Author Topic: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges  (Read 20439 times)

Offline Mickm

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Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« on: December 17, 2014 - 05:48:04 PM »
Hello guys,
There has been a couple threads about the use of SpeedHut gauges in our non rally dashes. I am moving forward with doing this for mine so I thought I would start a thread to show how I plan to accomplish this.
I plan to make the SH gauges recessed behind the stock plastic dash panel and supported by the original metal brace.

So, here we go.

To start I have created a simple 3d representation of the stock dash and all associated parts. I will look at the 2.06" OD gauges first with the 4.5" gps speedo following along in the same fashion.

This is the front view of the stock dash panel. I only modeled the information I needed at this point.


Using the data from the SpeedHut gauges and the stock dash model, I have created a buck that I will turn on a lathe out of aluminum. This will make a sleeve that will slide just over the hoods that are locate on the back side of the original dash panel.


I will use fiberglass cloth and resin over the buck to make this part; the new bezels. By make a male buck, the inside of the gauge pod will be nice and smooth and require very minimal attention before being paint ready.


Next, I will remove the hoods on the back of the original dash only leaving a short sleeve


The fiberglass bezels will slid over the short sleeve and be glued in position on the back where it can not be seen. Just like the original


Finally, after any minor filling and sanding is done, the bezels can be painted and the gauges installed and should look something like this.

The gauges will be recessed approximately .75". Given the different scale of the original gauges vs the SpeedHuts this equates to about the same visual size representation.

I will add more as I get it completed but had to have a starting place. Any input, either pro or con, is appreciated.

Merry Christmas,
Mickm
« Last Edit: December 17, 2014 - 05:58:54 PM by Mickm »
MickM




Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2014 - 07:20:29 PM »
That's really cool.  Do you have a 3D printer?   :bigsmile:

Offline Mickm

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2014 - 09:13:55 PM »
TWolf, No but I do have access to one. I did not think about using a 3d printer, I will check into that option :2thumbs:.

Merry Christmas,
Mickm
MickM

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2014 - 09:19:20 PM »
TWolf, No but I do have access to one. I did not think about using a 3d printer, I will check into that option :2thumbs:.

Merry Christmas,
Mickm

I make 3D meshes for games and stuff and have been toying with the idea of trying it for car parts that could be printed on a 3D printer.  Haven't given it a try yet but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.  :2thumbs:

Offline Mickm

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2014 - 10:17:34 PM »
I am a 3d design engineer. I made the  models in the pics  in SolidWorks. I now think I will 3d scan the original dash then make models I need for the bezels. I will then get pricing for 3d printing as you suggested. This will be much less work I believe.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Merry Christmas,
Mickm
MickM

Offline ToxicWolf

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2014 - 10:23:26 PM »
Thanks Mickm.  :wave:

I'd love to see how it comes out.

Offline soundcontrol

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #6 on: December 29, 2014 - 12:41:42 PM »
I've been thinking a lot about this for my Rally dash, that I don't wanna modify too much, but if I could get the Speedhut gauges in somehow, not an easy task, I thought of making a 3D print of the stock faceplate for the instruments, and adapting the gauge to that somehow. Not use the gauge case, glass or bezel at all, just the needle, mechanics and electronics. (if possible).
/ Ken
Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102525.0
topic=108917.new#new

Offline 'Cuda Hunter

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #7 on: December 29, 2014 - 01:13:02 PM »
Awesome thread so far. 

Can't wait to see how it turns out.   :2thumbs:
"All riches begin as a state of mind and you have complete control of your mind"  -- B. Lee

Offline roadman5312

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2014 - 01:23:07 PM »
 :popcorn:

Offline brads70

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #9 on: December 29, 2014 - 01:36:04 PM »
Cool stuff! Did you order your gauges yet?  I ask thinking if you liked mine and wanted to do the same my order # is" Speedhut Order #80361"
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline crash340

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2014 - 04:33:55 PM »
Nice work  Mickm,

I to am heading down this same path with a layout like this so I will wait until your further down the track with this

Greg
Greg

73 Cuda
Brisbane, Australia

Offline Mickm

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2014 - 08:29:40 PM »
Thanks guys, I am glad to know there is interest in my approach.

Brad, I really like the work you have done on yours.  I already have my gauges, If I didn't I would most like use your font. I used their standard Mopar font with I think looks ok.

I decided to try ToxicWolf's suggestion and have submitted the .stl files; they are getting printed tonight.
I am told they should ship out tomorrow afternoon and I can expect them in about a week.
I'll keep you updated as to my progress.
Cheers!
Mickm
« Last Edit: December 29, 2014 - 08:37:57 PM by Mickm »
MickM

Offline imopar

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2015 - 05:11:07 PM »
 :popcorn:

Offline brads70

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #13 on: January 04, 2015 - 05:41:07 PM »
Thanks guys, I am glad to know there is interest in my approach.

Brad, I really like the work you have done on yours.  I already have my gauges, If I didn't I would most like use your font. I used their standard Mopar font with I think looks ok.

I decided to try ToxicWolf's suggestion and have submitted the .stl files; they are getting printed tonight.
I am told they should ship out tomorrow afternoon and I can expect them in about a week.
I'll keep you updated as to my progress.
Cheers!
Mickm
Your right I forgot 1970 Challenger is a one year only thing font wise.  :-[
Interested to see what you come up with. Mine are all finished just need some warm weather to install them. 3 months or so till it gets warm around here.  :pullinghair:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Mickm

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Re: Customizing a non-rally dash for aftermarket gauges
« Reply #14 on: January 05, 2015 - 02:00:00 PM »
Just received word that my printed parts are scheduled to be here Wed. (two days).
I'll update my progress shortly there after.

I vote for warmer weather now lol!

Cheers!
Mickm
MickM