1971 Dart Swinger Gauge upgrade

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Wile E

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I have been looking all over the internet, trying to find an upgrade for my Dart Swinger dash.
I have had no luck. Does any company make a dash upgrade for the Swinger?( 6 gauge cluster).
 
The wife and I fabricated a dash for my 71 Swinger. Was a tedious process but let me get all the gauges I wanted into the stock opening.

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sorry the link didn't work. Try this Auto Meter part number
Auto Meter Dash Panel. Looks like you would need to alter the panel opening in your dash to include the lower switches in this later style panel. I don't know for sure that it will work.
auto_meter.gif

07425567-NCJRV5SC.jpg

Click to Enlarge

(Read reviews)
Our List Price:$237.36

Quantity:
ys.gif

In Stock
Part Number: 14641-07425567
 
sorry the link didn't work. Try this Auto Meter part number
Auto Meter Dash Panel. Looks like you would need to alter the panel opening in your dash to include the lower switches in this later style panel. I don't know for sure that it will work.
View attachment 1715608639
View attachment 1715608640
Click to Enlarge

(Read reviews)
Our List Price:$237.36

Quantity:
View attachment 1715608641
In Stock
Part Number: 14641-07425567
Yeah that’s a dart sport/demon set up. Doesn’t work for a swinger opening.
 
That fits Duster Demon and 72-up Dart.
70-1 Dart is the long cluster.
Different dash frames
 
Rocky Mt. Dashes used to make the 70-1 cluster. Don't think that they are around any more.

auto meter cluster.jpg
 
Rocky Mt. Dashes used to make the 70-1 cluster. Don't think that they are around any more.

View attachment 1715608657
That covers/includes the lower section like like the later model factory panels too. Some dash metal was cut away.
Far right instruments can't be seen from drivers seat. Those and the radio require a copilot? LOL
The homemade panels above are better designed.
 
Also it is not a Swinger thing but a year thing.
70-71 Darts had the long cluster like the earlier Darts. Top pic.
72 Darts went to the shorter Duster cluster. Lower pic.

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sorry the link didn't work. Try this Auto Meter part number
Auto Meter Dash Panel. Looks like you would need to alter the panel opening in your dash to include the lower switches in this later style panel. I don't know for sure that it will work.
View attachment 1715608639
View attachment 1715608640
Click to Enlarge

(Read reviews)
Our List Price:$237.36

Quantity:
View attachment 1715608641
In Stock
Part Number: 14641-07425567

Also 237.36 for that piece of plastic is just stupid. I bought mine for around 85.00 when they first came out which I thought was kind of high.

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You could buy a used '72-up dash frame, that would accommodate that insert, and fill it with the gauges you want.
 
You could buy a used '72-up dash frame, that would accommodate that insert, and fill it with the gauges you want.
That would an option but the heater control and the hole for it changed in 73. Mine had a wood grain dash which I decided I didn't want. I use a 71 Duster frame for mine.
70-72 Duster and 72 Dart share the same frame.
 
That would an option but the heater control and the hole for it changed in 73. Mine had a wood grain dash which I decided I didn't want. I use a 71 Duster frame for mine.
70-72 Duster and 72 Dart share the same frame.
I think that might be a good option. Thanks for all the suggestions.
 
What did you use for the panel? I need to do the same my only gauge that worked "fuel" crapped out. I want to move all my gauges from under the ashtray area to the dash.
I am still in the process. Project not done yet. I was able to purchase a 1972 dash panel from another forum member. I purchased a gauge panel insert from Autometer and gauges from new vintage (1969 series). Car is in a 3 month upgrade. will post picture when complete. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
I have been looking all over the internet, trying to find an upgrade for my Dart Swinger dash.
I have had no luck. Does any company make a dash upgrade for the Swinger?( 6 gauge cluster).
So have I. I was hoodwinked by classic catalog to buy their insert. not even close to fitting. And nothing out there to buy that will fit a 71 Dart Swinger. SO, I believe that charger426 has the answer. Build your own. After all I have a thousand bucks worth of Autometer gauges that need to go somewhere. Thats Hot Rodding?! As he said, tedious but not impossible.
 
The wife and I fabricated a dash for my 71 Swinger. Was a tedious process but let me get all the gauges I wanted into the stock opening.

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Nice work and a good guide for building mine for a 71 Swinger. Might I inquire what material did you use and the thickness? Also maybe a template laying around? If not OK but a new cottage industry is waiting to be born. I have got a lot of info from this forum and was finally man enough to join. Thanks to everyone for the help!
 
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