How To: Project '66 Dash Restoration

19 Just last month we showed you the restoration of our Mustang's five-dial instrument cluster. Now we're going to install it into our dash--its final destination. Maybe we can locate a Rally-Pac someday to complement it.

20 Our new reproduction dashpad is from Dashes Direct and is one of the many new parts being reproduced by the aftermarket using Ford's original tooling! We feel the details on this pad match nothing out there but N.O.S. The original screw-hole detents, the sharpness of the mold, and more, are just like the Ford original. These are now available from Virginia Classic Mustang as well.

21 After slipping the dashpad in place (imagine that, no fighting with it!), we easily found the screw holes in the steel dash with the screw-hole detents as our guide.

22 Lastly, to secure the pad, we installed the four retaining nuts from the backside and the windshield trim to complete the job.

23 Our steering column was the last piece of the interior puzzle. We needed to replace the turn-signal switch and refinish the column in the proper black. Here, we've noted the wiring colors and location and have begun to pull them free of the connector, which requires the use of a wiring terminal tool.

24 The turn-signal cam and plate assembly is removed from the column and the wiring pulled from the column tube. Usually, you would want a string or something taped to the end as an installation aid, but that isn't necessary when you're completely stripping the column tube bare.

25 After refinishing the column tube, a replacement ignition switch is installed and the wiring routed down the column tube. Make sure your upper column bearing and retainer are in good shape and free of noise and restriction.

26 Again, chrome makes a statement. Save the steel wool for your household projects and order up a new turn-signal lever. You're going to touch it every time you drive and it's one of the first things people see when they look in your driver window; don't disappoint them.

27 Carefully install the new turn-signal wiring into your original connector (you did put it in a safe place, right?). Don't forget to slip the black plastic wiring protector sleeve on first; otherwise, you'll end up pulling all of the wires out of the connector again.

28 The steering column tube was slid into place over the steering shaft and secured with the factory retainer. You'll notice in this shot that we already have our carpet in place. We'll try not to get ahead of ourselves too much, so we'll cover the carpet and seat installation in an upcoming issue.

29 Somewhere along the long road to restoration completion, the steering-wheel tension spring was misplaced or tossed in the trash. We scrounged one up at the local auto-recycling center from a Fairlane, cleaned it up, and slid it into place. It's always the little things that stop the progress isn't it?

30 Lastly, the piece de resistance-our fully restored (June 2000, Mustang Monthly) Deluxe woodgrain steering wheel is bolted into place. We can almost hear that 289 idling now! In the coming months, look for continuing Project '66 articles on the rest of the interior (including a separate Custom Autosound installation), trunk detailing, exterior chrome installation, power steering conversion, and drivetrain buildup.