cott’s Hotrods ’N Customs has built a reputation for creating unique vehicles, often showcasing intricate and superbly finished sheet metal work. This sleek 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass, owned by Cecil Carder, exemplifies that craftsmanship. It features some of the most extensively redesigned and beautifully crafted details we’ve seen recently. In this article, we’ll closely examine the fully custom-built dashboard and center console.

The original dashboard was completely removed, and a sturdy header panel was built to support the leading edge of the new dash. To achieve the correct shape and ensure accuracy, a temporary brace made from square tubing was installed to position the rear edge of the dashboard. In addition to supporting the panels during fabrication, this brace kept the peak along the back of the dash perfectly level—something that’s hard to do when shaping metal while fighting gravity.

A template was fabricated to define the dash top’s contour. An oversized sheet metal blank was then shaped to match this profile, and trimmed to the precise edges where it meets the new header panel at the front and the temporary brace at the rear. With the panel accurately positioned, the bend layout along the rear edge was established. The lower dashboard section was laid out and formed using the same method, with all panels temporarily secured using Clecos.

The dashboard itself has a completely unique design, featuring a custom-built instrument cluster that places the two large gauges symmetrically on either side of the steering column. A one-of-a-kind glove compartment door was also made for the passenger side of the dash, lifting upward for access.

The center console is equally distinctive, made up of multiple sections that fit together precisely. An aluminum bezel was crafted to surround the shifter and cup holders, while the rest of the console was shaped to match the bezel. The top outer edges of the console feature a gentle radius similar to the rounded peak on the dashboard.

The console runs all the way to the rear seating area and features a hinged door that grants access to a convenient storage compartment just behind the cup holders. During the design process, careful consideration was given to ensuring enough clearance for the thickness of the upholstery materials that will eventually cover the console.

The accompanying photos showcase the level of detail involved in fabricating these components. In future articles, we’ll examine even more of the exceptional craftsmanship displayed throughout this build.