Feedback on my custom instrument panel

[KevinB]

Hi all, just trying to work out the plan for my instrument panel in my 66 Dart. I've come up with a design I like, and two variations on it.

The basic idea is to match the rest of the dash, so the top black section will be concave, and the bottom aluminum section will be a 3/16" plate laid in front. The gauges would be inset at the top where the curve is, and more or less flush at the bottom. See the cross section to better understand. The Fratzog in the middle will be a cutout to let the black show through.

The top section hold the gauges will be formed from mild steel and exhaust pipe to hold the gauges. Welded up and grinder down smooth. The aluminum trim at the bottom will have a bevel on it's edge.

Which do you prefer? Any thoughts on the overall design?

 

[Snake]

I like.

 

[69_340_GTS]

The top one is a lot cleaner looking. I don't really like the red/blue/green lighted thing though. What's that for, signals & hi/lo beams? Seems like there should be better way to do that. Nice job though.

 

[roccodart440]

Here is something very similar if it helps you visualize your idea

 

[66Dvert]

I like your 1st one (but I'm biased that way) here's mine that I'm playing with along with a radio and glove box bezel to match (hopefully)
standard autometer gauges should fit if I've done everything correctly. I still have to add in the turn signals and the hi beam . but they will just be 1/2 inch openings in on either side of the 2 larger ones and right in the center of them for the hi beam.

View attachment round gauges for 66 dart 01.jpg

View attachment round gauges for 66 dart 02.jpg

currently I have this but the numbers are done now in black with new led lights in it to help brighten it up.
View attachment DSCF4179.jpg

 

[360DartGT66]

I'm following this in case I decide to upgrade my own.

Personally I like the bottom one best.

 

[Back in Time]

I also like the bottom one.