Author Topic: Thoughts on custom gauge panel  (Read 29720 times)

Offline 72hemi

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Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« on: August 25, 2009 - 02:58:00 PM »
I have been thinking a lot lately about putting a custom gauge panel in my Challenger instead of the stock rallye gauges. I found this one at the West Coast Nationals (pre 1957 car show). I would use the new Mopar Pro-Line gauges from Autometer and would paint the bezel something other than silver.

1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe




Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2009 - 03:28:35 PM »
It looks cool. You could always sell the Rally gauges to help fund the project too.

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
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Offline ntstlgl1970

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2009 - 03:48:27 PM »
Did you see what Bob (conv340) did on his, different setup that came out nice. I want to mount my gauges behind a trim panel kind of like stock so you can't see the bezels. Doh! -forgot the link....

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=28388.360
« Last Edit: August 25, 2009 - 03:52:12 PM by ntstlgl1970 »
70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

Offline 73Chally

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2009 - 04:56:54 PM »
Personally I have never been a fan of custom gauges in a classic muscle car.  I feel like it takes away from the look and appears out of place, but that's just me.

Offline dutch

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2009 - 05:33:34 PM »
I do like custom gauges and I like the ones in the pic.  The way the panel itself was made looks really smooth, but the way the gauges are devided makes it look messy I think...  :2cents:
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Offline HP2

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2009 - 06:37:17 PM »
Freak everyone out and use a 71-74 B body rallye guage cluster. They fit.

Offline 72hemi

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2009 - 06:44:49 PM »
All good input, thanks for the replies.

Personally I have never been a fan of custom gauges in a classic muscle car.  I feel like it takes away from the look and appears out of place, but that's just me.

Normally I don't like custom gauges in muscle cars either, I do like the new Mopar Proline Gauges, especially with them being back lit. If I could send my rallye gauges out and have them come back looking similar to the proline gauges with the back lighting then i would go that route, but I do not think it can be done (need to conduct more research). I talked to another company that makes gauge bezels and they are working on some layouts for e-body dashes as well. So I will see what they come out with.

Freak everyone out and use a 71-74 B body rallye guage cluster. They fit.

I had no idea they fit, interesting thought.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline Devil

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2009 - 11:51:58 PM »
I did this...



Ryan
Ryan's Cars in Barns

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hemipwr70/
http://carsinbarns.blogspot.com




------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71 Challenger R/T Clone
69 Charger R/T SE
70 Barracuda
74 Dart Swinger
93 RamCharger
88 Caprice Classic Brougham

Offline ragtopdodge

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2009 - 02:19:14 AM »
Unless it's a race car, I don't see the point.

Factory Rallye gauges are simply sweet as-is.  Spruce them up w/custom silk screening and paint the gauge panel and they stand-out w/o being so aftermarket looking.
'70 318-auto Chally 'vert
'71 383-auto 'Cuda 'vert (sold)
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Offline BruteForce

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2009 - 02:50:27 PM »
I really like the originals. I like the cheap plastic look, so sue me! :bigsmile:

Offline Confederate Cuda

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2009 - 03:36:20 PM »
I am not sure if they are in business anymore but I bought my gauge panel from Rocky Mountain Dashes. It is aluminum and I polished the inside of the tubes and painted the outside black.

Offline dutch

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2009 - 04:52:29 PM »
great looking dash and console  :clapping:   are the seats the same width as the original seats?
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Offline 72hemi

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #12 on: August 27, 2009 - 05:23:15 PM »
Unfortunately Rocky Mountain is no longer in business. Do you have any more shots of your interior?
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline cudagirl4406pk

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #13 on: August 27, 2009 - 05:36:05 PM »
xvmotorsports has a dash that i bought for my car when i redo it i think it is a nice dash  check out their site.

michele
Yes i am a girl and no you cant drive my MOPAR :)

Offline moparmaniac59

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Re: Thoughts on custom gauge panel
« Reply #14 on: August 27, 2009 - 08:06:24 PM »
You can always try aftermarket (autometer) gages in the stock location. Oh & Confederate Cuda, your interior looks AWESOME. I did a doubletake because after a 2nd look I realized it wasn't a new car, but an old school "Cuda!!! Sweeeeet!! :drool:


                                                   Matt B.
Matt