1974 Chevy C10 Covans Classic Dashboard Replacement - Old Meets New

When it comes to customizing any truck, you can't beat a direct replacement, bolt-on item. For those products are usually quick, simple, and easy weekend-warrior type modifications that often yield results that drastically change the appearance of one's ride.

Deciding what to do with the interior of one's truck is something all builders must deal with. The majority of the decision making has to deal with what material, style, and look one wants the upholstery shop to stitch up. On the other hand, making sure accessories and other various components flow with the theme of the interior is just as important. Oftentimes, trucks receive a hybrid of the classic look of an interior with a modern twist. When taking this route with '73-87 C10s, one area that must be taken into consideration is the gauge cluster.

Updating the interior with new products, such as aftermarket bucket seats, steering wheels, and billet accessories, while leaving door panels and dashpads stock is a trend we often see. But remember, every action has a reaction. When applying this modern touch to the cab of a '73-87 C10, some things will begin to look out of date, especially gauge clusters. Because of the popularity of this hybrid trend, Covan's Classic has developed direct-replacement clusters that will retain that classic C10 feeling, yet add some new-era flavor. Exactly how is this accomplished, simple. Covan's Classic begins with a molded ABS duplicate of the factory dash insert, available with either a black, brushed aluminum, or carbon-fiber finish, with all the necessary cutouts for factory components. For the most part the inserts are direct copies, but they're also tweaked a bit, mainly to accommodate Auto Meter gauges. Yep, instead of sticking with the out-of-date C10 gauge cluster, Covan's has designed their insert to co-exist with state-of-the-art Auto Meter gauges. Like the inserts, Covan's offers multiple gauge options. Covan's offers two sizes of gauges, smaller 3 3/8-inch and 2 1/16-inch gauges to large 5-inch and 2 5/8-inch gauges. Not to mention, they also offer a variety of different gauge styles in the Auto Meter lineup.

Leading by example, we got ahold of a '74 Chevy with an interior that fits the description above, mostly stock with a dash of new-era spice. True to form, it didn't take but one glance across the dash to realize that the old factory C10 cluster just wasn't cutting it. Therefore, we ordered Covan's Classic black six-gauge cluster with Auto Meter Phantom gauges. The kit comes complete with a new insert; wiring harness; oil and temp sending units; turn signal and high beam indicators; 5-inch 160-mph speedo; 10,000-rpm tach; and 25/8-inch oil pressure, water temp, fuel level and volt gauges. Follow along as we head over to the Source Interlink Tech Center to install this new setup.