18 Dashboard Accessories You Could Only See In A ’70s Cars
Ah, the 1970s—an era where cars weren’t just a way to get from point A to point B, they were full-blown expressions of personality on wheels. And the dashboard? That wasn’t just for your speedometer and gas gauge—it was your personal stage, your mini-museum, your rolling shrine to all things groovy.
Fuzzy dice swung with flair, bobblehead dogs nodded in approval, and hula girls danced to the rhythm of potholes and AM radio. As someone who’s logged some serious miles in that far-out decade, trust me—no two dashboards were alike.
You’d see everything from flashing disco lights to suction-cup Garfield clinging for dear life. It was kitschy. It was chaotic. It was absolutely fabulous.
So throw on your biggest sunglasses, cue up that 8-track, and hold on tight—we’re about to cruise back in time to when dashboard décor didn’t just accessorize your car, it told the world exactly who you were.
1. Bobblehead Elvis
Every journey in the ’70s deserved a royal touch. Enter Bobblehead Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, perched proudly on your dashboard. His head nodded rhythmically, like he was constantly jamming to your tunes, be it rock, disco, or even the rumble of the road beneath your wheels. It was like having a mini concert every time you hit the road.
Drivers loved showing off their musical tastes, and what better way than with Elvis himself? His presence added a touch of nostalgia. His iconic white jumpsuit and slicked-back hair made him unmistakable.
Having Elvis on your dash meant you were never lonely. He was the ultimate road companion, always ready to groove down Route 66 or the local highway. The King’s bobbling head was a nod to the music that defined a generation. So, let’s keep the spirit of rock alive, one bobble at a time!
2. Wiggly Hula Girl Figurine
Nothing embodied island vibes quite like the Wiggly Hula Girl Figurine. She brought a slice of aloha to every ride, even on the rainiest of days. With her grass skirt swinging side to side, she was always ready to dance to the rhythm of the road, offering a perpetual luau right on your dashboard.
Her presence whispered tales of sandy beaches and tropical escapes, a constant reminder that paradise wasn’t so far away. As the car swayed and turned, so did she, wiggling with every bend and bump.
In a world of hustle and bustle, she stood as a beacon of relaxation and carefree joy. Her perpetual dance was a testament to the art of chilling out; a skill every driver needed to master. So, next time the traffic feels like a volcano ready to erupt, just glance at your hula girl, and let her dance you into a state of calm.
3. Fuzzy Dice
Ah, fuzzy dice—no self-respecting ’70s car was complete without them. They dangled from the rearview mirror like a badge of honor, swinging in sync with every twist of the road. Their plush texture was a stark contrast to the cold metal of the car, adding a touch of rebellion to your ride.
But let’s not forget their role as talismans—rumor had it they brought good luck, especially during tight parallel parks or spontaneous road trips. The bigger and fluffier they were, the cooler you seemed in the eyes of passersby and passengers.
Fuzzy dice were more than mere accessories. They were an attitude, a declaration of independence from the mundane. As they swung merrily, they reminded everyone that driving was as much about the journey as the destination. So, here’s to rolling the dice and hitting the road with style and a smile.
4. Rainbow Window Decals
Driving without making a statement? Not in the ’70s, my friend. Rainbow Window Decals turned cars into moving expressions of peace and love. They weren’t just stickers; they were declarations. Every hue broadcasted a message of inclusivity and vibrant life to anyone who drove by.
These decals weren’t shy. They caught the sunlight perfectly, casting kaleidoscope patterns inside the car, transforming interiors into mobile discos. For many, they were a badge of identity, shouting out loud, “Cool vibes only, please!”
Adding rainbow decals was like giving your car a personality makeover. They turned mundane commutes into colorful adventures, each ride a chance to spread more joy. In a world that sometimes felt grey, a splash of color was just what the doctor ordered. So, let those colors fly, and keep the peace rolling, one rainbow at a time.
5. Under-Dash 8-Track Player
Before Spotify and even CDs, the under-dash 8-track player was the king of car audio. It was more than a gadget; it was a lifestyle choice. Sliding in an 8-track tape was a ritual, a commitment to enjoying music in its purest, most tangible form.
Listening to Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles through that player was an experience, the hum of the tape adding to the car’s ambience. It brought the concert to you, and let’s face it, who needed a GPS when you had rock legends guiding the way?
The 8-track player wasn’t just about tunes; it was about the journey. Each click of the track was a reminder of simpler times when skipping songs meant pressing fast forward. It turned every road trip into a musical adventure, where the destination was always fun. Keep driving, and let the music play on.
6. Air Fresheners Shaped Like Fruit or Trees
Ah, the aromatic symphony of the ’70s car interior. Air fresheners shaped like fruits or trees were a staple, each one promising to mask the scent of last night’s takeout or the remnants of a beach day.
The cherry one, oddly reminiscent of cough syrup, held a certain charm—both questionable and comforting in its own way. And the iconic Little Tree, with its ‘New Car Scent,’ was like an olfactory time machine taking you back to the showroom.
It wasn’t just about freshening the air; it was about creating a mobile sanctuary, a place where the world outside faded away. Each scent told a story, each fragrance a different journey. So, as you inhale deeply, let those scents whisk you back to a time when the road was open, the windows were down, and life was fragrantly uncomplicated.
7. Rosary Beads or Lucky Charms Dangling from the Mirror
In the ’70s, dashboards weren’t just about looks; they were about luck, too. Rosary beads or an assortment of lucky charms dangled from mirrors, offering spiritual guidance and a dash of style.
These weren’t mere decorations; they were co-pilots in the journey of life. Whether you needed divine intervention for a parallel park or a bit of luck for a road trip, these talismans had you covered.
Hanging there, they caught the light in a way that felt almost magical. They swayed with the rhythm of the road, a gentle reminder that someone was watching over you. So, next time you find yourself in a driving pickle, just glance up. With a touch of faith and a sprinkle of luck, you’ll navigate through with grace. After all, sometimes it’s the little things that keep us cruising smoothly.
8. Tiger Tail Hanging Out the Trunk or Window
Why did tigers become dashboard companions in the ’70s? Who knows! But there was something undeniably cool about a tiger tail fluttering out of your trunk or window. It was as if your car had a secret wild side, prowling the urban jungle.
Sporting a tiger tail was a rite of passage for many, especially those who frequented football games. It was a statement, a quirky accessory that turned heads and sparked curiosity.
The tail wasn’t just for show; it was a conversation starter. People would ask, “What’s with the tiger tail?” And every driver had a story. Whether it was about a victorious game or a wild party, that tail was a ticket to tales of adventure. So, let your wild side roam free, and remember, a little whimsy goes a long way on the road of life.
9. CB Radio Mic Ready to Hang Like a Boss
Breaker breaker! You didn’t need an 18-wheeler to feel like a trucker in the ’70s. A CB radio mic hanging from the dash was your passport to a world of “10-4s” and “over and outs.”
It wasn’t just about communication; it was about community. The airwaves buzzed with chatter, a network of drivers sharing info and tales from the road. And with your handle—your CB nickname—you were part of the convoy.
That mic was more than a tool; it was a symbol of connection. It hung there, ready for impromptu banter or a call for directions. Whether you were a seasoned trucker or a city driver, the CB mic was your link to a world beyond the dashboard. So grab the mic, join the conversation, and let your voice be heard on the open road.
10. “Keep on Truckin’” Stickers and Figurines
In the ’70s, “Keep on Truckin’” was more than a phrase; it was a mantra. Stickers and figurines adorned dashboards, showcasing a mustached man strutting confidently in bell bottoms.
These stickers were a nod to the carefree spirit of the time, a reminder to keep moving forward despite life’s bumps. They turned dashboards into shrines of optimism, where every glance inspired a grin.
More than just decoration, these icons became part of the car’s character. They were reminders that the journey was as important as the destination. With every mile, they urged you to embrace the adventure ahead. So keep truckin’, let your feet do the talking, and remember that every road leads somewhere worth exploring.
11. Nodding Dog
The nodding dog—a quiet companion with endless patience. Perched proudly on the dashboard, he’d nod along to every twist and turn, offering silent support to every driver’s decision.
Usually a beagle or perhaps a dachshund, these little canines exuded wisdom. Unlike your typical backseat driver, they simply nodded, as if to say, “You got this.”
Their presence was both comforting and strangely motivating. With each nod, they seemed to reassure drivers that even if life’s road was bumpy, you were steering in the right direction. So, the next time you’re in doubt, look at your nodding dog. Take a deep breath and remember, sometimes all you need is a little encouragement from a furry friend.
12. Suction-Cup Garfield or Window Clingers
Behind every ’70s car window lurked a Garfield—a master of sarcasm clinging on with suction cups. This orange tabby wasn’t just a cartoon cat; he was an attitude, a nod to the funnier side of life.
His perpetual smirk was as if he was silently judging your driving skills or the car’s speed. Yet, his presence added a layer of humor to every ride, a backseat companion with a witty retort.
Garfield wasn’t just decoration; he was part of the family. He rode along, offering comic relief in traffic jams or when the radio played your least favorite song. So, next time you see him in the rearview mirror, remember to lighten up, embrace the humor, and maybe drive a little slower. Life’s a journey, and Garfield’s here to enjoy every mile with you.
13. Sliding Compass
Oh, the thrill of exploration! Even if you never left your zip code, the sliding compass on your dashboard made you feel like a true adventurer.
Perched proudly, it provided a sense of direction. In a time before GPS, this was your navigator, pointing the way through the urban jungle or across scenic byways.
Though its readings might have been questionable, its presence was undeniable. It was a symbol of freedom, of endless possibilities, and new roads to explore. So as you cruise along, let the compass guide your journey, and remember, sometimes the best adventures start when you follow your own path.
14. Mini Dashboard Fans
In the age before air conditioning became standard, mini dashboard fans were lifesavers. Mounted on the dash, they worked tirelessly to keep you cool, even when the polyester bell bottoms wouldn’t.
Small but mighty, these fans were more than mere accessories. They were partners in the battle against sweltering heat, offering a breeze when you needed it most.
With every turn of their blades, they promised a reprieve, a breath of fresh air on the hottest days. So, when the sun blazes and the car feels like an oven, just flip the switch. Let the fan spin its magic, and enjoy the ride with a little extra breeze.
15. Beaded Seat Cushions
Technically not a dashboard accessory, yet beaded seat cushions were central to the ’70s car experience. These cushions, a tangled web of wooden beads, became the hallmark of road comfort.
They offered a massage-like feel, turning every trip into a mini spa retreat. And the soothing click-clack as you shifted in your seat? Like a maraca for your car!
Beaded cushions were the unsung heroes of long drives. They kept you relaxed, their gentle pressure a constant companion. So, as you settle in for your next journey, let the beads work their magic, and ride in comfort and rhythm.
16. Manual Switches for Funky Aftermarket Mods
Dashboard switches—what did they do? Who knows! But manual switches for aftermarket mods added intrigue to every dashboard.
They promised mystery and excitement, each toggle a potential gateway to something cool. Maybe they controlled fog lights or powered up extra speakers. The mystery was half the fun!
These switches weren’t just buttons; they were portals to personalization. Each flick was a chance to unlock a new feature, an invitation to explore the car’s untapped potential. So go ahead, flip those switches, and let the surprises unfold.
17. Astrology Charts or Zodiac Stickers
The stars spoke to ’70s drivers through astrology charts and zodiac stickers. Displayed proudly, they offered insight and cosmic wisdom to every journey.
These weren’t just decorations; they were guides. Each chart promised a glimpse into the future, while stickers shouted your zodiac sign to every passerby.
In a world of uncertainty, these celestial companions provided comfort. They reminded drivers to look up, to trust the universe, and to follow their destined path. So embrace your inner mystic, let the stars guide you, and drive with cosmic confidence.
18. Flashing Disco Light (for No Reason)
Why have a disco ball in your car? Because why not! Flashing disco lights turned every ride into a party, even when you were stuck in traffic.
They were completely impractical, yet utterly amazing. As they spun and flashed, they transformed the car into a mobile dance floor, inviting everyone along for the ride.
Each flash was a reminder to enjoy the journey, to find joy in the everyday. So next time you’re at a standstill, let the lights dance, and remember, life’s too short not to have fun. Keep rolling, keep grooving, and let the good times spin.