66 Barracuda/Valiant dash frames

[JDMopar]

Are the dash frames in 66 Barracudas different from the dash frames in a 66 Valiant? Also, is there a difference in the dash frames between a 66 Formulas S Barracuda and standard Barracuda? I need to hunt a 66 dash frame because I'm buying a gauge cluster from a 66 Formula S, to put in my 65 Barracuda. You won't hurt my feelings if you tell me the 65 and 66 are the same! Thanks in advance.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Yes, The dash frames are different, 1966 barracuda is a one year only dash housing and different than valiant. The frame was the same whether it was a base model barracuda or a formula S. Many people have made the swap, the dash frame should bolt right in. I imagine you will need the wiring harness for a 1966 barracuda as well, it might even just plug-in in place of the 65 harness if you’re lucky

 

[66340SEDAN]

I believe the factory radio is different between 65 and 66, I’m not sure about the heater controls, they may be the same. 65 and 66 share the same dash pad too.

 

[JDMopar]

Thanks Keith. Hope you're feeling better! Looks like I have some hunting to do. I tried to buy a derelict 66 Barracuda I found in the woods last year, and the dude said he lost my number and sold it to someone else cheaper than the offer I made. I was after the back glass for a spare, and the V8 center link....but the dash stuff woulda been a bonus now.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Thanks, I am feeling much better

 

[searcher1990]

Also on the 66 barracuda vs 66 barracuda S the only difference (beside 150 speedo and tach) is on the passenger side of frame the regular barracuda had a chrome "Plymouth" emblem and the Formula S did not. I have a nice 66 formula S dash frame but live in Oregon. Would have no idea how to ship it. If you can figure out shipping, and of course pay for shipping, it's yours. Let me know. It is a bare frame, nothing but the frame. No gauges, heater controls, just the frame.

 

[searcher1990]

Just saw how long ago this post is from. Sorry for tagging in. Wonder why it came up on todays post ? weird

 

[searcher1990]

OK, haha, I must be tired, plus I lost my reading glasses 2 weeks ago and havn't adjusted. I was looking at joined date not post date. The frame is yours if you want it and I'm going to bed.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Also on the 66 barracuda vs 66 barracuda S the only difference (beside 150 speedo and tach) is on the passenger side of frame the regular barracuda had a chrome "Plymouth" emblem and the Formula S did not. I have a nice 66 formula S dash frame but live in Oregon. Would have no idea how to ship it. If you can figure out shipping, and of course pay for shipping, it's yours. Let me know. It is a bare frame, nothing but the frame. No gauges, heater controls, just the frame.

I have never seen or heard of there being a Plymouth emblem on the dash any 66 Barracuda, do you happen to have a picture?

 

[JDMopar]

@searcher1990 Thank you so much! I am going to check on a 66 Barracuda that I saw nearby, and see if it is still around. If that doesn't work out, I will definitely get in touch about your dash frame.

 

[65 Dartman]

JD - i have a back glass from a 65 that’s sitting in the bed of my non-running 87. Free - Come and get it!

As 66340 said, the 66 Barracuda will fit right into a 66 Valiant. In fact it will swap into any 63-66 A Body; you might remember from my 65 conversion thread, my 65 is getting the 66 Barracuda dash. The idea was to have an oil pressure gauge; however, the cluster morphed into a Dakota Digital conversion into the original bezel.

 

[searcher1990]

I have never seen or heard of there being a Plymouth emblem on the dash any 66 Barracuda, do you happen to have a picture?

 

[searcher1990]

Sorry about sideways picture. I was told these emblems came on regular and the Formula S did not have it by a couple people. As is true in the case with my cars. But if someone knows more I'm eager to always learn.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Sorry about sideways picture. I was told these emblems came on regular and the Formula S did not have it by a couple people. As is true in the case with my cars. But if someone knows more I'm eager to always learn.

That’s a plastic emblem from a late 80’s or early 90’s Plymouth Sundance or Acclaim, sorry but it’s not original to the 66

 

[JDMopar]

Is the black part that says Plymouth separate from the silver part? I snagged the pic of the Formula S gauges I bought, and I think the 2 other parts to finish it off are for the glove box door, and a smaller piece that goes between this gauge panel and the glove box door. I appreciate y'all contributing here to help edumacate me!

 

[JDMopar]

@66fs Dan....can you post a pic of your dash so I can get in my head what else to look for?

 

[66340SEDAN]

Here is an idea...has anybody cut there 1965 Cuda/Valiant dash to fit a 1966 Barracuda dash?

 

[JDMopar]

Good idea.....I'm not beyond some hackage! Done neatly, of course.

 

[66fs]

@66fs Dan....can you post a pic of your dash so I can get in my head what else to look for?

Will do.

 

[searcher1990]

That’s a plastic emblem from a late 80’s or early 90’s Plymouth Sundance or Acclaim, sorry but it’s not original to the 66

Wow, it looked real to me as its metal with studs and nuts. I was misinformed then. Glad you caught it before someone drilled a dash. What sucks is I had that frame on workbench and sanded and repainted it 4 times before I was happy with it. Would have been ever so easy to patch the 2 holes then.

 

[66jim]

I put a 66 cuda dash in a 66 valiant. Some minor cutting to the valiant was needed as it is smaller and a different shape. Don't forget the glove box piece and the end cap piece to complete the job. Then I believe I had to modify the wiring plug into the
dash, I can't remember if the plug/pins where different its been 25 yrs.

 

[66fs]

Original 66 Formula S with a vacuum gage where the tach should be.

 

[66fs]

Dash in the Car now while I am restoring a Formula S dash to replace it.

 

[JDMopar]

Thanks Dan. That helped a bunch!!

 

[Bozwel]

but

yes i have converted it to RHD. plastics slightly modified but not too difficult.