How To: Project '66 Dash Restoration

8 The wiper control is secured by a small set screw on the side of the knob. We recommend turning the wipers to "on" and tightening the screw in the position shown, thus it will be out of sight when the switch is in the "off" position.

9 Next is the ignition switch. Again, we opted for a repop ignition switch because our original was sloppier than a 13-year-old's room. To install your ignition tumbler, you'll have to rotate the tumbler counterclockwise from ACC with a paper clip inserted into the access hole first. Then insert the tumbler into the switch and turn clockwise to lock it in place.

10 In this modern age, you're nothing without a power port in your vehicle. Even though we never plan on lighting up, a new cigar lighter will help us keep our cell phone charged or offer a spot for a map light.

11-a Our heater controls will be installed later when we install our restored heater case (Aug. '01, Mustang Monthly), so we'll move on to the ashtray.

11-b After refinishing the ashtray slide mechanism, it's reinstalled with the proper hardware from the Virginia Classic Mustang concourse bolt kit. Don't forget the bumpers too!

12 Speaking of bumpers, the two bumpers for the glovebox door are snapped into place now. If you're having trouble getting the bumpers to seat all the way, use a small dab of liquid soap to get them to seat completely.

13 Because we were converting to the Interior Decor Group, our standard glovebox door wouldn't do. We had to obtain a new woodgrain glovebox door for our interior resto. After refinishing the glovebox door hinge, it was installed to the new door, along with the door-stop cable, using new correct hardware.

14 We hit our first real snag when we tried to order a replacement hazard switch for our '66. The models, which include a wiring pigtail, are no longer available, so Virginia Classic Mustang sent us the only style still available with terminals on it. Before cutting the wires off of our old switch, we wrote where the colored wires will go on the new one.

15 As much as we hate to cut a factory harness that's in perfect condition, we had no choice (short of scouring for a new old stock or good used switch) in order to repair the bad switch. We crimped female spade terminals onto the original wires and slid them into place on the new switch and everything worked perfectly.

16 Here's another good reason to wait on installing the heater case: You can install the new glovebox liner from the backside of the dash without creasing the cardboard. Once in place, new hardware secured the liner to the dash.

17 Our completed glovebox is ready for its first show or trip to the park. Besides an original owner's manual and a full complement of replacement fuses, we have a Mustang-logo first aid kit from Stitch-N-Time for roadside hazards.

18 Our new woodgrain glovebox looks as it did the day it left Metuchen. You'll notice we slipped the heater case into place now that the glovebox area is completed. The day we'll drive this baby is getting closer and closer!