Making a custom dash questions

[fireman1749]

I am getting ready to redo my dash and i have a few questions.

In the center of the dash, from the steering column to the glove box, i am going to cut the center out. I am going to put a new piece of metal in between, or I may just cover over the whole thing and just cut out where i need. I am planning on putting new gauges and toggle switches in.

How do you take all the bezels off, such as the heater controls and headlights, etc?

I am in NC right now and i want to go ahead and start of it, and my bronco in in TN at my house there. Can someone give me the measurements from the steering column to the glove box, and the height of the dash from the bottom to the dash pad?

Does anyone have pics of their dash?

 

[fireman1749]

anyone??

 

[cliffnbc]

I did the same thing to mine. Pics in gallery. As far as the bezels go ,I used needle nose pliers inserted into the slots on each side to remove them. Someone makes a tool for this but I had no problems.

 

[73stallion]

NicksTrix makes a new dash bezel tool that works perfectly, i have one and plan on buying a second one. they're sold through several vendors for like $15. well worth the money, when you consider most of the bezel nuts are not available.

 

[DU 001]

Dash

This is not a small task - I am almost finished with my dash redo.

Take off the dash pad.
Most knobs on switches have set screws in the stem - some don't.
Remove bezels nuts were applicable with Nick's tool.
The Heater Temp Switch/Cable and Defrost Switch/Cable are attached via nuts from behind the dash - not in front.
You're in for a lot of speciality cutting and notching on the new dash - KEEP THE OLD DASH THAT YOU CUT OUT so you can use it as a template for the ignition, headlight, wiper, hazard switches etc... as most, if not all, have special fittings and features for proper installation.
For instance, the Ignition Switch requires multiple notches to secure the coupler (spacer) from behind the dash, several more for the bezel, and finally 2 more for the ignition switch to mount up properly.
An Angle Grinder and a Dremmel with a cutting wheel will be your two best friends for this job.
There are defrost ducts you need to watch out for when cutting the old dash with the Angle Grinder if you get up high enough on the dash.
I would go with a Dash Overlay (JBG) if the remaining portions of the original dash are in bad shape.
Diamond plate overlay is nice but you have to use original speedo cluster and it's hard to get Auto Meter Gauges to "flush up" to the dash because of diamonds. I would use Jeff's steel overlay or make your own.

This is only a start, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions as I just went through the entire ordeal.

Also, someone just posted pics of their dash job the other day and it looked great.

Regards,

DU 001

 

[zdaily]

Bezel Nut Remover Tool

I would definitely go with the bezel nut remover tool. Will save time and hassle. I've tried about everything to remove them, but that tool will work the best. Remember, the cleaner you take it off the easier to clean it up and put it back on. Have fun, I'm doing the same thing right now.

 

[fireman1749]

Thanks a bunch yall... im going to start on it this week. Ill keep everyone posted

 

[fireman1749]

Can someone give me the measurements from the steering column to the glove box, and the height of the dash from the bottom to the dash pad?

 

[rednck21]

hey Jordan, i mounted my guages where the radio is supposed to be. i used a piece of stainless, but its not wide enought to put screws in the top. i still like it one day id like to get the whole stainless dash overlay, but for now this will do;D

 

[Scoop]

Can someone give me the measurements from the steering column to the glove box, and the height of the dash from the bottom to the dash pad?

26 3/4" x 6 3/4"

This is from the side of the steering column (not the trim piece) to the edge of the glove box opeing and from the bottom of the dash to the bottom edge of the dash pad. This is from a '74 Ranger, but that shouldn't make any difference.