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Well the right dash went together okay but I think the left side wiill be a problem. I try fitted the left lower dash and it was a pain to get in to place but fits perfect. The problem is once the dash is in place thwe steering column will not go into place, the mounting plate will not clear the opening in the middle of the lower dash. Has anyone had this problem and could someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I figured it would be easier to install the lower dash then install the steering column Thanks AL.
It is awful hard to fit the left dash with the column in place, even if you drop the column, you take a chance cracking the dash. Remove the column and fit the dash.
Haste makes waste, and the hour you may save by not R&R the column, it may cost you the price of a new dash.
Make sure the lower part of the speedo. and tach. housings are not hung up on the column support brace. They need to be above the support. This will let the bottom lay towards the firewall.
It is awful hard to fit the left dash with the column in place, even if you drop the column, you take a chance cracking the dash. Remove the column and fit the dash.
Haste makes waste, and the hour you may save by not R&R the column, it may cost you the price of a new dash.
Not really tring to save time here just tring to put it together any way I can. If I install the the dash first then the column won't fit because it hits the middle opening of the dash, the column monting bracket hits the dash. AL.
Al-When I put my dash together, I had to take the steering colunm out, but I left the brackets in place, and didn't have any problem. You may have to push in(towards the firewall) on the bottom of the dash to get the steering colunm to fit. If it won't go, or you have to push too hard, make sure the speedo/tach housing or astro vent isn't catching up on anything
Hope I've made sense
Al-When I put my dash together, I had to take the steering colunm out, but I left the brackets in place, and didn't have any problem. You may have to push in(towards the firewall) on the bottom of the dash to get the steering colunm to fit. If it won't go, or you have to push too hard, make sure the speedo/tach housing or astro vent isn't catching up on anything
Hope I've made sense
I undestand what you posted, but the real problem is the cut out in the middle of the lower dash. After the dash is in place the steering column bracket hits the dash on the column bracket. I know by looking at the set up there is no way to install the dash with the column in place. Man what a P.I.T.A.!!! On a positive note the car is looking pretty good, AL.
Do you have a removable bracket on the column now? If so take it off and bolt it to the dash brackets, but leave it loose. The column should then be no prob, just put the splined end thru the floor and raise it up to meet the brackets already mounted. Once you are OK with the fit, then you can tighten the bolts.
It is a big time PITA, I am at a loss to as how they did some of things things on a production line !
If you're still having trouble, is it possible to post a pic so we can see what you're up against?
I just took another look at the left side dash and they didn't cut as much out on one side as the other. And thats the side that hits going in. I just may try trimming the close side to made it match the other side and see if it gives me enough clearance. All the interior parts are undyed and original (seats are new) and in great shape. This is one problem, and then the other one is fighting the wires, cables, vacuum hose to install the left lower dash , AL.