Author Topic: New gauge panel  (Read 4755 times)

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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New gauge panel
« on: September 28, 2011 - 04:09:52 AM »
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
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.




Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2011 - 04:11:33 AM »
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?
« Last Edit: September 28, 2011 - 04:14:15 AM by 4x4HEMIrig »
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2011 - 04:21:25 AM »
My existing dash ...
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline usraptr

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2011 - 11:44:18 AM »
To each  his own, but I prefer the stock Rallye dash. 
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline GranCuda1970

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2011 - 11:46:25 AM »
 :iagree:

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

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2011 - 12:54:35 PM »
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.
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline the_engineers

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2011 - 02:02:42 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2011 - 04:47:38 PM by the_engineers »
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2011 - 04:39:05 PM »
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.
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline Road_Runner

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2011 - 01:13:57 PM »
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
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black

Offline the_engineers

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2011 - 04:47:57 PM »
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2011 - 09:34:57 PM »
Engineers,

That looks great! I am curious as to why there are 5 small gauges though. Fuel, Oil, Coolant, Battery, (Nitrous?????)
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline the_engineers

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #11 on: September 30, 2011 - 11:23:50 PM »
Vacuum...great tuning tool. In all likelihood, it'll get swapped out for an A/F gauge at some future point.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2011 - 11:26:55 PM by the_engineers »
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2011 - 11:27:56 PM »
It's all up to you and your goals for the car. I went with a factory bezel and modified it.

Build Page: Goody's 'Cuda Build Page
1976 Dodge Warlock
1972 Barracuda - 5.7 Hemi + T56 Magnum

Wheel & Tire Specs:Link

Offline 4x4HEMIrig

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #13 on: October 01, 2011 - 03:20:42 AM »
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.
-Aaron-
Bozeman, MT, USA (and wherever the Navy takes me)

2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Rigid industries off road lights, Rough Country 4" suspension lift, CB radio... still working on it.
Fellow Service Members and Veterans, join me on www.togetherweserved.com, JK owners at www.jkowners.com, and Hemi Truck owners (and former owners) on www.hemitruckclub.com.
Former wheels: 1972 Dodge Challenger 340 Rallye, 2003 Hemi Ram 1500, 2006 Dodge Charger R/T.
Future projects in the garage: Streetable .030 over 383, 1977 Chevy Custom 20 SC/LB.

Offline go-fish

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Re: New gauge panel
« Reply #14 on: October 01, 2011 - 01:00:53 PM »
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.