Since I had it out anyway for my Vacuum hose installation, I bought the Climate Control resto reface kit. I consider this a bargain at $80 (don’t tell the suppliers that I said this). Just a lens replacement alone would be about $15. You reuse just the side plates of your original unit – just clean them up and put new grease on them. I bought a new fan switch since I remember mine being “balky” at times. The new unit contains new dial wheels and is restrung. The clip that held the red indicator for “H” and “C” was broke on mine so the new unit cured that problem Even though I had photos before disassembly, I had the Heater Control and AC switch (that are located on the left side) on incorrectly and when moving the wheel to test it out, it broke. No biggie, I'll replace that with a new one along with getting the heater switch menioned next. It might be a good idea for anyone doing this, since that and the accompanying “Heater blower motor low switch” are only about $20, to replace them (while the getting is good). They contain an ingenious “points” set up which are, in no doubt, worn. A completely assembled “drop-in” replacement goes for about 2 bills so, like I said above, this becomes a bargain for a couple of hours time.

Taking apart the original unit:


These are the original parts reused



ps. you also reuse the vacumn port switch - I saw no need to replace mine - probably a mistake

 

The "new" looks great. I suppose you could test your vacuum manifold by applying a source of vacuum and rolling the thumb wheels to different settings. The vacuum schematic in the service manual shows what does what.

I can't remember where, but I read an article in a mag about doing this.

Nice job.

 

I agree. I did mine last year. It now looks fantastic. I bought everything you did. My vac port switch seemed fine so I kept it.

Money well spent.