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Aftermarket Gauge cluster

PeteyDaMan

PeteyDaMan

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Hi All,
I've seen a few posts of folks asking about the aftermarket gauge clusters. I purchased one from Classic Dash along with Autometer UltraLite gauges. The fit is pretty good and I think it looks great. I'm converting from the old sweep style gauge with idiot lights. It's just mocked up at the moment. I'm waiting on the dash cap before mounting it permanently.
The issues I'm running into are:
1- The wiper and headlight switch bezel nuts won't work with this dash since they are meant for a deep recess. I ordered some aftermarket ones. Once I get them I'll let you know part numbers and how they fit (if they fit).
2 - I have the 3 speed wipers and the switch is super long. Not sure if it will mount ok. I'll see once I get the new bezel nut.
3 - The climate control box had a mount on the back. This dash doesn't have a provision for it but I'm sure I can fab something to make it so the box isn't just hanging from the front.

D1.jpg D2.jpg
 
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If wipper switch is "super long" maybe you had standard cluster? Rallye cluster wiper switch is short and of course will meet the new location
 
Yep, it's from a standard cluster. I looked around this morning and there are some rally 3 speed/variable switches out there but they're upwards of $250.
No one makes them in the aftermarket either......great...

It looks like part# 2770380 might work as well. The connectors look to be the same as #3483043
 
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I recently did a standard cluster to Rallye cluster conversion. The light switch and wiper switch from the standard cluster will go in to the rally cluster and function like they should. They just wont look right. Ebay is your friend finding the Rallye style switches.
You do know the wiring is very different as well. Look for a Rallye dash wiring harness. you will need it.
 
Thanks Paul. I'm using American Autowire's full wiring kit including the dash as well as the rest of the car. Their documentation is pretty good so I was able to make a mid-harness to connect the 2
 
Don’t forget when using that bezel, you will need to ground the switch mountings, or you will lose some functions. Good idea to fab up a backing plate to support the switches anyway.
 
I'm sorry, but i have always thought those clusters and gauges look cheap, and just a cobbled together after thought that detracts from the look of the interior. Ok, Go ahead and call me a hater, but i don't like them.
 
Paul_G said:
I recently did a standard cluster to Rallye cluster conversion. The light switch and wiper switch from the standard cluster will go in to the rally cluster and function like they should. They just wont look right. Ebay is your friend finding the Rallye style switches.
You do know the wiring is very different as well. Look for a Rallye dash wiring harness. you will need it.
Click to expand...

I have to be disagree. Dunno on the aftermarket "Rallye" cluster, but the wiper switch from standard cluster won't fit into the stock rallye cluster. I meant, mostly sure it will fit to the cluster itself, but there is no room for it on the left side of the dash frame. It's too deep and meets with body sheetmetal on back of cluster. Before get the right wiper switch when changing from standard to rallye cluster I had to cut the shaft from the standard cluster and build it, becoming it into a Rallye cluster size.

Headlight switch is the same, not a problem on that


PeteyDaMan said:
Yep, it's from a standard cluster. I looked around this morning and there are some rally 3 speed/variable switches out there but they're upwards of $250.
No one makes them in the aftermarket either......great...

It looks like part# 2770380 might work as well. The connectors look to be the same as #3483043
Click to expand...

72/74 wiper switch conectors are the same no matter if 2 or 3/var speeds and rallye or standard cluster. 71s are diff thought
 
I'd certainly consider cutting down the original wiper switch shaft. Any advice on how to do it would be appreciated.

thanks
 
Damn I made that maybe 14 years ago and I didn't have a good camera to ilustrate that. If my memory still serves nice, will need to disassemble the baquelite from the housing. The shaft housing is pressed into the switch housing. So will need to mill down, cut and get the shape made back the piece after get it shortened to fit it back. I reinstalled using epoxy because I didn't have how to press it back.

I THINK the shaft will need to be cut on top side ( the one for the knob ) not the inner side, because the inner side gets attached somekind of plate for the switch. Shaft is hold in place by a C clip, so once removed the baquelite assembly will be able to pull it out from bottom once C clip is out. Then cut, get the shape for the knob and the groove for the clip.

Will need to consider also the axial play for the washer function when cutting down the shaft itself.

I can't explain every detail since it was LOOOOONG time ago, but believe me or not once you dissasemble the piece will find out is pretty much straight up. Just need brain and a dremmel
 
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Thinking out loud! Maybe some 72 and lates A body switch could work! They are even shorted than B body Rallye cluster and maybe cheaper?. Now, I can't recall if plug if the same ( it should be ) and will need to be sure it gets the washer feature, because most of A bodies were foot pump washer.
 
Here's my latest update on fitment. The new insert is a little smaller so the mounting tabs fall a bit short, however, the front fits fine.
What I did was buy some small nylon washers and taped them into spacers and use some longer screws. That seemed to work well.
Next is fitting the climate control.

d3 (2).jpg s1.jpg s2.jpg s3.jpg s4.jpg
 
72RoadrunnerGTX said:
Don’t forget when using that bezel, you will need to ground the switch mountings, or you will lose some functions. Good idea to fab up a backing plate to support the switches anyway.
Click to expand...
Yep, need to ground the wiper switch for the park mode to work and the headlight switch for the dome light to work.
 
I spent the afternoon trying to make the Classic Dashes cluster I bought fit. I can make the heater-A/C controls fit and get the switches installed with some minor modifications. However, the fit of the bezel is pretty sketchy so I think I am just going to have to eat this expense and just go back to the factory cluster.

20210519_160051.jpg 20210519_160043.jpg
 
I think the best way to fit this bezel is modify a housing enough to keep a partial frame all around. This will allow the propper switches and AC control fitrment

s-l1600.jpg
 
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71charger_fan said:
I spent the afternoon trying to make the Classic Dashes cluster I bought fit. I can make the heater-A/C controls fit and get the switches installed with some minor modifications. However, the fit of the bezel is pretty sketchy so I think I am just going to have to eat this expense and just go back to the factory cluster.

View attachment 1112256 View attachment 1112257
Click to expand...
That looks like it fits like crap... No offense to you. I'm glad I checked back here to see how your coming along at this... You'd think for the $ & the tooling, the manufacturer cud make a better product. I'd be very disappointed(& prolly a little PO) if I had to work with that...
My bud had a helluva fiasco with a Classic Dash for his 72 Camaro so I've bn curious to see one of these installed.
I'd call & demand a return...regardless of mods you've already done.
Then put an OE rallye in it & call it a day.
If you want the carbon fiber look, PM me.
I can share how to create the look with paint.
Good luck, but dont give up hope. We're all rooting for ya!
 
Let me play Devils Advocate here for a minute. All aftermarket parts and even replacement parts fit like crap. That is a given when modifying and repairing an old car. If you can get that dash to fit decent, even if it is not perfect, and I strive for perfect myself, that is sometimes the best you can do. Modifying, trimming, shimming, that is expected to get just about anything aftermarket to fit well and look good. When the dash pad is on and the column is installed how does it look to you?
 
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