View source for Engineering:AstraDome

{{Short description|Car instrument in 1960s}}
The '''AstraDome''' was a unique, futuristic instrument cluster introduced by [[Company:Chrysler|Chrysler Motors]] in its 1960 product line through 1962. It was only offered in Chrysler branded vehicles, like the [[Engineering:Chrysler 300 letter series#Third Generation|Chrysler 300-F, G and H]].<ref name="dispatch">{{cite web |title=1960 Chrysler 300-F |date=February 2019 |url=https://www.stltoday.com/1960-chrysler-300-f/collection_dc91ada0-2637-11e9-b1e5-c35b5b33e8e2.html#1 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |access-date=19 October 2021}}</ref> All gauges were positioned in three dimensions under a single dome cluster.<ref name=ackerson/><ref name=flory>{{cite book |last1=Flory |first1=J. Kelly Jr. |title=American Cars, 1960-1972 |date=2005 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |isbn=978-0-7864-1273-0 |page=29 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1DiNAgAAQBAJ&dq=AstraDome+chrysler+-houston&pg=PA29 |access-date=19 October 2021}}</ref> Because the gauge cluster extended towards the steering wheel, automatic transmission gear selector levers and turn signal indicators that had traditionally been located on the steering column were installed to the left of the cluster as pushbutton controls for the transmission and a sliding lever directly below the transmission controls for the turn signal. Control knobs were installed at the base of the cluster that were labeled "Rear Window" and "Map Light" on the left side and "Dome Light" and "Antenna" on the right side.

The panel featured a nonglare [[Physics:Electroluminescence|electroluminescent illumination system]] combining red needles and numerals that glowed green.<ref name=ackerson>{{cite book |last1=Ackerson |first1=Robert |title=Chrysler 300 Series: Pedigree, Power and Performance since 1955 |date=2005 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |isbn=978-1-904788-90-4 |page=82 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ign8btHPbvMC&dq=AstraDome+chrysler+-houston&pg=PA82 |access-date=19 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="avery">{{cite news |last1=Avery |first1=Matt |title=Falling for a 1960 Chrysler with a quirky personality |url=https://www.dhbusinessledger.com/article/20141103/entlife/141109772 |access-date=19 October 2021 |publisher=Daily Herald Business Ledger |date=November 3, 2014}}</ref>  The lighting system was marketed as "panelescent."<ref name=ackerson/>

It was a design improvement from a instrument gauge used from 1949 until 1954 on all Chrysler branded vehicles, while adding a futuristic appearance. The approach was introduced again for 1965 and 1966 with a half-circle speedometer with gauges included below but didn't extend out towards the steering wheel.
[[File:1960 Chrysler Windsor Astradome Instrument Panel (7434648084).jpg|frameless|x200px]]
[[File:1953 Imperial 2-tone with AC dash.jpg|frameless|x200px]]
[[File:MMWA 1965 Chrysler Newport-Dashboard.jpg|frameless|x200px]]

==Vehicles installed==
*[[Engineering:Chrysler 300 letter series#Third Generation|Chrysler 300]]
*[[Engineering:Chrysler New Yorker#1960–1964|Chrysler New Yorker]]
*Chrysler Town and Country
*[[Engineering:Chrysler Windsor#1959–1961|Chrysler Windsor]]
*[[Engineering:Chrysler Saratoga#1961–1965|Chrysler Saratoga]]
*[[Engineering:Chrysler Newport#1960–1962|Chrysler Newport]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dashboard head units]]

{{Sourceattribution|AstraDome}}