Relocating the center DEF/HEAT/FAN/TEMP light bar & knobs to left of steering wheel?

[Jeff B]

Relocating the center DEF/HEAT/FAN/TEMP light bar & knobs to left of steering wheel?

***PLEASE READ AND HELP ME OUT GUYS***

Anyone relocate the center dash ligt bar and control knobs over the radio to the left side of the steering wheel where the gauge cluster goes? I am trying to design my custom dash and am wondering if relocating these pieces will work or not.

My questions are as follows:

Will they fit behind the dash w/o clearence problems?

Moved so far to the left, will the pull cords still move correctly and work properly like they are supposed to or will it be too contorted?

If I get a welder to tac a few pieces in behind my spare dash, can I fill in the small holes and uneven spaces with fiberglass and sand smooth and paint?

Or will a dash overlay be the easiest way. I am putting in VDO gauges but would like to keep everything else as stock as possible. I am planning on losing the glovebox, ashtray, speaker vent area and gauge cluster.

If I get the overlay, I think that would be a lot of cutting and one mistake and it's over. Also, with the indentions of where the light and wipers go into the dash, will the knob housings fit over the FLAT overlay?

Any tips or tricks anyone can pass along?

SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS. I'M REALLY SCRATCHING MY HEAD ON THIS ONE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS. I ONLY WANT TO DO THIS ONCE! ?:?

THANKS!

 

[JaxLax]

If i can do it...

quote:
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Originally posted by Jeff B
***PLEASE READ AND HELP ME OUT GUYS***

Anyone relocate the center dash ligt bar and control knobs over the radio to the left side of the steering wheel where the gauge cluster goes? I am trying to design my custom dash and am wondering if relocating these pieces will work or not.

My questions are as follows:

Will they fit behind the dash w/o clearence problems? yup, since they are not as deep as the stock speedo

Moved so far to the left, will the pull cords still move correctly and work properly like they are supposed to or will it be too contorted? not sure, but you can get ones cut for your length, someones got to do it...

If I get a welder to tac a few pieces in behind my spare dash, can I fill in the small holes and uneven spaces with fiberglass and sand smooth and paint? i don't see why not...

Or will a dash overlay be the easiest way. I am putting in VDO gauges but would like to keep everything else as stock as possible. I am planning on losing the glovebox, ashtray, speaker vent area and gauge cluster. if you don't want anything, then yes, go with an overlay...

If I get the overlay, I think that would be a lot of cutting and one mistake and it's over. Also, with the indentions of where the light and wipers go into the dash, will the knob housings fit over the FLAT overlay? well, if you have a welder you can patch your mistakes, but if you are careful, it shouldn't be a problem. and the knobs have one small hole that goes into the dash to keep them in place, all you would have to would be to drill it.

Any tips or tricks anyone can pass along? i moved mine when i put in my new radio. see...


SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS. I'M REALLY SCRATCHING MY HEAD ON THIS ONE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS. I ONLY WANT TO DO THIS ONCE!

THANKS!
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see: i moved mine from under the knobs to over. all i needed was a drill to make a pilot hole and an orbital saw. DON'T be afraid. All these parts have a margin of error. the part that goes behind the dash isn't as big in all directions as it appears, so the main concern is making a level cut. They are like speakers, the area that needs to be removed is often an inch smaller than the width of the speaker and once they are in, you don't see the hole anyway...