Advice On Installing Rallye Dash

[VTMopar]

I'll be laying my '70 Challenger up for winter shortly and thinking of switching out my standard guages/switches for Rallyes.   This car was completely restored last year (dash completely disassembled & new one installed) -- not by me -- my point being everything is nice & neat underneath if this makes a difference.....   

I've read a lot of other posts on this -- but would appreciate advice on how much effort -- how difficult -- of project is this to take on?     I'm not a mechanic, although I've tackled a fair amount of interior work ..... but I don't want to get to far over my head.    Some other questions:   Would I need to remove the windshield?  steering column?   I've accumulated the dash & switch assembly -- is a rallye wiring harness required -- or can you "add" wires as necessary?   

All advice appreciated!  Vermont MOPAR

[bb71challenger]

I have taken a couple of gauge assemblies out of cars including one rallye dash out of my old 70 'Cuda. It was not that hard but make sure you loosen the bolts and let down the steering column. If you have an assembly my advice would be to get it restored or buy a restored one from a reputable company. They are not cheap but to me a rallye dash looks so much better than a standard dash. Take your time on the plastic trim and I do not see you having any problems in swapping them. The only additional wires you need I think are for the tach. It would go even smoother with a rallye dash wiring harness but IMO you dont need it. You can work around it without much problem. Good luck with it.

[73Chally]

You can buy a conversion kit for the harness through several suppliers.  You will need the big cluster plug that goes on the multi gauge pod.  You will also need a different fuel pressure sending unit to go with the gauge instead of the idiot light.  You can get that at any parts store.  Otherwise you just need to make the wires for the tach, and you're good to go.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You need a constant power source for the clock, a switched power source for the tach., and a different oil pressure sending unit.

  Mike

[rusty dodge]

I converted mine. Just used the exsisting wiring, and added a wire out to the coil for the tach. You will also need the heater control bezel, or you will need to "patch" in the arc section where the old speedo was. Also the light bar is different. The rally bar has 4 bulbs facing the gauges, and 5th one facing the switches.

[Chryco Psycho]

no need to pull the dash framne just drop the column & remove the guage cluster , a couple osdf wires need to be added & lengthened , nothing hard though

[VTMopar]

My current set up does not have idiot lights -- so I'm assuming the existing wiring may work (except no tach) .... so will have to add that wire.    Well, I think I'm going to give it a try over the next several weeks -- thanks for the advice.    I may be back for more specific questions....         

Vermont MOPAR

[rusty dodge]

Here's the short list on the wiring that I went by when I did it. Got the info from someone on here. If you have std gauges, then you should have the oil lamp.

change oil pressure senders
cut the wires off the oil light
connect the grey oil light signal wire to the oil gauge
connect the dark blue oil light wire to the tach power. (this wire is 12V ignition switched)
run the tach signal from the negative coil post to the tach
splice 12V continuous power from the cigarette lighter to the clock

[VTMopar]

Rusty -- thanks.   I may call on you later when I get into this over the next few weeks.....

Vermont MOPAR

[rusty dodge]

Glad to help, if you need. I converted mine this past spring. Had the gauges retored, and replaced the Auminum woodgrain with the repop one. I "filled-in" the heater control bezel section, instead of getting the overpriced ralley one. I used LED's in front of the std light bar instead of switching that. Before and after pics.

[VTMopar]

Rusty     Your's look terrific.    I may be calling on you later as I get into this project.    Thanks

Vermont MOPAR