|
|
| Restoration : Dash |
|
Dash
|
|
Here is my original dash. Yes it's UNCUT. I've had numerous people express feelings of disbelief and regret that I hacked up an original uncut dash. Well, I did offer serval times to trade/sell my original dash for a modified one, but I got no response. Oh well, it's my car and I didn't want to stop the project for someone else.
|
|
Since I no longer need the original A/C controls, I designed a gauge cluster that would fit into the same location on the dash. It's made from 1 piece of 1/8" thick ABS plastic (that has the same texture as the original dash) and three custom-cut 2" PVC pipe pieces (that hold and mount the 2 1/16" Autometer gauges).
|
|
This shows the newly painted dash, now with the custom Autometer gauge cluster mounted where the A/C controls used to be. Below this, I completely cut out the old radio hole and installed a standard single "DIN" radio mounting box. The DIN installed at the perfect level angle to the dash by using only the standard tabs.
|
|
Here is the back side of the new dash setup. To hookup all the gauges, I made 4 pairs of electrical quick-connects from computer power connectors. One connection (clear) controls all three gauge lights, and the other three connectors (black, silver, white) each control a seperate gauge's functions. (power, ground, sensor)
|
|
The Vintage Air controls fit perfectly into the "clock delete" hole to the left of the new gauges. I had to make a small, thick piece of plastic to hold the Vintage Air controls in place. Finally, I installed the radio, and put the whole assembly into place. Not too bad looking for a modified dash, at least in my opinion.
|
|
|
|
