Instrument Cluster 66 Dart

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Cliff'sDodge

Cliff's66Dart
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
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Location
Apple Valley, CA
I am after getting my Dart working, then I can restore original parts. I can't see buying an instrument cluster for $200 & gauges. My question: Can I use a cluster to a different Mopar if I wire it correctly? Im thinking of an instrument cluster from a 1999 Dodge Dakota from the wrecking yard, or are the gauges that different as far as measuring the resistance or voltage?
1999Dakota.JPG
 
Usually those are controlled by a computer but you need to get a factory wiring diagram and see what you got.
 
I had to pull the cluster from our 93 Dakota to replace a turn signal bulb and a instrument light bulb. That cluster has a pair of plugs with a lot of wires for each plug. The speedo is cable operated and not electronic. You'd definitely need the wiring diagram for whatever donor you decided to use.

FWIW the whole dash from any 63-66 will interchange with any other 63-66. Wiring might different! I will be using a modified 66 Barracuda metal dash frame with a Barracuda instrument cluster fitted with Dakota Digital instruments in my 65 Dart wagon.
 
OK new scenario: How about 2" aftermarket set inside the existing instrument cluster? Oil, Volts, Temp. Same speedo, Has this been done before? Any Photos?
 
I did this in my 63 i dont know how similar the dash is. This was my spare to play with.

20170822_120246.jpg
 
I cut the center out layered fiberglass and smoothed out with bondo and my 9 year old holesawed the gauge holes for me. I cut the back metal bracket for support for the ignition switch and lighter. Been using it for a couple of months now and works great. Could look a little better but the boy doesnt have a steady hand quite yet.
 
I have one more spare to play with Im thinking of cutting the center out filling with a colored liquid acrylic and doing recessed gauges. I have the acrylic but ive never messed with the stuff so im trying a few other things with it before i destroy a perfectly good cluster bezel.
 
Greetings @1963dartgt ... I think this might be the first post I found where someone retrofitted a '63 or '64 Dart dash with round gauges. If there are others, I'd love to see them. I have a 64 GT where I had to deal with the dead gas/temp gauge issue with an aftermarket voltage regulator. It works now, but since that project, I've been wanting to retrofit with round gauges. You mentioned in this thread here that you were going to try another approach. Any words of wisdom on this before I start? Thank you very much in advance. Greg.
 
I am after getting my Dart working, then I can restore original parts. I can't see buying an instrument cluster for $200 & gauges. My question: Can I use a cluster to a different Mopar if I wire it correctly? Im thinking of an instrument cluster from a 1999 Dodge Dakota from the wrecking yard, or are the gauges that different as far as measuring the resistance or voltage?View attachment 1715119960
Good luck!
 
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