68 Dash question

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Mar 26, 2004 | 04:41 PM

pinky

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 484

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From: Memphis TN

68 Dash question

I've had good results in modifing late (77-82) tilt/tele steering columns to fit 68-76 dash. But I've been asked a lot about a 68. I have been able to remove the ignition key on one. My question is I've heard that the area of a 68 dash were the column meets it is different then 69 and later. Is this true? Does anyone have a 68 dash to sell, photograph, or measure for me? I want to persue this, but I'd rather not purchase a new 68 dash until I know that I can make this work.

Mar 26, 2004 | 05:02 PM

crf311

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 3,029

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From: meraux LA

Re: 68 Dash question (pinky)

I know the lower steering instrument panel is differant. The 68 are smaller than the 69-77.

Mar 26, 2004 | 05:05 PM

Blue68

Instructor

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 188

Likes: 1

From: Pearland Texas

St. Jude Donor '08

Re: 68 Dash question (pinky)

It is true that the 68 dash is different than the 69. Actually the location where the steering column bolts to the dash bracket is different. This also means that the mounting flanges on the steering column are placed differently. I have a steering column from both a 68 and a 69. This weekend I will take some pictures of them.

wayne h.

Mar 26, 2004 | 05:17 PM

pinky

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 484

Likes: 0

From: Memphis TN

Re: 68 Dash question (crf311)

What about it is smaller? Can you explain a little more in detail?

Mar 26, 2004 | 05:21 PM

pinky

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 484

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From: Memphis TN

Re: 68 Dash question (Blue68)

Measurments would be great along with those pics. It sounds to me if I understand what you are saying, that if I use 69-later mounting bracket, I can install the column. But will the dash fit the bracket? What I see on the dash, is a lip that hands where the column mates to the dash. I think I can get around that. Is the lower cover different during these years? Also, were the column goes through the firwall should be different, can you detail that area as well?

Thanks so far!

Mar 26, 2004 | 07:25 PM

BBShark

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,426

Likes: 1

From: VetteMOD

St. Jude Donor '05-'07

Re: 68 Dash question (pinky)

68 steering column is a 1.625 OD tube, cutout in dash that "saddles" over the column is .937 R. Mounting ears on column are .67 below center. Column mounts to a stamped steel bracket in 3 places. Plate mounts to steel casting PN3922429. Steel casting mounts to firewall with 4 bolts. Column is 31 inches from mounting plate to hub face (where steering wheel mounts).

Mar 27, 2004 | 02:43 PM

LemansBlue68

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From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!

Re: 68 Dash question (BBShark)

Larry,
Did you end up buying those steel mounting brackets for '69 and up to do your retrofit with the C4 column?

Another item unique to '68 is the cast iron mounting bracket that looks like "Ahnold" the Governator must have installed on the assembly line. Talk about one sturdy, overengineered bracket!! If I find another at a swapmeet I think I will mount it to my work bench to use as an anvil! :D

Mar 27, 2004 | 04:46 PM

BBShark

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,426

Likes: 1

From: VetteMOD

St. Jude Donor '05-'07

Re: 68 Dash question (LemansBlue68)

No, I used the big casting. I had to cut a lot of it away and weld a C4 bracket to the anvil (I mean steering column bracket). I have been thinking that the heavy bracket was used to dampen high frequency vibration(?) I also plan to attach struts to the bracket to stiffen the cowl so it's probably good that it is massive.