Console/steering column
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 17
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Console/steering column
The first thing I'm tackling on the interior of my '74 is removing the front consoles, since practically nothing electricall works in the car. I've gotten off the center and right consoles, but am having a hard time with the left console housing the speedometer and tach. All I have right now, is a Haynes restoration guide, and currently it isn't being helpful at all.
Presently, I have the steering wheel off, and a portion of the steering column, because the console seems to be unable to come off because of a part on the steering column. Is someone able to provide any insight? For someone as mechanically un-inclined as I am, I don't even know how to find some of the parts listed in the Haynes guide!
Presently, I have the steering wheel off, and a portion of the steering column, because the console seems to be unable to come off because of a part on the steering column. Is someone able to provide any insight? For someone as mechanically un-inclined as I am, I don't even know how to find some of the parts listed in the Haynes guide!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Pflugerville Texas
You will need to lower your steering column a bit to enable you to pull out the driver's dash piece. After you remove the lower steering column cover, you will see two 9/16 bolts holding the steering column up. Removing these bolts will make it possible to lower the steering column slightly so you can squeeze that panel slightly out.
Now crawl underneath and remove the gauge and indicator lights from the gauge. Also remove the connections to your headlight switch. You will have a couple of electrical connectors and a couple of vacuum connections there. The speedo cable will need to be removed (just push the tab against the back of the speedo and it should come loose). If you have a mechanical tach you will have to remove that cable as well.
You should be able to pull the dash piece out a little bit at this point. It still won't come out because the dash wiring harness is routed over the speedo/tach and is clipped to the dash in 3 places. You may have to bend the clips to get the harness loose.
That should be what it takes to get the dash panel off. Don't force anything when removing it, and always check for that one thing you forgot to disconnect before pulling. Also, do not bend the dash panel at all.. they are very susceptible to cracking between the gauges.
Jason
Now crawl underneath and remove the gauge and indicator lights from the gauge. Also remove the connections to your headlight switch. You will have a couple of electrical connectors and a couple of vacuum connections there. The speedo cable will need to be removed (just push the tab against the back of the speedo and it should come loose). If you have a mechanical tach you will have to remove that cable as well.
You should be able to pull the dash piece out a little bit at this point. It still won't come out because the dash wiring harness is routed over the speedo/tach and is clipped to the dash in 3 places. You may have to bend the clips to get the harness loose.
That should be what it takes to get the dash panel off. Don't force anything when removing it, and always check for that one thing you forgot to disconnect before pulling. Also, do not bend the dash panel at all.. they are very susceptible to cracking between the gauges.
Jason
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Great advise above....your in for one of the most cramped & difficult jobs. Just a few things to add. Pull the drivers seat!!! Since everything is out....clean, replace lenses, lube cables, clean connections, dye the dash pads, whatever... DO IT ALL NOW!!! You don't want to do this again.
Good Luck
Eddie
Good Luck
Eddie
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 94
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From: RedOak Texas
