Custom Builds - Dash Cluster- Is it me?

[Voodoo_Child]

I see a whole lot of custom builds out there. TV, mags, and was wondering if anyone else has the same opinion as me.

Why is it a 60k truck with everything custom but a stock dash cluster?

I am not knocking on the purest because I know what needs to belong in what kind of build, but the factory layout is bland when accompanied with a one off interior. << my opinion only

I began analyzing the major fault that I have with the factory cluster and for that matter, all other clusters that I have seen on the market and they miss the biggest issue. LINE OF SIGHT

So does anyone else see my gripe or am I alone on this one?

To accommodate my OCD on this, I have modeled my future gauge cluster.

All input will be welcome and appreciated.

Gauges for the moment are Autometer Ultralite II utilizing the new Driver Center for the turn signals and indicator and are set back at roughly a 10 degree angle.

Machining will be completed out of HDPE plastic.

Thanks
Darrell

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by Voodoo_Child

I see a whole lot of custom builds out there. TV, mags, and was wondering if anyone else has the same opinion as me.

Why is it a 60k truck with everything custom but a stock dash cluster?

I am not knocking on the purest because I know what needs to belong in what kind of build, but the factory layout is bland when accompanied with a one off interior. << my opinion only

I began analyzing the major fault that I have with the factory cluster and for that matter, all other clusters that I have seen on the market and they miss the biggest issue. LINE OF SIGHT

So does anyone else see my gripe or am I alone on this one?

To accommodate my OCD on this, I have modeled my future gauge cluster.

All input will be welcome and appreciated.

Gauges for the moment are Autometer Ultralite II utilizing the new Driver Center for the turn signals and indicator and are set back at roughly a 10 degree angle.

Machining will be completed out of HDPE plastic.

Thanks
Darrell

Hmm...why didn't I think of that? Good one Darrell (10 degree tilt). OCD is not always a bad thing. May prove a distraction at times (I always adjust my gait to the tiled squares in hallways) but never a real dis-ability. OCD has saved my butt more than once.

On a related, unrelated note: Paranoia. Hey, just because I'm paranoid does not mean they are not after me. LOL

[68shortwide]

Wish I had skills like that! And nah you're not alone, I've yet to see a dash pack that I've fully liked on these trucks. Depending on how ambitious I am, I was thinkin of doing a 60-66 dash swap. Just a cleaner look to me. But I like where you're goin with your cluster. Need to go look at dimensions n do some math and research the aftermarket 60-66 clusters.....wish my school would understand the importance of researching truck builds!

[Tinkermc]

looks very nice

[69SCSS]

I agree. I've had a few 67-72's and the biggest problem I've had driving them is seeing the 4 gauges on the bottom. I'm in the process of making a 3 hole bezel with a speedo. stock 5k tach, and the 4 gauges where the fuel level is, set up kind of like the Chevelle / Firebird quad gauges are. Still deciding on which gauges to use, but I want it to look like it could be stock.

[1972RedNeck]

I like the idea a lot.

I agree with 69SCSS. The bottom gauges are the worst. If you're going through the work, it might not hurt to angle them a smidgen more.

[JDR88]

autometer make's the "cup's" for their smaller guage's. why can't those be used & turned they way so you could see the guage's

[lousblown55chevy]

Offshore power boat company called Eddie Marine offer angled mounting rings in different sizes and colors . They are expensive but well made .

[Fatherflash]

Ok, well...that's a lot of cutting to angle each gauge to 10 degrees. Rather than cutting each gauge location, why not angle the entire gauge cluster to 10 degrees?

Also, HDPE does not necessarily like temperature cycling (cold/hot/cold/hot) and may become brittle over time. HDPE definitely does not like freezing temperatures and is extremely brittle in these applications. Heat transfer into cold HDPE plastic, i.e. dash lights can cause cracking. This can be worsened through chlorine impregnation which is likely not a concern for this application. If you are heart set on HDPE, I would recommend impregnating it with fiberglass and adding a UV stabilizer to the cluster mount. You could more than likely add two plies of 7781 fiberglass through the cluster which would aid in retention if the cluster becomes brittle and cracks.

If at all possible, I would recommend using polyester resins and graphite fabric which would give you a much more durable cluster. Place UV stabilizers in the resin and you would likely have a cluster that would last longer than the truck. If you do not want the "graphite look" you can coat the cluster with a polyester filler such as DeSoto 8620 or 8620TG and have a smooth look which can be reworked and smoothed to your requirements.

[MARKDTN]

I have never seen an aftermarket dash that I like. To each his own, if you like it, it's your truck. To me the dash cluster is one of the iconic things about a 68-72 that cannot be changed.

[Steve Cole]

I like it! I think it would look good in a full custom or a bone stock application. The one thing I would do differently is move the fuel gauge to the left side instead of the right. That is one gauge that gets checked regularly, and the lower right is the hardest area to see.

[Voodoo_Child]

Thanks guys for all the feedback.

FatherFlash, I am using HDPE because we have a lot of it at the machine shop as scrap. and I will be able to prototype and hone the design in the coming months as machine time is available.

I though about the angle rings but in some instances, the look out of place and an add on, I have used them in the past but it was a no frills drag truck.

I kinda like the look and angle of the late model (07-13) gauge clusters and will move more toward that.

Thanks again for all the feedback.
Darrell

[no1udknow]

Gauges are for people who are worried about how fast they are going.... just like brakes are for people who want to stop....mash the pedal and go

[68shortwide]

Originally Posted by no1udknow

Gauges are for people who are worried about how fast they are going.... just like brakes are for people who want to stop....mash the pedal and go

My Roadie was that way lol no gas,speedo, volt, etc nothin lol was fun ride though.

[Already Gone]

QUOTE=MARKDTN;6905747]I have never seen an aftermarket dash that I like. To each his own, if you like it, it's your truck. To me the dash cluster is one of the iconic things about a 68-72 that cannot be changed.[/QUOTE]

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

QUOTE=MARKDTN;6905747]I have never seen an aftermarket dash that I like. To each his own, if you like it, it's your truck. To me the dash cluster is one of the iconic things about a 68-72 that cannot be changed.

[/QUOTE]

How about this one?

[chevy72blu]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

How about this one?[/QUOTE]

Is that the Vintage USA setup? I was drooling over that a while back... still using the Torque android app for my gauges

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by Fatherflash

Ok, well...that's a lot of cutting to angle each gauge to 10 degrees. Rather than cutting each gauge location, why not angle the entire gauge cluster to 10 degrees?

Also, HDPE does not necessarily like temperature cycling (cold/hot/cold/hot) and may become brittle over time. HDPE definitely does not like freezing temperatures and is extremely brittle in these applications. Heat transfer into cold HDPE plastic, i.e. dash lights can cause cracking. This can be worsened through chlorine impregnation which is likely not a concern for this application. If you are heart set on HDPE, I would recommend impregnating it with fiberglass and adding a UV stabilizer to the cluster mount. You could more than likely add two plies of 7781 fiberglass through the cluster which would aid in retention if the cluster becomes brittle and cracks.

If at all possible, I would recommend using polyester resins and graphite fabric which would give you a much more durable cluster. Place UV stabilizers in the resin and you would likely have a cluster that would last longer than the truck. If you do not want the "graphite look" you can coat the cluster with a polyester filler such as DeSoto 8620 or 8620TG and have a smooth look which can be reworked and smoothed to your requirements.

I was just going to say that... but, you beat me to it. LOL!
Wow, that's some impressive smarts there.

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

I have never seen an aftermarket dash that I like. To each his own, if you like it, it's your truck. To me the dash cluster is one of the iconic things about a 68-72 that cannot be changed.

Agreed!
I have seen a few customs that I didn't hate. But, I agree.

[WiggyHD]

Originally Posted by chevy72blu

How about this one?

Is that the Vintage USA setup? [/QUOTE]

X2?

To the original poster, I like to do it the way I like to do it. I see people cut up iconic classics, and it makes me cringe. However, something like the gage assembly isn't that tough to put back to stock if you decide to sell it and the buyer would prefer the stock assembly. I'm sure somebody on here would then purchase your custom setup fairly quickly because it is a nice layout!

That's my two cents!
Mark

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by chevy72blu

How about this one?

Is that the Vintage USA setup? I was drooling over that a while back... still using the Torque android app for my gauges [/QUOTE]

It's a custom Dakota Digital VHX setup.

[Voodoo_Child]

Like the dash pictured Hart_Rod and it look like it belongs. great features also

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...rod/prd776.htm

maybe I can just angle the entire cluster with to subdue my OCD.

[kamikazekyle05]

I can agree with what your saying on the line of sight, but putting in a set of autometer's really doesn't do much for me. I think looks wise, stock vs. autometer, stock wins, but to each his own. I do like the VHX though. I am curious on the results of angling the gauges turns out

[Aussie Ol' Blue]

My biggest issue is the Speedo. With a smaller steering wheel it's almost impossible to see. I HAVE to know what speed is, as our laws allow very little room for error and have high penalties. Ideally the best place for the speedo is the smaller centre blank in between the two larger gauges. Like other members though I like the original cluster, so I use the GPS speedo on my smartphone.

[Cash3481]

Hartrob,
Nice custom aluminum knobs... if no one else noticed.
They really set the cluster off without saying, I'm all blinged out"!