1969 Dart Street/Strip (Re)Build
Trying to make a push this week to get the dash insert done so I can start getting into the install of the new wiring. I've pretty well figured out how to get it bolted down. There's a mount for the column that goes vertically behind the dash. I welded 2 long threaded rods to the top of the insert on the back side and drilled holes through the steering column mount to match. That will hold the top of it in. Then I'll weld some bolts to the back side of the bottom of the insert to attach to the original metal of the dash. That should keep it nice and tight. I had to replace a small section where the radio and heater cutouts used to be. Some of the insert took up a lot of that space, but not all of it. I'm hoping I got the bend in the right position on the replacement piece. It was hard to tell but it looks close to me. I won't really truly know until I get the dash filled, faired, and painted. Then it will stick out like a sore thumb and drive me nuts if it's off. We'll see. Here's a few pics of the progress. I think that it will turn out pretty nice when it's all done.
Trying to make a push this week to get the dash insert done so I can start getting into the install of the new wiring. I've pretty well figured out how to get it bolted down. There's a mount for the column that goes vertically behind the dash. I welded 2 long threaded rods to the top of the insert on the back side and drilled holes through the steering column mount to match. That will hold the top of it in. Then I'll weld some bolts to the back side of the bottom of the insert to attach to the original metal of the dash. That should keep it nice and tight. I had to replace a small section where the radio and heater cutouts used to be. Some of the insert took up a lot of that space, but not all of it. I'm hoping I got the bend in the right position on the replacement piece. It was hard to tell but it looks close to me. I won't really truly know until I get the dash filled, faired, and painted. Then it will stick out like a sore thumb and drive me nuts if it's off. We'll see. Here's a few pics of the progress. I think that it will turn out pretty nice when it's all done.