There was several threads on custom guages some where back there but most of the pics are gone and or I couldn't find them. So I started a new one.
Since Rocky mountian is no more. and I'm not crazy about the XV panel. Like so many of you I decided to make my own. Its far from finished but It far enough along Ithiink to get the idea.
I've been thinking about the dash / instrument cluster for a long time. Like every thing on Twistd fish
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=28388.0 I want it to be unique, but carry the feel of the original. I always loved the look of the 70 non rally dash lots of style, curves, textures and levels. It just needs proper gauges. ( tach and oil psi )
I think the pics will do more to describe it then I can do, but here goes. With out a cnc machine I had to be creative to get the curved look of the upper gauge bezel. I used a fiber board mold and glass resin to make top bezel. The rest can be fabbed with steal and a lot of hours.
The basic idea is to create a 6 gauge version of the factory dash. with recessed gauges behind a smoked plexi lens. the gauges are Sport comp II ( led lit ) bight white back lit so when on they are easy to see though the plexi. but go dark when off. They are rebuilt with black bezels to complete the black out look when off. The main housing will be wrinkle finished with the top bezel in satin black or maybe the black pearl of the hood? The trim rings will stay brushed aluminum to set off the gauges. I still need to mount the indicators and switches. I hope to fit the head light and wiper switches on the left like the factory dash. The indicators will be on the lower level again like the stock cluster.
I think the console plate and over head console will carry the wrinkle finish as well to complete the look. I have the grand coupe head liner and will make a new version of the overhead to look like the original but with the air ride controls where the indicator lights were. Thats next.
