Dash Reassembly Order?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 272
Likes: 23
From: McKinney TX
Dash Reassembly Order?
Putting my dash back together after a Vintage Air reinstall. Having trouble getting it to line up just right. I did the drivers side, passenger side, then center gauges. The holes in the sides of the center gauge panel aren't lining up with the left/right dash. Am I doing something wrong? Anyone have any tips? Definitely right behind the gauges with the hoses but it's more of a vertical alignment issue than a forward/back issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,236
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi H,
Was the shifter console out as part of the install?
The shifter console has a big affect on how the center gauge cluster bezel fits and lines up.
I do the install as Mike describes… left side, center bezel, right side.
BE EXTRA CAREFUL with the center bezel… pushing on it will break the upper third off VERY easily.
Is the radio installed in the bezel? It can cause fit troubles. I put the radio loosely in position but don't install the 2 thin nuts until the right side dash is in place too.
The dash isn't easy even in the best of circumstances. The a/c ductwork probably makes it even a bit more difficult.
Regards,
Alan
Was the shifter console out as part of the install?
The shifter console has a big affect on how the center gauge cluster bezel fits and lines up.
I do the install as Mike describes… left side, center bezel, right side.
BE EXTRA CAREFUL with the center bezel… pushing on it will break the upper third off VERY easily.
Is the radio installed in the bezel? It can cause fit troubles. I put the radio loosely in position but don't install the 2 thin nuts until the right side dash is in place too.
The dash isn't easy even in the best of circumstances. The a/c ductwork probably makes it even a bit more difficult.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Aug 1, 2017 at 04:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 272
Likes: 23
From: McKinney TX
Thanks guys. I don't think it's the VA causing the problem. The drivers dash fits really well across the top but seems like the sides might be the issue. It's hard to explain. I did take out the shifter console and can see how it helps keep some of the stuff fitting tight. Passenger side went on easily. The center cluster holes on the left are about 1/2" too low. I may just have to take out the driver dash and start over. 😩
I did take take out the radio. It was an old aftermarket deal that I think might be too long. Took it out just to make sure.
Alan the bezel was already broken on mine so that doesn't help much either. At a later date I'll take it all apart and weld it back together as some on here have done, but right now I just want to get it reassembled so I can install the carpet and drive this puppy again!!
I did take take out the radio. It was an old aftermarket deal that I think might be too long. Took it out just to make sure.
Alan the bezel was already broken on mine so that doesn't help much either. At a later date I'll take it all apart and weld it back together as some on here have done, but right now I just want to get it reassembled so I can install the carpet and drive this puppy again!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,236
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I find fitting the radio temporarily helps to determine if things are going in properly.
I also find that tightening none of the screws until all the dash pieces are in place and the screws just started in their holes allows things to 'move around' a little. This includes the 3 screws across the top of the pads and the 2 screws down the hinge pillars.
???
Regards,
Alan
I find fitting the radio temporarily helps to determine if things are going in properly.
I also find that tightening none of the screws until all the dash pieces are in place and the screws just started in their holes allows things to 'move around' a little. This includes the 3 screws across the top of the pads and the 2 screws down the hinge pillars.
???
Regards,
Alan
