The dash panel will remain stock in appearance, as we
want to keep the classic car character. No Auto Meter monster
tach mounted on top of the dash or anything like that :). The
dash pad will be a stock black unit, and will be redyed to give a new
appearance.
Behind the dash pad will reside a custom gauge cluster that we will
be redesigning. It will somehow incorporate a '03/'04 Mach 1
electronics setup which will allow the digital speedo, tach, and other
gauge input signals to be displayed on the dash (no more inaccurate
60's gauges). This will
also allow a digital odometer to be used too. The speedometer
cable will be traded in favor of digital inputs from the T56.
How we are actually going to do this is still TBD. The
appearance of the cluster will resemble the stock Torino unit as close
as we can make it, and also will have custom TwinTorino logos.
Once it is in place, it will appear close to stock on a quick glance,
until you really look close at it and realize there is something
different about them.
Here is a preview of what the cluster will look similar to.
This was done using Adobe Illustrator and measuring an actual gauge
cluster. Note the digital odometer, 8k tach, and functional
gauges instead of idiot lights. Also note the new lights
(these will actually be symbols) that are there for the vehicle
functions.
The HVAC system is still yet undetermined. Do we run a modern A/C
setup, or do we leave it out to save complication and weight (this
gets our vote thus far). The factory A/C dash chrome and
ventilation ducts will be retained.
A custom stereo system will be
hidden in the vehicle as well. Not sure where this will be
going, but we will figure that out once we get there.
The stock ignition location and all of the buttons and
switches will be retained.
Steering wheel is still up in the air for these cars - whether to
go old or new is still being debated. How does one incorporate a
new wheel without it looking tacky or out of place? |