1970 Dash Panel Questions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 573
Likes: 3
From: Grand Blanc Michigan
1970 Dash Panel Questions
I have a replaced the dash pad, and the driver's side dash panel. Now the instrument cluster does not line up, as well as the original passenger's side dash panel does not easily fit where it used to fit. Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 573
Likes: 3
From: Grand Blanc Michigan
Iam pretty sure, I purchased it new from Al K..!?!?.
It appeared to be identical to the old driver's side dash panel with a couple very small differences(regarding the vac switch mounting). How is the 1970 different?
It appeared to be identical to the old driver's side dash panel with a couple very small differences(regarding the vac switch mounting). How is the 1970 different?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 91
If you have the shortened 71 dash pad, and are trying to line the point up with the 70 console, that would cause a alignment issue. Just a thought
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Dennis is very right about the differences the 70's have.
In general, I think getting the dash back together (even when you have ALL the right parts) is VERY tricky.
Your playing with the dash top, 2 sides, the gauge cluster bezel (which wants to break at the slightest tug), and the shifter and emergency brake consoles.
I think you have to get everything in position, but loose, and gradually tighten the screws while you hold the various parts in place.
I used plastic shims to hold things where I wanted them while I tightened the parts down.
Regards,
Alan
In general, I think getting the dash back together (even when you have ALL the right parts) is VERY tricky.
Your playing with the dash top, 2 sides, the gauge cluster bezel (which wants to break at the slightest tug), and the shifter and emergency brake consoles.
I think you have to get everything in position, but loose, and gradually tighten the screws while you hold the various parts in place.
I used plastic shims to hold things where I wanted them while I tightened the parts down.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
I have a '70 and had the same problem. First, the center console where the shifter is located - if the top of that is not high enough things won't match -make sure it is as high as possible - then with all the wires back there gently push back until you get a good fit of the center bezel - then since your RH side is original it probably is warped and won't fit perfectly but, keep on trying. And you probably know this but all the vents need to be in the right place for a good fit. Good Luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
I did this on my 70. Once you have confirmed that the parts are correct you can go from there. The dash is unique to 70 as stated.
Did you change or move the original dash harness? If you did replace it with other than your original it is going to be tough.
It took me a day or so to finally get everything to line up. Once it did it all fell in to place with all original parts. Make sure you have the tach cable and speedo cables coming through correctly or it will never go in.
Refer to the AIM if you did not take pictures or notes. The dash harness must be routed correctly too. It took me a few attempts and a lot of cursing but it finally went in perfect
When you do your center console, make sure it is far enough forward so the shifter does not hit the plate and so the hard plastic e brake cover fits nice.
It is a pain but it does fit. Stop go have a beer and try again later
Hope this helps.
Bill
Did you change or move the original dash harness? If you did replace it with other than your original it is going to be tough.
It took me a day or so to finally get everything to line up. Once it did it all fell in to place with all original parts. Make sure you have the tach cable and speedo cables coming through correctly or it will never go in.
Refer to the AIM if you did not take pictures or notes. The dash harness must be routed correctly too. It took me a few attempts and a lot of cursing but it finally went in perfect
When you do your center console, make sure it is far enough forward so the shifter does not hit the plate and so the hard plastic e brake cover fits nice. It is a pain but it does fit. Stop go have a beer and try again later
Hope this helps.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: GA
The aftermarket dash pad(s)... all of them.. are a pain in the azz. They are not exact matches. You will find you will need to custom fit everything. The upper pad in particular never seems to fit the windshield contour. The LH lower pad will almost certainly sticks out too far and even contacts the driver side door and the brackets on the upper dash pads seems too large on some repros and angled incorrectly.
TAKE YOUR TIME and test fit... get it right and then test fit again. Nothing worse that having new parts misaligned... you may need to bend some brackets, trim the back of the lower pads "touch" points. Best bet is to get the screws started and line it all up.. .then tighten... slowly...
What bugs me the most about the repros... they are so flimsy compared to original parts....
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,359
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
If your original dash fits well, but just needs to be restored, have a look at Just Dashes. They specialize in restoring. There's an article about them in the July edition of Hot Rod magazine. The basically don't restore your dash so much as actually remanufacture it.
www.justdashes.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
If your original dash fits well, but just needs to be restored, have a look at Just Dashes. They specialize in restoring. There's an article about them in the July edition of Hot Rod magazine. The basically don't restore your dash so much as actually remanufacture it.
www.justdashes.com
www.justdashes.com