Back to the instrument panel. Here is the mint original dash pad, I don't like any of the repros on the market, so I bought an original, right here on Moparts.

I had a big problem getting the speedo converted to electric. First it was a long delay, then the job was not done to my standards. Finally I decided to do most of this myself, except for refinishing the gage face.

First of all, all the shops that offer this, patch up your original speedo gage face, as the odometer holes will be different in size and location. To me this is not a satisfactory solution. I did a little reserach, and found that the tachometer gage face uses the exact same stamping as the speedometer, of course minus the holes for the odometer. What I did is cut the hole for the odometer in an old tach gage face. This way I had a correct gage face that is not a patch job. Here the hole is being cut in a milling machine.

Gage face with proper hole cut, stripped and ready to refinish.

Speedo conversion almost done.

Back side. I also wanted the reset knob to be in the proper place for 70-71, thru the wood grain. This required to relocate the reset switch from the speedo circuit board to an external switch. (These conversions usuall use a VDO electric speedometer as a start, which have the reset knob in the bottom of the gage face, much like the 72-74 E-body rally dash. Again, as far as I know, most shops that do this conversion leave the reset knob in the bottom of the gage face, incorrect for 70-71.

Back of the cluster housing. A small cut is needed for the wiring connector.

Finally, the completed instrument cluster. Looks almost stock, but has quartz clock, upgraded tach, ammeter converted to volt meter, electric speedo, upgraded instrument voltage regulator, etc. I have probably 40-50 hours into this alone.

awesome work

Here are some more pictures. This one is the main bulkhead connector being rebuilt, using an NOS fuse box, new gaskets, etc.

Dash and instrument panel all assembled.

Back side, everything is restored to look and work better than brand new.

FAST XFI and XIM mounted on custom made bracket under the dash.

Under dash wiring. This is what scares many people from going with a modern engine! Actually it is not that bad, but need a lot of patience. All the wires are now neatly hidden behind the dash.

Dash installed. Only a few more wires left to connect.

Here is the whole thing as it sits now. For the exterior only need to install the front and rear valances, front bumper, exhaust, grille and a few small items. The two major jobs left are the rest of the wiring, and the interior. Hopefully the engine can be fired up in about 3 more weeks, and it will be all done in about 5 weeks!

Rims and brakes.

Wow. Awesome. Love the dash work.

I will have a similar challenge in dash wiring (may be in touch for help !!!)

Wow!!!! Looks awesome Barnabas!!!!! You've done a lot since I was there a few weeks ago that's for sure! My offer still stands if you need help on it

Really looks nice you are doing great work and the results show it. Looking forward to seeing it fired up...Dennis

Here is a little update. Hopefully it will be fired up this weekend!!! Here is some of the engine compartment wiring in progress. Looks very messy, but all the wires are neatly wrapped and routed now.