510 dash question

[Lonestar]

Hey all, maybe some can help me, my 69 goon has the long rectangle gauge cluster in it.

 

 

Well, also included are a pair of 71-72 square hole gauge clusters with surrounds. My question is this, can I change the cluster it has for the square ones and how do I do this if it can be done. Thanks guys.

[datzenmike]

I'm guessing the whole dash needs to be changed. '68 and '69s were very similar but '70 was a radical change.

[Ratwagon1600]

I'm guessing the whole dash needs to be changed. '68 and '69s were very similar but '70 was a radical change.

 

Correct, well certainly for the Australian models anyway.

 

Whilst the frames still mount to most of the same points on the body, there is a fair bit of difference in areas like instrument cluster mounting, wiper and light controls, dash pad configuration, heater controls etc.

 

Not saying you can't do it, but, the easiest way (in the long term) if you want to change to later model instrument cluster is to source the corresponding dash frame (and pad).

 

Pic of a 69 Aussie dash frame I dug out of my spares pile below.

 

Cheers

 

Jason

 

[Jesse C.]

The whole dash, frame and all, has to be changed. The lower mounting points will not match up. You will have to make some brackets to adapt those points. Top will bolt up fine. The harness will have to be changed as well in the dash and corresponding points modified as necessary when attaching to engine harness.

 

I did this swap in my old 69 quite a few years ago.