B-Body gauge cluster in an E-body?

[kjwalters]

Hello guys.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if 71-74 B-body dash will fit in a E-body dash? I really like the new B-body dash cluster setup better than the e-body stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[dfrazz]

not even close

[kjwalters]

Thank you for the input. Thought it was to good to be true lol.

[kjwalters]

Just to clarify, I meant the gauge cluster bezel not the actual dash.

[mjb765]

What new setup are you referring to?

[HP2]

I physically stuck one in there. Once there I discovered the mounting screws don't line up. Didn't look into what sort of harness mods would have been necessary to eliminate the E body light bar and plug into the B body cluster electrics. HVAC controls and radio are in the right places though.

Since I am planing on dumping the OEM set up for aftermarket gauges in the future, I may still utilize the B body housing because I like it better. I'll figure out a way to fab mounting.

[kjwalters]

What new setup are you referring to?

I was look at this gauge cluster for a B-Body. I read on here that they will fit in an e-body dash.

 

[kjwalters]

I physically stuck one in there. Once there I discovered the mounting screws don't line up. Didn't look into what sort of harness mods would have been necessary to eliminate the E body light bar and plug into the B body cluster electrics. HVAC controls and radio are in the right places though.

Since I am planing on dumping the OEM set up for aftermarket gauges in the future, I may still utilize the B body housing because I like it better. I'll figure out a way to fab mounting.

O.K, I dont mind doing a little fab work. I was just wondering if it actually filled the hole properly. I am going all custom gauges and custom wiring harness  along with vintage air/heat mounted in a custom console with the stereo. fabing tabs to mount it is no problem as long as it fits properly...your thoughts? any chance you have pics of your mounted.

[HP2]

I don't see any pics in my folder on my computer, but I thought I had taken some. Let me check around and see if I can find them.

[kjwalters]

I don't see any pics in my folder on my computer, but I thought I had taken some. Let me check around and see if I can find them.

That would be a great help. I am a little shy at buying that cluster without knowing it will fit the space, a picture would be awesome.

Thank you

[HP2]

Hmm, could have sworn I replied to this on Thursday. Anyway...

Couldn't find pictures so since my dash is apart, I refit the Satellite cluster.  There are several issues with this fitment that I must have forgotten about.  The actual dash bezel for the B body is smaller than the E body in height and width. Its about 2" each direction too small. You could fab up covers to eliminate these gaps if you are good with plastic. Also, the notch that goes around the steering column is offset and does not line up at all. This would require opening up and  more fab work to make the excess disappear. The depth of the  unit also interferes with the dash frame. Again, more mods to  create clearance or a modified frame to hold the new instruments is going to need to be made.

Overall,  Lot of work for a less than precise fit requiring a lot of fab.

Pic of it pushed all the way to the right to close gaps. You also can see the offset in the column notch.


Showing total gap on left side when flush on the right side.

[1 Wild R/T]

Lotta work for a dash that doesn't look as good as the stock unit.....

[kjwalters]

Thank you so much for the pics and information. I think I am just going to use an aftermarket E-body dash, even though I dont like the gauge layout so much.
I cant really use the stock layout because I want to use a large speedo and tach and the non rally dash doesn't allow for this... and the ralley dash only allows for 2 gauges aside from the speedo and tach. Anyway, thanks agaisn guys I appreciate the input.