Dash Swap

kenfyoozed

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I love everything about our '67 newport and 300. The thing I can not stand is the dash and gauges. I want something more modern looking. Is there another dash from another molar the would swap? Or would this need to be a custom build? I would like just a flat dash that is inset just a bit from the edge of the dash pad.
 
In the time frame those cars were designed in, it was the basic orientation that should the occupant's head be forced forward in a collision, it would contact the padded dash pad rather than the instrument panel itself. Hence, the "top ledge" of Chrysler instrument panels from '65+. A part of the safety equipment of that era.

There might be some Dakota Digital items that you could adapt to the existing panel? But anything would have to be fully custom, I suspect. Their plug-in kits for the '71-78 Camaros are about $700.00+ at Summit, for reference. A '67 Chevelle item might be close enough in basic size, but would still need a full adaptation. Be aware, too, of what is behind the instrument panel that you see. Radio, hvac case and ducting, etc.

What might be more doable is a complete instrument panel assy from a similar model year Dodge Polara/Monaco. It MIGHT bolt in as a complete assembly, wiring and all? Might check the contours of the door panels where they might meet the dash panel itself?

Enjoy!
CBODY67
 
In my search I found this, I believe its a 68 charger dash.I don't care for the gauge layout, i have another orientation in mind but the angle and flatness of the area the gauges mount to is what I am after. What other cars would have this same style dash?



012-jpg.jpg
 
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In my search I found this, I believe its a 68 charger dash.I don't care for the gauge layout, i have another orientation in mind but the angle and flatness of the area the gauges mount to is what I am after. What other cars would have this same style dash?



View attachment 363447
The aforementioned Charger, or any B body with the ralleye dash.
 
a couple of years ago on ebay there was a polara/monaco sedan that had the seats and dash from a 74-78 chrysler installed..... but i cant remember if it was a fuselarge or slab.....
 
There is also this dash which is the standard "B"body dash for '68, '69, ''70 ...

1968-plymouth-road-runner-hemi-interior-1969-dashboard.jpg
 
I see no good coming from this.

Restore your instrument panel and it will look 1,000X better than anything you can do to "modernize" ( :realcrazy: ) it.
 
Suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder...I think the 67-68 Chrysler dashes are among the nicest of any C-body. It may look not look modern but it's not supposed to, it's an old car. If you ever plan to sell be prepared to take a hit.
 
I am not a fan of the bar speedo either. It's my intention to remove it all and replace it with a set of cheap gauges from China.

6 Gauge set Speedo Tacho Fuel Volt Meter Oil Pressure Temp Black Red Backlight | eBay

It's not a bolt-on swap, I'll need to fab a panel from scratch. Speedo is GPS so it'll require the antenna bump be mounted somewhere on top of the dash, but on the other hand, it won't matter what tire combo I run, it'll always run true. I will lose (and miss) seeing the needle wind up as I mash the big GO pedal. They also offer one listed in klicks for our Canadian friends north of the border. Nice price under $200, and it spins to 200 MPH, just the ticket for a thirsty big block. It's a no-name set, so there's no brand name or insignia badge anywhere to be found on the faces announcing it's aftermarket.
They also offer a matching clock I wanna get.

52MM 2-1/16" Clock gauge 12Hours Waterproof For Cars Trucks Marine USA STOCK | eBay

s-l400.jpg
 
I love everything about our '67 newport and 300. The thing I can not stand is the dash and gauges.

Well, that's a hypocritical statement. However, if it bothers you that much, I'd suggest selling it, or them, and buying a car that you actually do "Love everything about". Custom dashes rarely turn out looking "right", with out spending a ton of cash or time. You should post some photos of your dash and what exactly you don't like about it. We may be able to give you some suggestions on how to go about making it look like the B body dash you like. However, as PH27L7 said, you may be the only one who likes it, and it definitely will effect resale. How nice are your car's?
 
To each their own. You're not driving it & I have no intention of selling it anytime soon. I only brought it up as an option for Kenfyoozed to consider.
commando1 - the gauges I would buy (if money were no object) are Autometer's American Muscle series.
Gauges - American Muscle
However, these are outside of my financial reach at present, especially considering Coronavirus and my hours/pay being cut back. (but at least I still have my job) And why would it be a mistake to customize my vehicle to suit my personal taste and preference? Because the products I choose came from China? American products have become overpriced and the level of quality has diminished substantially in the last few decades to the point of offerings from overseas are equal to, if not greater than, anything offered domestically at a price point that is superior to anything here.
 
Well, that's a hypocritical statement. However, if it bothers you that much, I'd suggest selling it, or them, and buying a car that you actually do "Love everything about". Custom dashes rarely turn out looking "right", with out spending a ton of cash or time. You should post some photos of your dash and what exactly you don't like about it. We may be able to give you some suggestions on how to go about making it look like the B body dash you like. However, as PH27L7 said, you may be the only one who likes it, and it definitely will effect resale. How nice are your car's?
Hypocritical or hypothetical?
 
Enjoy your car, it's yours to do that with, any way you like.

However, when one asks for opinions or advice in the real world, the added caveat is the proffering of responses that are indications of a difference in opinion. One man's treasure is another's junk, and as soon as all of us realize this (that's everyone, not just you), then one can sift through those differences to find the answers needed.

Going through this experience one needs a thick skin and an understanding of the above.
 
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