Custom Fab'd Dash???

[hassy21]

Has anyone put all aftermarket gauges and replace the whole dash with a fab'd one in one of these trucks say like a real racecar? I make my own bodies for my racecar and have access to a sheet metal brake so that wont be a problem but just wondering if anyone has done or attempted to do this? Any suggestions welcome in fabing the dash and cluster with all of the a/c and electrical in some what of the stock position.

[dpuckett]

I'd like to see this when you get done. I have often contemplated (when things slow down) doing this same thing to my pickup, but I'd like it to fit the OEM bezel, or make one similar so it looks somewhat OEM, and not hacked like some redneck job. I think they had it right with the late 70s (I think) when they had the speedo in the middle, 4 circles for 2" gauges on one side, and another big circle (tach, maybe?) on the other side.

I think you have a good idea. Keep us updated on the progress.

Daniel

[RumbleFish]

I hate the 70's dash, they make me wanna in my own mouth

Owning several 80's and early 90's trucks, i always thought it would be cool to use something like this



its a 5" quad gauge by autometer, and they have matching 5" tachs and speedos. iirc the stock dash panel has about 5" openings. its something custom, yet fits in the stock dash holes. i dunno about using the monster tach in a diesel though, this plan was for my ramcharger.

[hassy21]

I'd like to see this when you get done. I have often contemplated (when things slow down) doing this same thing to my pickup, but I'd like it to fit the OEM bezel, or make one similar so it looks somewhat OEM, and not hacked like some redneck job. I think they had it right with the late 70s (I think) when they had the speedo in the middle, 4 circles for 2" gauges on one side, and another big circle (tach, maybe?) on the other side.

I think you have a good idea. Keep us updated on the progress.

Daniel

ya i want to keep the oem style just make it pop out more because in my opinion Dodge has been behind on the interior for quite some time. The 3rd gen trucks have pretty nice interior though.
thanks

[done_my way]

[PapeCAT]

Looks Great

Also I have comtemplated putting the custom guages in the stock 70's grille. You can fit the speedo, f 2" ones to the left, a 3" pyro to the left of those and then yes anotehr 3" on the right of the speedo.

[done_my way]

I modeled the layout after a '92 Dakota the wife was driving at the time. Kind of a pain, but its only time... Been off the road for over 3-years. Funny how it went from a spring swap to a Big-Block install, rear R&P, front end swap, blah blah blah... It would get finished quicker if I would stop changing my mind...

[doublel89]

hopefully this winter i can get back to you about this. i plan to get a plasma cam cut out designed to fit in the stock dash with room for about 15 toggle switches for my tcc , od, and many lights and miscelanious stuff in my truck. also have holes cut out for auto meter guages basically make it look like a semi dash. i think it'll look freakin sweet and my cab won't be a 'presidential solution' anymore.

[done_my way]

User Mad Max on here and www.ramchargercentral.com has a really nice dash in his Macho Nacho Ramcharger. It is a nice layout, in my opinion.

Here is a link to a pic of his:

http://ramchargercentral.com/index.php?topic=101983.0

[Crossy's son]

I saw a stewart warner 5000rpm monster diesel tach one time. on the dash of a 92.

It had a shift light and everything.