Pinto Car Club of America

Please share your ideas on the main dash cluster replacement... I have the plastic cover the back white, but every time I get ready to replace it something else goes wrong. Ready to just scrap my replacement idea, and put in a new dash cluster with universal gauges... also, if I put in universal gauges, what are your experiences with value of car going up or down.

Thanks...

Shane

1977 Ford Pinto Runabout 2.3L

If you're aiming for a complete, bone-stock restoration, using universal gauges will definitely detract from the car both visually and value-wise.  On the other hand, if your car has other modifications then I don't think there would be much of an impact on its value from going with something other than the original-type gauges.  It all depends on your final plan for the car.

Dwayne :smile:

You might think of taking a later model ( 88-89 stang ) dash and istalling it. If you can get one all you have to do is cut a few inches and it fits . The heater is the only pain. The heater ducting is not compatable.

Quote from: Pinstang74 on February 08, 2011, 12:57:51 AM
You might think of taking a later model ( 88-89 stang ) dash and istalling it. If you can get one all you have to do is cut a few inches and it fits . The heater is the only pain. The heater ducting is not compatable.

Pictures!!!

Mike

i used the original black cluster piece removed the white piece and then too lexan and heated it and bent it so it could be bolted in place of the white piece then just cut holes and installed my gauges.

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x90/hick_tats/Gauges4.jpg)
This one is just lexan too cut to fit where the original a/c vents where.
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x90/hick_tats/SANY0844.jpg)

Or, add boost and fuel:

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee171/4-BarrelMike/Pinto/Gauges.jpg)

Mike

You have done very close to what I did in my wagon except I used metal.   BIG BILL