What to do about bent up dash cross braces?

[Dleslie212]

Hey all. I'm in the beginning stages of a complete wiring harness replacement, and will be purchasing either the Dakota Digital or Autometer Invision gauge setup, along with new wiper switch, headlight switch, etc.

After I bought this truck a few years back, I ripped out all the gauges that didn't work and noticed that the dash cross braces or whatever they're called are beat to hell, dented, twisted and in some places broken. The rest of the dash is fine, and I don't want to go through the process of replacing the entire dash. Does anybody have any recommendations on how to fix this up properly? Once I get all the new switches and gauges in place, I want them to all line up nicely and not look twisted and crooked. I attached a few pictures below

 

[Randy and Easton]

@Dleslie212 we had a similar problem but maybe not as severe. Basically just light gauge metal. And where it was missing we added, and where it was bent, we straightened it. Lots of Dremel work to clean up corners. Overall the instrument cluster is held by the corners, with Dakota similar and easily adapted to secure in the opening. Remember that dash will all be covered by by the bezel and dash pad so don’t sweat it.