Just installed new Kenwood receiver with new Din Bezel. All went well, fixed / improved a few things along the way. This project began as "replacing the driver side speaker" and has resulted in new shift boots, heat insulation, clock repair, paint most all interior plastic, new carpet, rear speaker enclosure, Amp, repair pass side under seat - seat belt retractor, console repair, & all new blubs in gauge bezel. Glad its almost over.

My current issue is the pass side "Right Hand Lower Dash Pad" is around 3/8 of an inch from contacting the gauge bezel at the bottom. The sides fit ok the gap is at the bottom.

Any thoughts on how to reduce the gap, I now have it clamped and it finishes ok, I plan to leave the clamp on overnight for a while to see if it improves. I know the Shift console side trim panel will help close the gap but right now its not enough to do it.

 

Shove the tranny tunnel farther forward and raise it a bit. The 2 studs at the bottom of the gauge bezel should mate up properly with the front bracket on the trans tunnel.

 

Will the two horizontal screw coming from the gauge cluster pull it over some if you loosen
the other screws on the right side panel?

Radio looks good... I just had to redo mine too.

mardyn

 

My '68 project has the same problem with the gap on each side of the lower gauge bezel......I'll post the solution here if I manage to close the gap---if the above advice doesn't solve the problem (I hope it does!)

 

I think these things aren't meant to be taken apart.

 

Ok guys thanks for the input. I like the part about moving console forward and up that will solve some, if not all of the gap. My problem with that is that the A/C control hits a relay or wiring harness or both and just won't go forward the ~1/4 - 3/8 " I think I need. To get the shift plate down right - I installed the ac control / shift plate first and then moved the console as far forward as possible. This let the shift plate and ac control install down nicely in the console.
This is not the first time I tried this, several moons ago I installed the console by drilling new higher holes for the front console screws, I using the new higher locations now.

My questions #1 Is it normal to move these front holes up? and # 2 Shoud I drill another set 3/8" higher? assumong I have room.

BTW the clamp did improve the gap but only lasted for a day.
bg

 

those ends always stick out like yours does, these cars do have design flaws. but it is 40+years old

 

I'm signed on to this thread - I have no suggestions and am hoping someone has a solution we can all implement. Good luck - looks great!