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

[aeyn <mr85000@xxxxxxxxx>]

Taking the extra time to restore the dash looks to have been WELL
WORTH the effort.  It looks absolutlely great!  Also not having
the seats in the way helped.  I did that when I replaced my 69
complete dash with a 71 complete dash and column and upgraded it
to FULL options.

Æyn

--- David Duricy <desotobravo@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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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