changing lens in heater control unit
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 3
changing lens in heater control unit
I have a 73 and I would like to be able to take the console apart to change the plastic lens that goes over the heat and air indicators. I tried to have someone do it, but once they removed the vent control *****, he said that there were all kinds of cables or wires that were attached and he didn't see how he could change that plastic lens out. It looks as if water leaked under there at some point before I owned it and the lens is all scratched and foggy. It is really the only thing keeping the interior from looking perfect. Has anyone ever done this and have any tips?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
It's been a while, and other guys here will be able to offer much more than me, but assuming you have an auto, unscrew the chrome shifter button and black ****. Unscrew the 4 shifter console plate screws. Carefully lift the console plate up enough to remove the cigarette lighter plug and bulbs. Note how the heater control is seperate and on a small steel frame. The plugs can be removed without fear of mixing them up, as they're all individual. Unscrew the heater control cable lock and remove the cable. Pull the vacuum hose plug off, and don't forget the bulb in the heater control as well. This should free up your heater control unit. Watch the twine doesn't get messed up for the control wheels. It should become apparent now, how to get at the glass! Bear in mind, I have an A/C 74 and am not that familiar with the non-A/C air vent lever set up.
Take heaps of pictures along the way for reference, take notes, and refer to your AIM if you have one!
Take heaps of pictures along the way for reference, take notes, and refer to your AIM if you have one!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,302
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi v,
The face plate for the controller needs to be removed in order to replace the lens. The screws for the face plate can only be reached from the underside of the controller which is pretty impossible with the controller in place.
The bowden cables that the 'wheels' control are very stiff and what make the controller difficult to position so there can be access to the screws.
Thus the cables really need to be loosened/removed to change the lens.
Not a difficult job, but tedious and time consuming.
Remember to repaint the face plate if it needs it while the plate is off.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
The face plate for the controller needs to be removed in order to replace the lens. The screws for the face plate can only be reached from the underside of the controller which is pretty impossible with the controller in place.
The bowden cables that the 'wheels' control are very stiff and what make the controller difficult to position so there can be access to the screws.
Thus the cables really need to be loosened/removed to change the lens.
Not a difficult job, but tedious and time consuming.
Remember to repaint the face plate if it needs it while the plate is off.
Sorry!
Regards,
Alan
