Mustang Monthly Homepage Mustang Monthly

How To: Project '66 Dash Restoration



 Mustang Dash Restoration New Gauge Cluster
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Dash Pad
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Screwing In The Dashpad
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Retaining Nuts
22 Lastly, to secure the pad, we installed the four retaining nuts from the backside and the windshield trim to complete the job.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Turn Signal
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Turn Signal Wiring
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Replacement Ignition
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration New Lever
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Signal Wires
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Steering Column Tube
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.
 Mustang Dash Restoration Steering Wheel Tension Spring
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?
 Mustang Dash Restoration Deluxe Woodgrain Steering Wheel
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.

Prev  | 1  | 2  | 3
Get Adobe Flash player
FREE, no-hassle price quotes on the new Mustang you’ve been looking for.
 
SVT Owners Association - Back On Track
After Three Years Of Uncertainty, The SVT Owners Association Has Been Reorganized Under The Leadership Of New Director Marcie Cipriani... more
 
1965 Ford Mustang GT350R Shelby & 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Pony Tales
Exclusive Ford Mustang Stories, featuring a 1965 Ford Mustang GT350R Shelby, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and much More!... more
 
Atlantic Blue 1998 Ford Mustang Saleen Cobra - Only You...
Exclusive Atlantic Blue 1998 Ford Mustang Saleen Cobra, featuring a 4.6L DOHC Cobra V-8 engine, BFGoodrich Comp T/As, and More!... more
 
Electric Red '93 Sedan - Sanitary Sedan
We couldn't pass it up and, quite frankly, if we had, we might have been bludgeoned within an inch of our lives by nightfall. Three years in a row, the Electric Red '93 sedan of Tony and Jossie... more
 
Shorty Headers, Strut Brace And More - Late-Model Corral
Getting Ahead (er)I have an '89 GT and I just bought new equal-length shorty headers. Do you have any tips about removing and installing them, particularly the right side? Should I remove the... more
 
'73 Mach 1 Centerforce Clutch Setup - How-To
Hard clutch pedal. You groan every time you see a traffic light and your left leg looks like you've been working out with Ahnald and the boys at World Gym. You're constantly wondering why the clutch... more
 
1969 Shelby GT350 - Shelby Fever
"Ownership is not necessary . . . "... more
 
1966 Ford Mustang Convertible - Drive Time
Despite all the clichs about Southern California-sipping designer water, yakking on a cell phone in traffic, consuming chips and guacamole over margaritas, and signing on the freeway using a single... more
 
Supercharged 2003 Ford Mustang Roush 380R - R Is For Rip-Roaring
Roush's New 380R Ups The Ante For Supercharged Mustang Performance... more
 
1970 Ford Mustang Grabber Fastback Boss 302 - Grabber Blue Persuasion
John Wilgus' Trick Is Convincing People His '70 Grabber Fastback Is Not A Boss... more

 

Get Adobe Flash player