So, today I decided to hack up an extra Barracuda Rallye Dash Bezel.
Been thinking about how to incorporate a late model Challenger Gauge Cluster into the Barracuda.
A while back, a local custom stereo shop quoted me time and materials well into the thousands $$$... so I tabled the idea and went back to the original plan of Speed Hut Gauges in a "Classic Dash" aftermarket bezel.
This is my original planned gauge cluster. Plan was to paint it, since I would need to make my own glove box trim, and in order for them to match I was planning to paint them.
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My Dash Frame.
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But back to today's mayhem... I scored a couple Barracuda Rallye dash bezels and after staring at one for a while I decided to start cutting on it with my trusty oscillating multitool... a little at a time but eventually got it cut out enough to fit the Challenger Gauge Cluster.
2016 Challenger cluster.
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Sound German Automotive set up my 8HP70 TCU harness with support for the Challenger cluster.
It won't have all of the Challenger functions but it will support; Speedo, Tach, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Trans temp, Coolant temp, Fuel level, Voltage, Ambient Temp and other Trans info.
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Challenger cluster mocked up in the Barracuda Dash Bezel. Held together with some 100MPH tape...
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Some refinishing, some custom bracketry and some custom trim to take the place of my duct tape...
There are a couple gaps that will need to be filled and blended in. Pretty ugly now but I think it can be finished to look pretty good. Just not sure how yet. Going to noodle that one a bit. I'm not an upholsterer or fabricator but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.
Going to eliminate the heater control holes and the radio cutout.
Music will probably be some type of Bluetooth Stereo with a minimal interface, haven't decided which yet.
Heater controls will be replaced with one of these Classic Auto Air Controls.
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