6.1 Hemi 69 Barracuda Fastback Father Son Project
So, today I decided to hack up an extra Barracuda Rallye Dash Bezel.
Been thinking about how to incorporate a late model Challenger Gauge Cluster into the Barracuda.
A while back, a local custom stereo shop quoted me time and materials well into the thousands $$$... so I tabled the idea and went back to the original plan of Speed Hut Gauges in a "Classic Dash" aftermarket bezel.
This is my original planned gauge cluster. Plan was to paint it, since I would need to make my own glove box trim, and in order for them to match I was planning to paint them.
My Dash Frame.
But back to today's mayhem... I scored a couple Barracuda Rallye dash bezels and after staring at one for a while I decided to start cutting on it with my trusty oscillating multitool... a little at a time but eventually got it cut out enough to fit the Challenger Gauge Cluster.
2016 Challenger cluster.
Sound German Automotive set up my 8HP70 TCU harness with support for the Challenger cluster.
It won't have all of the Challenger functions but it will support; Speedo, Tach, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Trans temp, Coolant temp, Fuel level, Voltage, Ambient Temp and other Trans info.
Challenger cluster mocked up in the Barracuda Dash Bezel. Held together with some 100MPH tape...
Some refinishing, some custom bracketry and some custom trim to take the place of my duct tape...
There are a couple gaps that will need to be filled and blended in. Pretty ugly now but I think it can be finished to look pretty good. Just not sure how yet. Going to noodle that one a bit. I'm not an upholsterer or fabricator but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.
Going to eliminate the heater control holes and the radio cutout.
Music will probably be some type of Bluetooth Stereo with a minimal interface, haven't decided which yet.
Heater controls will be replaced with one of these Classic Auto Air Controls.