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Hi,
question has been asked many times before I guess, but I can't find a good answer. I have issues with re-assemble the whipper control part of the centre console.
Is there any manual giving the correct sequence for installing the centre console? Does the whipper unit be installed before or after installing the instrument panel.
I would highly recommend that you purchase a copy of the Assembly Instruction Manual for 1975 C3 vehicles. It is laid out in sequence of work done in the final assembly plant, and you can use it do determine the reverse of that process, as well (disassembly). Assembly of the dash components appears to be Upper dash pad, Driver's dash pad, Passenger's dash pad, Gauge bezel/gauges, radio, transmission console, and emergency brake console. The steering column is installad after the dash components. Disassembly would BEST be done with the reverse of that process. It is possible to do some work behind the dash pads without removing the other components, but you need to be thoughtful about possible damage to components if you do not remove them in reverse order.
P.S. The A.I.M. is an absolute MUST HAVE for documentation, if you are going to do much work on your car.
Thx Mel, much appreciated. The problem however is that it take quite a bit of force to asssemble the wiper panel into the instrument panel, literly scratching off the paint as well. So I was thinking, maybe I'm putting it back in the wrong order.
Sorry sir, please forgive me my lousy English...And as MelWff noticed, it's a '75 C3
Welcome to the forum! Your English is better than many folks I know, so there’s no need to apologize at all. 😂. Best of luck with your ‘75. Post up some pictures if you’re able. We all enjoy pictures.
Thx Mel, much appreciated. The problem however is that it take quite a bit of force to asssemble the wiper panel into the instrument panel, literly scratching off the paint as well. So I was thinking, maybe I'm putting it back in the wrong order.
Hi all, let me add a picture to explain my issue. First I mounted the instrument panel and after that the wiper unit. As you can see it's blocking the upper two gauges and it's not fitting well , as I'm not able to tighten the bottom two bolts of the wiper panel
Hi all, let me add a picture to explain my issue. First I mounted the instrument panel and after that the wiper unit. As you can see it's blocking the upper two gauges and it's not fitting well , as I'm not able to tighten the bottom two bolts of the wiper panel
So yes you mount the wiper switch housing & vents after installing the center gauge cluster.
Looking at your photo it appears you failed to set the housing into the cluster properly.
Remove the wiper housing and look at the lower rear of the housing just below the vents.
There you'll find two tangs that stick out just a bit.
You need to rest them first on the gauge cluster. You'll find two receiving slots for them to sit on.
Once you set them onto the cluster you can then raise up the front of the wiper housing until it fits into the vent supply and finally all the way up until you can put in the dash screws.
After that you'll be able to come in from below and install the two lower screws.
Last edited by Hammerhead Fred; Jul 18, 2020 at 12:02 PM.
It looks as though the upper part of the bezel has broken off and been repaired, very easily done, I broke mine with almost no force. It may have been repaired in the wrong position hence why the wiper bezel won't fit, it should literally pop right in.
Thx all, for your quick and helpfull replies. I did follow Fred's sequence and it's looking much better now. But as Dazaa noted the bezel has been broken and welded together, which causes that the wiper unit doesn't fit in as it should do. But it's doable now.
In the mean time a C3 '75 A.I.M. has been ordered as 7T1vette recommended.
Again, all thx for your help and advises
Henk
Last edited by HaBe1963; Jul 19, 2020 at 11:47 AM.
Welding the gauge bezel is nearly impossible as it is made of 'pot' metal (an amalgum of low melting temperature metals).. But it might be repaired by cutting out the damaged areas and splicing in correctly sized pieces made of aluminum or other metal.. Or it can be replaced with a salvaged part which has been refurbished, or with a new replacement part. Here's hoping that you come up with an acceptable solution. Good lluck with your project.
I broke one of the wings on mine and ended up buying a restoration part, that is exactly like the old one. The pot metal is very brittle and after 45 plus years, one must be very careful. When I went to install the wiper switch/ac duck, after installation of the new gauge bezel, I had the same problem. The wiper switch/ ac vent doesn’t go into it’s recessed area all the way. Not wanting to break the new gauge cluster, I removed the ac duck and the switch went in perfectly. The problem is the defrost vent is too far from the fire wall, and I didn’t see a way to move it. Since the duct is plastic, I took my Dremel and cut small slots on the AC Duct, which help the whole assembly fit very nicely.
C3 Centre instrument console
