Dash to Console fit
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Joined: Aug 2018
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Dash to Console fit
So on my car, 1981, the lower edge of the dash is not firmly fixed in the center. I can push on either side of the dash right where the center instrument cluster meets the center console and push it in and out about an inch. It looks like the plastic bezel for the center gauge cluster is supposed to fit right up to the bezel on the center console but they are about 1/2 an inch apart with the center console being too low and the center instrument cluster sticking out too far. I can kind of force them together but they won't stay on their own. Is there supposed to be some sort of a mount to the lower edge of the dash in this area or does it just "float" there? is the joint of the two plastic bezels supposed to hold the center dash in place?
TIA
Mike
TIA
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Yes, the front edge of the center console bezel and the lower edge of the gauge pack bezel are supposed to be joined by those two oddly angled screws shown in that illustration. Don't be surprised if the tabs are broken 
From what I discovered with my '79 the sure way to get everything in the center aligned properly involves removing (in this order) the seats, the carpeted side trim for the console, the parking brake housing and center console plate (don't fully remove but detach and move rearward). Then loosen the gauge pack and reinstall ensuring that you get a good fit and all fasteners are in the right position. Reassemble in reverse order. If it has been poorly assembled for some time (sounds like yours has) the center part of the dash ahead of the center console seems to essentially sag down and towards the rear. As a consequence you may need a helper on the opposite side to push and hold the center console plate forward as you install the fasteners. The front of the center console plate engages (but does not truly lock) with the bottom of the gauge pack plate. Both are surprisingly strong and can take quite a lot of force to push into the proper position. You'll know you're in the right position by the fit with the dash.
From what I discovered with my '79 the sure way to get everything in the center aligned properly involves removing (in this order) the seats, the carpeted side trim for the console, the parking brake housing and center console plate (don't fully remove but detach and move rearward). Then loosen the gauge pack and reinstall ensuring that you get a good fit and all fasteners are in the right position. Reassemble in reverse order. If it has been poorly assembled for some time (sounds like yours has) the center part of the dash ahead of the center console seems to essentially sag down and towards the rear. As a consequence you may need a helper on the opposite side to push and hold the center console plate forward as you install the fasteners. The front of the center console plate engages (but does not truly lock) with the bottom of the gauge pack plate. Both are surprisingly strong and can take quite a lot of force to push into the proper position. You'll know you're in the right position by the fit with the dash.
Last edited by SwampeastMike; Nov 4, 2019 at 04:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
My bottom tabs are broke near armrest, never lined up...i took a giant pipe wrench and had to twist the metal bracket that the arm rest sits on..lones up now but tabs gone...hate to think how it got bent..lol...not by me anyway..unfortunately......
my gauge tabs still there....not easy shoving it all in and not screwing up gauge pin connector...really they couldn’t have added a few inches?
radio disconnect prior too..
also watch that top heater ac pointed lightbulb..pita
my gauge tabs still there....not easy shoving it all in and not screwing up gauge pin connector...really they couldn’t have added a few inches?
radio disconnect prior too..
also watch that top heater ac pointed lightbulb..pita
Last edited by interpon; Nov 4, 2019 at 06:59 PM.
