• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Circular vs. Horizontal gauges on a 69 Dodge Coronet

tddawson

tddawson

Well-Known Member
Local time
10:25 PM
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
53
Reaction score
9
Location
Minnesota
I have never owned my dream car, which is a 1969 Dodge Coronet. If all goes well, I could be in the market for one next summer. In the meantime, I spend a lot of time looking at (and drooling over) pictures online. I've noticed that there seems to be 2 different styles of gauges for this car - some photos show 2 large circular gauges and 4 smaller ones. (like the photo on the left) Other pictures show the wide, horizontal-style speedometer, (like the photo on the right) which presumably also contains the fuel gauge, temp gauge and ??

dashes.jpg

So was this a mid-year change, or is it some kind of upgraded gauge package? I've heard the term "Rallye" gauges, is one of these configurations a Rallye package, or maybe it's exclusive to R/Ts, SuperBees or something?

I know - you'd think I'd know more about my "Dream Car", right? That's why I like this web site - lots of expert knowledge here!

Thanks for your input!
 
The circular gauges is the Rallye package which I'm pretty sure was standard for the Super Bees. The sweep gauges was probably common on the Coronets. Definitely need to figure out which gauges you like better.
 
Most Coronets got the sweep cluster, even the R/T. I've got a 69 Coronet R/T that has the upgraded Rallye dash with tach option so it has the round gauges you refer too.
 
Rallye dash was standard in the Super Bee with no optional dash.

Horizontal gauges with 120 MPH speedo were standard in all other Coronets.

The horizontal 150 MPH speedo was standard in the R/T with the Rallye gauge set up optional.

I have never owned my dream car, which is a 1969 Dodge Coronet.

You have exceptional taste in cars.
 
2014SprFlVegasCC 192.jpg Good taste indeed. If you find the right car, don't base your decision solely on the dash. Both are cool and adequate. I've got the round dials. Happy hunting. Wait til you find one in your color choice etc. It is a buyers market.
 
Good taste in cars. You know it's hard to beat a Coronet dash in excellent condition, whether its gauges are rectangular or round.

IMG_0006.jpgIMG_0007.jpg
 
The other guys already answered the question, so I'll just add some to the discussion. I'm in the minority I'm sure, but I prefer the standard gauge cluster. Just reminds me more of the cars of my youth, what with that big ol' 2 foot wide speedometer and the needle that shakes like it has Parkinson's lol.
 
fratzog lover said:
Agree 100% HT413! My first, a 68 Coronet and I thought it was the best IP ever.
Click to expand...

And don't forget that dim green/white backlit glow and that one piece of lint inside just where you dont want it. and the incandescent blinker indicators that didn't so much 'blink' as slowly alternate between glowing bright and not so bright.
 
This might be a dumb question but is it possible to retrofit the rally-e dash on a car that came with the square looking instruments?

OP: Mine looks like this now if you want some more inspiration.
z7M4LI1.jpg
 
Dreadl0ck said:
This might be a dumb question but is it possible to retrofit the rally-e dash on a car that came with the square looking instruments?

OP: Mine looks like this now if you want some more inspiration.
z7M4LI1.jpg
Click to expand...
You'll need to swap out the entire dash, unfortunately.
 
Just what I thought, and there's no really good options to modernize the dash I got either. It's a bit shaky right now to say the least, bouncing needles, pretty bad illumination and so on. Since I need to pull it out and send it back to the US to refurbish I've been looking at rally-e dashes as replacement..
 
Dreadl0ck said:
Just what I thought, and there's no really good options to modernize the dash I got either. It's a bit shaky right now to say the least, bouncing needles, pretty bad illumination and so on. Since I need to pull it out and send it back to the US to refurbish I've been looking at rally-e dashes as replacement..
Click to expand...

My rally dash is going to be restored soon and I'm planning to replace the incandescent bulbs with yellow leds. You could do the same with your standard dash and enjoy worry free driving for years.
 
Yea, that could be an option as well - but I haven't found any guides on how to pull the dash as hustle free as possible. The rheostat for the lights needs to be checked too but it seems like a PITA to tear it down.
 
Dreadl0ck said:
Yea, that could be an option as well - but I haven't found any guides on how to pull the dash as hustle free as possible. The rheostat for the lights needs to be checked too but it seems like a PITA to tear it down.
Click to expand...

It's a PITA to diy but if you're patient you can get it done. The fsm gives some instructions on r and r of the cluster. The entire dash cannot be removed unless you also remove the windshield.
 
So it's possible to get the cluster out but leaving the dash?

If anyone have some links to instructions I'd appreciate it
 
There are a few guides on the interior section. Have a look?

You may find it easier to search this forum by using Google. Enter your search term, "pulling the gauges forbbodiesonly" or something similar.
 
I had one really wild idea - my last car was a 66 Charger. Would the dash frame of a 66 Charger bolt into a 69 Coronet, so I could set it up with the 4-pod EL lighting cluster?? It would be WAY expensive, and a huge pain to swap out dashboards...I'd probably never go through with it - but fun to think about!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

SpicerSixty
  • Locked
SOLD 1969 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 383 HP A727
Replies
2
Views
2K
toolmanmike
toolmanmike
johneich
1970 Plymouth dash dead/looking for modern replacement gauges
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
biomedtechguy
biomedtechguy
Migsbig
  • Locked
SOLD Very rare 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T hemi car. California.
2 3
Replies
45
Views
16K
Migsbig
Migsbig
C
Looking for some input on new wiring for a 1967 Dodge Coronet R/T
Replies
8
Views
2K
gtx6970
gtx6970
K
Anyone want to make a few $$$s? Advice on Sniper install
Replies
11
Views
593
kaj750
K
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top