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Is it easy to convert a '69 US dash to a pre-67?

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58Custom

58Custom

Jedi Warrior
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I kind of like the look of the mid-60s dash rather than the US padded dash. I'm wondering how hard it is to convert to the earlier dash. I tried the search but I found nothing. Maybe my terms were too vague but the same returns kept coming up. Anyways, is this easily done? From pictures it looks like the area between the speedo & tack above the steering column might have to be widened to accept the US telescoping column.

Anyone done this?
 
I just held a '65 dash up to a '76 dash and see that they do NOT mount to the body the same ('65 bolts go vertical, '76 bolts go horizontal) and it looks like the reason that they went to the 3" gauges was that the 4" ones won't fit if you clear away for the bigger column and switches. Not insurmountable obstacles but worth mentioning.
BillM
 
And Bill M has as pre'68 Dash in his stash of parts he wants to not move.
 
The dashes are common enough. I just don't want to get another piece of a car if I'm not gonna be able to use it.
 
Someone needs to discuss how you handle the Key Lock on the '69 Column
 
Jim_Gruber said:
Someone needs to discuss how you handle the Key Lock on the '69 Column
Click to expand...

Can't it be retained and the hole in the dash repurposed?
 
I know it's possible to cut off the lock cylinder with a Dremel tool and disable the steering wheel lock? not something to worry about on a '69. I've read it can be done, someone will post the details. Bill M has a 65 dash for sale in his stash on Craig's List for $20.00 NFI on my part.
 
RickB has already said that he wants that dash (for his '72) so I guess that he gets to figure this out!! :smile:
BillM
 
Another adventure - there is something well, truly and deeply wrong with all of us!

:devilgrin:
 
RickB said:
Another adventure - there is something well, truly and deeply wrong with all of us!

:devilgrin:
Click to expand...

I am a glass half-full guy. I believe it speaks well of us to embark on such adventures to blaze new trails in frustration and curse-weaving for the vicarious edification of the internet audience.
 
Jim_Gruber said:
I know it's possible to cut off the lock cylinder with a Dremel tool and disable the steering wheel lock? not something to worry about on a '69. I've read it can be done, someone will post the details. Bill M has a 65 dash for sale in his stash on Craig's List for $20.00 NFI on my part.
Click to expand...
Why can't the column lock and the older dash peacefully coexist? It seems clear that the "bubble dash" will have to be modified to fit the "US dash" steering column bezel as indicated by the two different apetures shown in the pix below. What I am not clear on is alignment. It looks like the right side is already very close to the right side gauge in the bubble dash. Yes, the new term is bubble dash. Use it wisely. You're welcome.

SPM-094.gif

SPM-093.gif
 
58Custom said:
Why can't the column lock and the older dash peacefully coexist?
Click to expand...

<drips with sarcasm> Why can't we all just get along?! Cause that's not the way it is in the real world commie, liberal peacenik!
grin.gif
:devilgrin:

Bubble dash - I like it! next you'll want airbags
 
JPSmit said:
58Custom said:
Why can't the column lock and the older dash peacefully coexist?
Click to expand...

<drips with sarcasm> Why can't we all just get along?! Cause that's not the way it is in the real world commie, liberal peacenik!
grin.gif
:devilgrin:

Bubble dash - I like it! next you'll want airbags
Click to expand...

Don't get ahead of yourself, first you will want a water tight cabin...

Except for the safety factor - why not just use an early steering column?
Remember, our car is being built from a bare shell of an RWA Midget.
 
Only because you will have a bigger hole in the firewall to plug- that and your 16 YO son will be driving it and a safety-column is safer.
BillM
 
Well those are good points, I'll admit.

The son driving it is going to be my biggest issue, I suppose if you always wore a very good 4 point safety belt and had it properly adjusted the column wouldn't be as big an issue and a head on crash that could send the column through your chest would likely kill you in several other ways as well but this is an important subject nonetheless.

What about using the telescoping column without the cowling?
Removing the keylock from the column and using the dash mounted ignition wouldn't be that difficult with a properly powerful grinder. Then would the column fit the earlier dash slot? Maybe with just a bit of encouragement?

I have to run out for a Dr visit, will check on this thread in a bit.
 
Rick
That is a good possibility- I'll save one of the safety columns for you.
Bill
 
This is definitely going to be an adventure!
Thanks Bill, maybe I can come over later this week or sometime next week and relieve you of a large pile of stuff.
 
I do believe someone on this list used a Dremel to cut off the steering lock and then used something to dress out the column or maybe simply painted black and left it alone. Anyone got a dash available that can measure the opening for a Pre'68 dash? I need to go and look at my spare collapsible column out in the garage. OK Column is only 1 1/2" in diameter. The Steering Lock plate does provide some type of structural support it appears for the top of the column but looks like that could easily be modified. Or it could be left in place and likely would not interfere with anything. I can take pics of a naked column if needed. Here come the wierd minds with comments.
 
I can put that together and photo it, I just don't have a car to put them in
BillM
 
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