awaiting, perhaps even visited in the interim also; Such am expecting she is prepared, to visit, You again when appropriate with the successful completion, driving, testing, perhaps which ever performance attempts at some relatively local track, thus will then record, produce, post her video too. This Corvair should seemingly have more power, torque, be quicker, faster than the "Beetle" too, though perhaps more stable, driveable too. Perhaps You have seen another custom Corvair build via a slightly older gentleman on his channel Naider's Nemesis 2.0, with his completely custom tubular frame, Corvette suspension, mid-engine V-8, longitudinal, etc. ? John, each video with each of the step You record, edit, upload, post, showing Your progress are always enjoyable along with Your unique wit, sarcasm, 'puns', etc.; Also am always looking forward toward Your next posted videos with each of the steps, progress, results too. YOur work, development, fabrication skills, planning, preparation, imagination, thought, thinking reason, reasoning, logic along with Your effort with recording, editing, uploading, posting these for others to view, enjoy, appreciate benefit from are much appreciated ;at least by me; seemingly via the posted, comments, along with many others too. All The Best and Much Success in Your Quest(s), Health, Happiness and Well Being , Sincerely

[@JohnReynolds661]

Well, thanks again. Yeah, Nicole keeps asking when the Corvair will be done. I'd like to race the VW against the Corvair eventually. It will be close but I think the Corvair will take it.

[@robertlambert5299]

Nice as usual John. Love it. Where can I find the hole punch you used for the fasteners?

[@JohnReynolds661]

This is exactly like the one I have which works great. amzn.to/42Xui9Y

[@Klaffa1]

Great!

[@AK47MSTN]

Can you please build me an all aluminum dash?🙏 I want to replace the existing plastic one with an exact copy but in aluminum instead.. Please let me know.. thanks 😊

[@JohnReynolds661]

@@AK47MSTN sorry man, I barely have time for my projects.

[@TOM-C.]

Pagani could use your talents! 👍😎✌🗽

[@michaelbrinks8089]

👍 👌✌️

[@larrywestergaard8328]

DAMN!!!!

[@mickey533]

Shapeshifter to the rescue...

[@craigleemehan]

You're a glutton for punishment. It looks amazing.

[@rixkafer56]

Saaaaweet !!

[@ericdolan2130]

Just, "Damn!" That is SO bitchin'

[@stoneshrink]

wait, there's Corvair purists? who knew?

[@natemccrary4353]

Was a fan until you wrecked the dash..

[@rhodastolp8743]

Promo*SM

[@markkraus3598]

Looks like you’ve done that before - beautiful work ! Where did you find that positioner for your hand when you were TIGing the edge ? Slick piece 👍

[@JohnReynolds661]

Thanks, the hand positioner came from Amazon.

[@AmmoMaster]

yea another vid!

[@phoneuser3569]

Before I unsub, please clarify your support for Target.

[@JohnReynolds661]

Whenever I walk into Target, almost all of the advertising banners are diversity picks. It's like they are anti-white. Walking by the children's' clothing section reveals LGTBQIA themed apparel for toddlers. But you want to know what the good news is? The good news is capitalism works and Target is losing billions in profits because of wokeness. But aside from my personal views, the only reason I dropped that line in the video is because it is current news. That's it. and by the indifference of your question, it's apparent you didn't know my political views and I don't know yours.

[@PetesSnakeBiteKit]

I had a viewer on my KZbin, Pete’s Snake Bite Kit ask where he could buy a Cobra kit from a company that was not right leaning like Factory 5. I told him I had no idea of Cobra kit manufactures political leanings, or cared. Another viewer told him to build a Prius powered Cobra. It was fun to watch. 😂

[@FACEBOOKS-WBDS]

the only drawback I see is so much dash on the sides. I guess you could make it disappear with wrap around door panels?