6.1 Hemi 69 Barracuda Fastback Father Son Project

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'Cuda_ragtop said:
Here is one on EBay.

View attachment 1716231453

View attachment 1716231454

View attachment 1716231455

Here is one from a Hellcat Challenger.
View attachment 1716231456

For those that don't have a late model Challenger. They look like this in a Challenger Dash.
View attachment 1716231463
My surround for comparison. Obviously the Bezel I had to work with has some limitations for the shape.
Also having never done this, it was a learn as I go and all done just by eyeballing it.
View attachment 1716231464
Click to expand...

Right, I know what they look like both in the new Challenger and separate. I just wondered what they look like without the bezel you molded in and if it could be grafted in without the raised lip. You have your bezel separated so I wonder what the IP looked like without the stock bezel.

'Cuda_ragtop said:
I used disposable Cake decorating frosting bags to mix the J-B Weld in, and then extrude the mixture out through a small hole cut in the tip of the bag.
Building the layers up like a human 3D printer. :)
Click to expand...

Nice solution, good thinking. I like it.
 
'Cuda_ragtop said:
Here is one on EBay.

View attachment 1716231453

View attachment 1716231454

View attachment 1716231455

Here is one from a Hellcat Challenger.
View attachment 1716231456

For those that don't have a late model Challenger. They look like this in a Challenger Dash.
View attachment 1716231463
My surround for comparison. Obviously the Bezel I had to work with has some limitations for the shape.
Also having never done this, it was a learn as I go and all done just by eyeballing it.
View attachment 1716231464

I used disposable Cake decorating frosting bags to mix the J-B Weld in, and then extrude the mixture out through a small hole cut in the tip of the bag.
Building the layers up like a human 3D printer. :)
Click to expand...
Unlike an actual 3D printer, I had to keep adding and sanding material multiple times...
There is a little bit of ABS sheet at the top and bottom to help bridge the gaps and then filled over and in between.
 
DionR said:
Nice solution, good thinking. I like it.
Click to expand...
I did have to grind away some of the Challenger cluster body where the alignment pins for the lens' are on the outer upper left and right corners of the cluster.
Also had to grind away some material on the back side of the Rallye Bezel where the Cluster was a little larger than the space...
I used the cluster as my mold, applied some clear shelf contact paper (Vinyl) as my release agent and to protect the lens while working on it.
 
Got the dash frame back from my painter.
It looks good with the "Satin Black Suede" paint from Charles Dallas @ 8774paint1.com
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Set the old and improved Rallye Cluster in for a test fit. All Good!
Now what did I do with all the Dash Bezel fasteners? What did they even look like?
Refer back to disassembly pictures...
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Well, so here the cluster is just held in with some tape. Was thinking about how to fasten the 2 together.
Had several thoughts about brackets, bending metal, nuts and screws, etc.
Then I kind of had an epiphany of sorts... Really very simple and using hardware I already had.
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These were all I needed to attach the cluster to the bezel. Just had to drill 2 holes in the bezel webbing.
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It doesn't move at all. They are become one! ;-) but easy enough to separate if needed.
The cluster is way lighter than all that pot metal that used to live on the back of a Rallye Bezel. The digital cluster is very light. I'll use the 2 bottom cluster mounting tabs to add some support directly to the Dash Frame in addition to the 8 or so bezel mounting screws. Always try to do something as good or better than factory. Shouldn't be too difficult.

Have these vents for the Classic Auto Air AC/Heat.
Decided this would be a much better spot for the Driver/Passenger center vents vs under the dash.
The vents that come with the CAA kit look pretty cheesy to me so I got these off Amazon. I like that they have the thumbwheel On/Off. The CAA vents do not.
CAA controls will be in the Challenger Console.
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Billet CAA Heat/AC controls will go here. Not my console but pretty much the same... pic is off ebay.
I'll fill in the 2 factory openings and then refinish it and make new openings as needed.
Maybe a couple more accessory holes; USB, USB c, Stereo Aux in, Seat Heater switches, other? TBD...
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Great Idea! I'd like to suggest (you probably already took care of it) that you grind off the sharp points on the hook screws. We have all cut out fingers/hands working under the dash...........
 
jeffneal66 said:
Great Idea! I'd like to suggest (you probably already took care of it) that you grind off the sharp points on the hook screws. We have all cut out fingers/hands working under the dash...........
Click to expand...
Usually, I will opt for machine screws but I had these handy.
Considered finding and swapping but don't think it's really necessary.
Grinding the points off is a good call.
 
Ididit Tilt Steering column with incorporated EPAS Performance Electric Power Steering motor and PCS paddle shifters test fit together with the new gauge cluster. Line of sight seems pretty good.
It's hard to tell exactly where the seat will be without the gas and brake peddles installed. But I think it will be fine. The integrated gear indicator on the paddle shifters may cover a little of the bottom of the center of the screen area but may not cover any of the actual display area. The display screen is actually a little bit smaller than the full center space...

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You can see the (+) and (-) on the paddles. Poor lighting and some glare on the downshift (-) paddle.
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The Momo "Race" wheel is leather wrapped and 350mm (13.77") diameter.
Installed it without the horn button... missing a retainer or ring that keeps the button from falling through the hole in the wheel... I know I have it somewhere though.
This what the wheel looks like with the horn button.
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The paddle shifter is sandwiched between the wheel and the wheel adapter.
Shown here with a simulated wheel transparency. Compatible with multiple wheel bolt patterns.
Comes with spacers that allow you to customize the amount of space between the wheel and the paddles.

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Great choice on the steering wheel. I like how you are blending the old and new on the interior.
 
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Challenger cluster could display the current gear as well. If so, you could get rid of the one attached to the paddles.

I know my wife’s 200 can do it, but not sure on the Challenger.

Just a thought.
 
DionR said:
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Challenger cluster could display the current gear as well. If so, you could get rid of the one attached to the paddles.

I know my wife’s 200 can do it, but not sure on the Challenger.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...
It does.
The one with the paddles will be staying though regardless... Don't think it will be an issue.
 
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2017-18 Challenger console modified to fit Classic Auto Air Controls.
Had considered upholstery for the new finish but concerned that the compound curves would require some serious stretching and no way to hold the edges from pulling back if I trimmed it inside the trim ring and I didn't want to wrap over the edges and lose the bright trim on the edge...
So...
From this
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To this and then to...................this.............................................and this
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Some ABS + J-B weld and some sand and fill and sand and fill and sand, etc...
Very happy and satisfied with the results. Once again turned out better than I was hoping for.
There is room underneath the AC controls for additional switches or ports but we will leave it for now and think about it for a bit...

Maybe I'll match this finish on the bottom half of the Rallye Dash Bezel instead of the factory "Dull Aluminum" color. Masking always is/will be a pain... Will also try to match the bright trim color of this bezel on the Rallye Dash Bezel edges, all to try to tie them together with similar finishes.

Trying very hard to do everything myself at this point $$$ my labor and material rates to myself is pretty hard to beat, compared to the local going shop rates... not to mention wait times.
 
'Cuda_ragtop said:
2017-18 Challenger console modified to fit Classic Auto Air Controls.
Had considered upholstery for the new finish but concerned that the compound curves would require some serious stretching and no way to hold the edges from pulling back if I trimmed it inside the trim ring and I didn't want to wrap over the edges and lose the bright trim on the edge...
So...
From this
View attachment 1716238271
To this and then to...................this.............................................and this
View attachment 1716238270

View attachment 1716238272

Some ABS + J-B weld and some sand and fill and sand and fill and sand, etc...
Very happy and satisfied with the results. Once again turned out better than I was hoping for.
There is room underneath the AC controls for additional switches or ports but we will leave it for now and think about it for a bit...

Maybe I'll match this finish on the bottom half of the Rallye Dash Bezel instead of the factory "Dull Aluminum" color. Masking always is/will be a pain... Will also try to match the bright trim color of this bezel on the Rallye Dash Bezel edges, all to try to tie them together with similar finishes.

Trying very hard to do everything myself at this point $$$ my labor and material rates to myself is pretty hard to beat, compared to the local going shop rates... not to mention wait times.
Click to expand...

Nicely done! I am impressed.
 
So, a little more Dash progress.
Had to repair the radio cutout, a previous owner had enlarged the center hole a bit but not in a way that worked with my plans. So I repaired that first then cut out an opening for the Pioneer MVH-S720BHS single Din
Mech-less (No optical drive) unit.
When I was happy with the opening, I cut some Aluminum Angle for mounting brackets and epoxied them to the back of the bezel.
Had to trim some more of the dash frame to fit...
Then I laid out the holes to be cut for the center AC vents and cut them out. Tight fit on the back side and limited by the precut openings of the Walnut woodgrain overlay we plan to use...
I still need to cut the woodgrain overlay to fit. Very little wiggle room there.
Here it is, so far. Just another test fit.
1716599226823.png
Here are a few more angles.
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Some sanding marks and dust but it's still just test fitting. Wiper switch label has masking tape over it as well as the others... Not using the trim bezel that came with the stereo, the cutout and bezel would have been ugly. Happy with just a clean opening that follows the contour of the stereo.
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I'll have to pop out the vents and cut out holes in the overlay to match the holes in the bezel.
Still just in primer. Won't paint until all mods are complete and going in the car for final install.
Till then, you'll just have to use your imagination.
 
'Cuda_ragtop said:
So, a little more Dash progress.
Had to repair the radio cutout, a previous owner had enlarged the center hole a bit but not in a way that worked with my plans. So I repaired that first then cut out an opening for the Pioneer MVH-S720BHS single Din
Mech-less (No optical drive) unit.
When I was happy with the opening, I cut some Aluminum Angle for mounting brackets and epoxied them to the back of the bezel.
Had to trim some more of the dash frame to fit...
Then I laid out the holes to be cut for the center AC vents and cut them out. Tight fit on the back side and limited by the precut openings of the Walnut woodgrain overlay we plan to use...
I still need to cut the woodgrain overlay to fit. Very little wiggle room there.
Here it is, so far. Just another test fit.
View attachment 1716254023Here are a few more angles.
View attachment 1716254029

Some sanding marks and dust but it's still just test fitting. Wiper switch label has masking tape over it as well as the others... Not using the trim bezel that came with the stereo, the cutout and bezel would have been ugly. Happy with just a clean opening that follows the contour of the stereo.
View attachment 1716254030
View attachment 1716254039
View attachment 1716254040
View attachment 1716254041
I'll have to pop out the vents and cut out holes in the overlay to match the holes in the bezel.
Still just in primer. Won't paint until all mods are complete and going in the car for final install.
Till then, you'll just have to use your imagination.
Click to expand...

I really like the center AC vents. Very clean.

Looks great, has me thinking...
 
Eliminated the Cig Lighter hole and trimmed the DMT Walnut Overlay to fit with the newly made Dash Vent Holes.
Still not the final paint, just primer... I'm going to add in a little silver pinstripe above the cluster to tie the left and right side overlays. The black gap created by the cluster between the 2 walnut overlay's silver trim bugs me... looks like there should be a solid silver line connecting them.
We decided the rest of the bezel will be all black. Sem Trim Black for all but the lower field space. Going to go with a textured black to go with the textured finish on the console bezel. May add a silver edge to the raised rings around the Flasher, Lights and Wiper switch holes.
The Trip Reset knob will not be needed, but I'll find another switch or button to occupy that space.
I'll be painting the Glove Box Door Trim to match. I will mask off the Fish, the script can be removed and replaced after painting.

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I will be modifying the Ignition/Key Bezel to accept a Start/Stop Button for Digital Guard Dawg i-Key
The ashtray won't be used and I haven't decided to anything at all with it, at this point... No Smoking Allowed!
Maybe restyle the ashtray into a mini-glovebox...


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Hard to tell but there are 3 different blacks... Suede Black Dash Frame, Sem Ultra Trim Satin Black on the bezel where it was originally chrome, and Krylon Fusion, textured satin black on the face where it used to be silver. 3 slightly different shades of black, different textures and different sheens... Poor lighting today, heavy clouds and raining so pretty dark on my patio. Phone flash didn't help much.
Still need to add the silver stripe above the cluster to tie the left and right sides together...
Some silver on the raised circles around the Flasher, Lights and Wiper switch holes too. I have a silver paint pen that might be good for those, and the Trip reset hole depending what function/switch I end up putting there...

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Masking off that little fish was a challenge but it worked out. The Script is easily removed and replaced after painting. Was surprised to see copper under the chrome when sanding to rough up the chrome before primer.
I would expect it for a triple chromed bumper but chromed plastic??? I had no idea... "¯\_(ツ)_/¯"
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Not car related but we have a new puppy...
Our new Puppy has been and will be taking up a lot of my time for a while. Just turned 8 weeks, so lots of house training and puppy rules to be taught. Today is only day 4 in her new forever home.
Her name is Riley.
❤

Riley is a Black Tri-color purebred Australian Shepherd.
(y)

She will be my primary focus for a while...

Will squeeze in some work on the car when I can.
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Cute little pup!! I agree with the silver over the gauges. Right now it kinda looks like a uni-brow, without the uni-brow. If that makes any sense... Lol. Dash assembly looks fantastic!!
 
Congrats on the pup, she's a cutie!

I got this guy from the local shelter a couple of months ago. He was about 3 months old when this pic was taken, right after we got him. We got lucky, he's smart as hell. My wife had him going in and out of the doggie door in about 15 minutes and two weeks later he was totally house broke. He's already grown a lot and he's going to be a big boy! I lost my last Shepherd about 10 years ago and it took me that long before I was ready to get another one. It's tough when you lose a dog.
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392heminut said:
Congrats on the pup, she's a cutie!

I got this guy from the local shelter a couple of months ago. He was about 3 months old when this pic was taken, right after we got him. We got lucky, he's smart as hell. My wife had him going in and out of the doggie door in about 15 minutes and two weeks later he was totally house broke. He's already grown a lot and he's going to be a big boy! I lost my last Shepherd about 10 years ago and it took me that long before I was ready to get another one. It's tough when you lose a dog.
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Click to expand...
Awe!!!! So cute!! Losing a dog is tough as hell!! I'm very happy for you for getting another "family member"!!! Good luck with him!! :thumbsup:
 
392heminut said:
Congrats on the pup, she's a cutie!

I got this guy from the local shelter a couple of months ago. He was about 3 months old when this pic was taken, right after we got him. We got lucky, he's smart as hell. My wife had him going in and out of the doggie door in about 15 minutes and two weeks later he was totally house broke. He's already grown a lot and he's going to be a big boy! I lost my last Shepherd about 10 years ago and it took me that long before I was ready to get another one. It's tough when you lose a dog.
Click to expand...
Congrats, he's a handsome fella!
We lost our Zoey on 01/01/2024 (Cancer took her from us) We miss her every day. She was only 11
She was the best! If Riley becomes half the dog Zoey was we will truly have been blessed again.

RIP Zoey - Gone from our side but forever in our hearts.
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DionR said:
Doing ok? Any progress?
Click to expand...
Life's Good! This is the only progress for a while... ;-)
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Polished and waxed our 5th wheel... front, back and one side. One side to go. Polished up the windows too.
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Had some good winds here last Sunday.
Looking out the window of our 5th/W. Had some gusts up to 40+ MPH recorded on our weather station.
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Home now for a few days then back to the Lake! :thumbsup: Will winterize and close up for the season this next trip over.
Close down until April 1st 2025 when we open back up. Our SeaDoo and our 8'x10' inflatable dock in the background. Lake is at it's lowest at the end of summer every year due to irrigation.
Still plenty of water to play in/on!
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View from our trailer's front yard. Can't work on the car when 200 miles away...
Love it here.
Been coming here every summer for 45 years now.
Next post will be car related for sure :)
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