Re: IML: 68: to pull the dash or not?

[David Duricy <desotobravo@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ron,

The dashboard in my ?68 Crown convertible was in
serious need of restoration. The wiring harness had
been burned and repaired poorly. The bronze panels had
been covered with contact paper. An after-market AM/FM
radio had been bolted to the bottom-center of the
dash. Light bulbs were burned out, the AutoTemp switch
was broken, and the headlight switch needed cleaning.

Because the rest of the interior was in a similar
state, I elected to remove the seats, carpet, door and
quarter panels before I began work on the dash. Not
having the front seats in the way, and not having to
worry about accidentally damaging other soft interior
parts, made the dash job easier for me. 

Before starting, it is important to have the factory
service manual and a camera. 

The manual reveals the sequences for proper removal
and replacement of dash components, and maps out the
dash wiring.

Using the camera to during disassembly is invaluable
for remembering what goes where when you?re ready for
reassembly.

To get the dash access I needed, I dropped the
steering wheel, removed the instrument bezel,
instrument cluster, ash tray, AutoTemp console, radio,
glove box, and the passenger side A/C vent assembly
and all heating and air-conditioning ducting. I did
not need to remove the windshield, probably because I
didn?t know how to remove the dashboard ?chassis.?

For every dash component, I bagged all the parts,
labeled the bag, and kept all the bags in a box in the
trunk of the car.

I remember three things being absolutely infuriating:
1) removing the glove box. 2) removing/replacing the
radio. 3) installing the speedometer cable.

The dashboard and interior restoration took me about
two years to finish. I might have finished faster, but
at times I became deeply discouraged and had to step
away from the project. Only the prospect of driving
with the top down and the AutoTemp on, with the world
flying by in a green blur, with the Multiplex singing
away, with the 440 purring loudly, kept me going. I
can tell you now that the work was absolutely
worthwhile. 

Here is a picture of my finished dash:

http://www.duricy.com/~imperialist/duricy1968dashboard.jpg

Good Luck!
Dave Duricy
1950 DeSoto Custom
1968 Imperial Crown convertible
1973 Imperial Lebaron 


--- Ron M <rfm10@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I would like the opinion of those that have been
> there and done that. 
> 
> This winter I want to work on all those little
> things.  I need to:
> 1. Repair the temperature control.  It worked when I
> first got the car a 
> year and a half ago, for about a day, and has not
> worked since in any 
> mode.  A quick look showed at least a couple of
> vacuum hoses hanging lose. 
> 2. Remove the radio and send it off for repair.
> 3. check the wiring, there is a switch or something
> hanging down that is 
> wrapped in a putting, just wires hanging out.  I
> assume it is to hold 
> something together.
> 4. Replace the light switch with an original.  It
> has previously been 
> replaced with what I believe is one from an an early
> 70's Chrylser product.
> 5. Remove, refinish and replace all the brass trim.
> 
> Is it easiest to pull the dash to do all this?  Is
> it easier to just 
> pull one or both front seats so I can lay out to
> work? 
> 
> Opinions, suggestions, and helpful tips that might
> not be in the FSM are 
> appreciated. 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Ron
> 
> -- 
> Let's face it, the number of people around the world
> in need of 
> a match-grade round between the eyes is on the
> increase,
> - Tony Woodlief 
> 


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