New gauge panel

[4x4HEMIrig]

While I was installing my new temp gauge last night, I came up with an idea to build a new dash panel using the existing gauge pods as my pattern. I am going to use Equus 7000 Chrome series gauges from O'Reilly Auto. All 6 gauges are going to run $227.94 and I'm going to put them in a sheet of aluminum. I have not figured out what kind of finish I'm going to put on the metal yet. I might try paint, or some kind of patina finish. My new panel will use all the stock mounting locations since it will simply replace the factory wood grain pattern. I will need a sheet at least 46"x19" to replace the wood paneling on the dash, console and doors. Here's the link and a very basic design of what I am trying to do.

www.iequus.com

[4x4HEMIrig]

And a little photoshop ...

I'm still undecided about the final texture of the metal. The door panels and center console will match. I'm thinking a ground finish with a Hemi Orange clear lacquer.

What do you guys think?

[4x4HEMIrig]

My existing dash ...

[usraptr]

To each  his own, but I prefer the stock Rallye dash. 

[GranCuda1970]

 

  But it is your car do what makes YOU happy!!

[4x4HEMIrig]

I would love to be able to have a complete working factory dash, the problem is, I can't justify spending the $750 on the components or on Year One's service. (My wife already has her heart set on getting rid of this car in the next 4 months.) (I'm going to do my best to prevent that.)

If I do it this way, I spend less than half that and have a cool, 1-off custom look to an overall factory appearance.

I finally decided on a random grind pattern covered with a clear Hemi Orange enamel coating. I will see what I can do about putting together a photoshop of all the panels I'm going to be working with.

[the_engineers]

Aaron, I did something very similar.  Used the Eqquis white-faced gauges and finished the panel in wrinkle-black. I kept the stock switch panel and it's a very close match.

[4x4HEMIrig]

Aaron, I did something very similar.  Used the Eqquis white-faced gauges and finished the panel in wrinkle-black. I kept the stock switch panel and it's a very close match. Pics are on here somewhere.

I couldn't find the pics. I 'm going to see what I can do to match the layout of the factory panel and mount it directly in place of the stock one. I'm going to keep it for a while, not sure if I want to sell it or just keep it with the car.

[Road_Runner]

I know this doesn't keep the cost down as much as doing it yourself, but this is a really nice looking dash at XV:

http://www.xvmotorsports.com/products/detail/index.cfm?nPID=219&cid=39&cdesc=E%2DBody%20Products

I wasn't even considering a custom dash until I saw this, now who knows.  If I start deviating from the 'stock' look on the Barracuda I'm definitely picking one of these up.

Later, Jim

[the_engineers]

Pics are here http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=78491.15.

[4x4HEMIrig]

Engineers,

That looks great! I am curious as to why there are 5 small gauges though. Fuel, Oil, Coolant, Battery, (Nitrous??)

[the_engineers]

Vacuum...great tuning tool. In all likelihood, it'll get swapped out for an A/F gauge at some future point.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

It's all up to you and your goals for the car. I went with a factory bezel and modified it.

[4x4HEMIrig]

Vacuum...great tuning tool. In all likelihood, it'll get swapped out for an A/F gauge at some future point.

I never would have guessed that!

It's all up to you and your goals for the car. I went with a factory bezel and modified it.

It looks great! My problem is the Rallye dash, w/ the 4 gauge pod.

[go-fish]

I never would have guessed that!

It looks great! My problem is the Rallye dash, w/ the 4 gauge pod.

You could sell that rallye gauge panel for a mint. Probably $500? or a lot more?

I like Goody's dash. It looks better than the XV (Rocky Mountain) stuff because it has touches of stock elements to it. I think he knocked it out of the park.