1947-⁠53 Chevy Billet Dash Installation Instructions

The speaker grille and glove box set for the 1947-⁠53 dash replaces the stamped factory pieces with CNC machined 6061 aluminum, and they bolt into the original holes. These instructions will help you fit your new billet speaker grille and glove box for a perfect fit and finish. There’s a slight difference from one truck to another, but with some patience and our photos as reference, you’ll have your new billet dash pieces installed in minimal time.

Before you start

Read the whole guide first. Then lay every piece out, so you know what came in the box.

Tools for the 1947-⁠53 billet dash install

• The supplied Allen keys
• A Phillips screwdriver
• A soft cloth for the painted surfaces, and masking tape

1947-⁠53 billet dash hardware

After opening the box, remove the speaker grille from the packaging and flip it over onto the packaging foam to view the backside. Remove the hardware from the bag located behind the speaker grille and thread in the supplied Allen keys (4) #8 stainless steel studs into the four corners of the speaker grille. Blue Loctite can be applied but isn’t required. Retrieve the (4) #8 stainless steel lock nuts.

Remove the bottom glove box door and flip it over onto a cloth or soft surface to view the backside. Remove the (2) #10 ¼″ stainless pan head screws and fasten the LS stainless steel latch. Also remove the (4) stainless steel #8 3/8″ pan head screws to attach the hinges.

1947-⁠53 billet dash speaker grille install

Install the new billet speaker grille into the original holes — the studs slide into existing holes. Be careful not to scratch your dash. Reach behind and thread on the (4) supplied #8 nuts finger tight. There’s some adjustment available, but wait until the glove box is on to see what’s needed.

Glove box and final alignment

1. First, mount the hinges. Hold the glove box door open (on your knees if sitting on the seat) and swing the hinges toward the mounting holes. With a Phillips screwdriver, gently thread in the #8 3/8″ stainless screws. Start with the glove box as low as possible before tightening.
2. Test the close. Slowly and carefully close the door, inspecting all painted surfaces — nothing should bind, rub, or touch the dash surfaces. Adjust the hinge up/down, left/right, or in/out if needed. Inspect latch clearance as you close — the stainless latch comes very close and might need door adjustment to clear the top of the dash.
3. Finally, align the grille. Once the door closes without binding or rubbing, align the speaker grille to be level with the glove box — move it up/down, left/right for an almost seamless look. There are 8 screws total to adjust glove box placement. After each adjustment, carefully close the glove box again and watch for rubbing or misalignment. Once alignment is right, tighten all hardware and remove fingerprints or tape.

If you also bought the Phantom pieces, the Phantom dash guide continues from here with the templates. Fitting the speaker grille and glove box is usually part of a wider dash rebuild. Vents, control panels and cup holders for the 47-⁠53 dash are in our 47-⁠54 truck parts collection.

Tips from our shop

• First, keep the protective film on the machined faces until the dash is finished.
• Also, start the glove box as low as it will go, because you can only adjust upward from there.
• Then align the grille to the glove box rather than the other way round, since the door sets the line.
• However, do not force a screw. If a hole does not line up, back it off and shift the piece.
• Finally, clean the 1947-⁠53 billet dash with a soft cloth only, because anything abrasive dulls the finish.