Gonna do it this weekend.....

[juggler]

Since I will have a four-day-weekend coming up, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it; pull the dash/bezel, track the intermittent short that is causing my dash lights to flicker, put in an after-market stereo, and replace the speakers.

I purchased the shaft-mount bezel ( $119 instead of $250 for the DIN version) and will cut the opening to fit the JVC KD-G430 reciever. Pioneer TS-G4641R speakers for the dash and I'll be good to go. I even found a wirting harness from Crutchfield for the power and dimmer.

Sounds good, don't it? Now if I can just keep Murphy at bay..............:eyerole

Search was my friend when it came to replacing the plug wires, so I have searched again this time to garner some good tips on dash removal, etc.

I think I will refrain from removing the steering wheel, and will take my time with the dash so as not to crack it. The speakers are low profile and should fit fine, but I am worried about what to hook the sleeve/stereo to. Anyone have experience with this?

I will also attempt to keep all wiring,etc. intact enough to put back into original if I decide to do so......couldn't resist having some good tunes for the summer, though.

Wish me luck!!

 

[82ColEd]

Cant help you with any, but Good Luck nonetheless!




-Stefan

 

[bossvette]

I'm a bit over 210 and found it easier to work on the dash with the seats out and the tops off. you can get by with just dropping the steering column some the wheel does not have to come off.

 

[vett boy]

Go for it and I wish you luck.

 

[juggler]

Dropping the steering column sounds like it may work.

Right now I am stuck trying to remover the drivers side dash so that I can get to the speaker over there. I am unable to remove the gage console ( face-plate holding the tach/speedo, etc.) due to the sleeve on the steering column. Maybe dropping it would clear enough room.

Also having trouble removing the center console so that I can get to the electric window connections.........the passenger side will stick occasionally and I want to make sure that the connections are ok.

Time to use search again..............thanks for the tips so far, and I'd appreciate any more y'all may have.

 

[bossvette]

the center dash bolts to the console from below also. Its been a while for me, but I will be doing it on my 68 shortly to chase a faulty ground. :W I think the right and left dash pads were fairly easy to remove; with the center being more of a PITA

 

[lone73]

Dropping the steering column sounds like it may work.

Right now I am stuck trying to remover the drivers side dash so that I can get to the speaker over there. I am unable to remove the gage console ( face-plate holding the tach/speedo, etc.) due to the sleeve on the steering column. Maybe dropping it would clear enough room.

Also having trouble removing the center console so that I can get to the electric window connections.........the passenger side will stick occasionally and I want to make sure that the connections are ok.

Time to use search again..............thanks for the tips so far, and I'd appreciate any more y'all may have.

I definitely have to lower the column on my '73 to get the left side instrument panel out. There's two bolts right under the panel, 9/16" socket I believe. The center console also has a screw under the carpet that shoots forward from the backside of the rear bulkhead - right behind the seats.

good luck

 

[bossvette]

Isn't it just like Mother Nature to throw a last cold snap of winter when many of us have a long weekend with plans to work on our cars.

 

[GaryS]

Two things:

1. the center bezels have a known weak point. Be carefull removing that center instrument section since they tend to break in the middle.
2. consider buying an aftermarket/repro center bezel because once you cut your original one it will be worthless from an originality point of view. If you ever think you might want a stock look, consider cutting the repro since they are not an exact reproduction.

 

[rgtrough]

Hey Juggler, dropping the steering column is no problem and was needed to be done when I did my '74 interior. Watch your head.
peace Bud

 

[juggler]

Dropping the column did it

I worked through the cold, but now I get to deal with a possible "Nor Easter before I can get back to the task ad

Sure hope I didn't loosen anything I wasn't supposed to, and that I can remember where all the screws go

 

[76okievette]

I did my 76 dash a couple months ago and it was not easy. I did get both the left and right side panels out with out dropping the steering columb but it took lots of pataience on the left side. As I remember you have to start on the right and work your way to the left side panel. The center instrument cluster comes out ok with it is easy to break so be careful. If you need any one on one discussion's email me paulandbecky@cox.net and I can tell you my experiences. Good luck. I repainted all my piecies when I had them out and replaced all the blubs. You might want to think about replacing the speedo cable as they start to make noise and fluculate as they get older. Good luck