[croker]

has anyone ever did one,if so can you walk me through it, or tell me what i'am in for?? like do the gauges stay put,or are they attatched to the bezel,and can it be done in a day. thanks in advance john.

 

[NickeyChevelle]

If you're talking stock Dash Carrier to Repro stock Dash Carrier, yes I've done it -- several times, and it gets easier each time. Having three or four hands helps a lot.

First remove the driver's seat, then drop the steering column, remove the radio, unhook the speedometer cable, remove the screws for the heater controls (don't forget the screw for the brace that's under the dash) and then the A/C (if so equipped), then remove the carrier's screws while supporting the old carrier -- it helps to leave the top screws for last and then remove them from the center out to both sides of the carrier. Unplug the dash bulb sockets (at least one socket will seperate and the bulb will fall into the dash). Unscrew the Cigar Lighter, and one or two ground wires that are attached to the instrument carrier. That should be it...

You'll need to change over all the parts (WSW Switch, Headlamp Switch, gauges, etc.) and put the Dash Carrier assembly back together (get some plastic model cement to glue any stripped screws back in) and then install the Dash Carrier.

One day job? It will be a LONG day.

 

[croker]

sound like this is gonna be a fun day,i appreciate the info thanks john.

 

[Mike 69 SS396]

I've done a dash replacement as well. The light switch needs to be removed as well by removing knob and unscrewing retaining nut. If not, it is a frustrating time trying to unplug connector from switch. I would fit repop dash replacement without instrument cluster to align all screw holes. Pluging instrument cluster lamp sockets back into cluster after dash is installed is not fun. I extended the length of each wire to make installation a breeze. I attached a few pics. A long day indeed, took me a few days.

 

[NickeyChevelle]

Pluging instrument cluster lamp sockets back into cluster after dash is installed is not fun. I extended the length of each wire to make installation a breeze.

Good point -- I actually bought replacement lamp plugs from my local auto parts stores (nobody carried enough!).

AND, if by chance you have an auto on the column be sure to block the car's wheels as dropping the column causes the transmission to move out of park.

 

[max69chevelle]

Bringing back from the dead as the shop is about to replace my dash carrier. Where do I get those metal clips that the screws go into? Also, where do I buy more screws? Looked everywhere and cant find it....

 

[blm]

Bringing back from the dead as the shop is about to replace my dash carrier. Where do I get those metal clips that the screws go into? Also, where do I buy more screws? Looked everywhere and cant find it....

Try AMK products. They have a minimum order though. Some vendors do carry AMK products and don't have a minimum. If I recall correctly NPD carries some AMK stuff.
To the OP. Everything Bruce said plus you will have to remove the knobs on the heater controls. They just twist off with some pliers with tape (to prevent scratching knobs) on the jaws. A dab of RTV to reinstall. If you are installing a repo bezel the fit has not been that good in the past. I did one maybe ten years ago and had a time getting the new bezel to fit. If I was to do it gain I would have had my original restored. Might as well change all the bulb sockets while the bezel is out. 69 bulb sockets fall apart when one disconnects them. I believe Dorman products makes a replacement socket that will fit. Plus if you replace the sockets it will allow you to lengthen the wiring to the sockets so you could plug the sockets into the gauges before you reinstall the bezel. Might want a second set of hands to reinstall the bezel.

 

[von]

I recently did a bezel replacement on my '69. You'll probably need some replacement dash light sockets since old ones tend to pull apart and the bulbs fall inside the gauge housing. The only replacements I found that were near stock appearing and functioning were at Summit.

 

[max69chevelle]

Thanks! I ordered a Master Interior Fastener kit from NPD, it was AMK products. Expensive but will include lots of screws that I may need later on.

 

[BobinPA]

I have done my 68 a few times. When I installed a painless dash harness the extra length made reconnecting the ignition and headlight switches much easier. For the dash lamps I would look at getting some 5/8" 2 wire sockets and wire all the grounds together to a solid ground. The dorman replacement 1 wire sockets are not much better than the factory originals. I bought a kit of bezel replacement screws from ground up. Comes with all the screws you need.

 

[max69chevelle]

So this is from the assembly manual

Looks like I need those J Nuts and U Nuts. Part numbers: 3860140 and 9422242

Google wasn't able to find those for me... Any ideas??

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

NAPA has a book with all the old clips and screws from our cars in it. In the past I have been able to find many things I needed in that book.


Idk if the clips you need are in there but pretty sure all the screws are.

 

[max69chevelle]

I'd have to go to the Napa store?

 

[Shane 69 Hugger]

I'd have to go to the Napa store?

Yea


Depending on your napa guys, years ago I went in and said I needed screws for my Chevelle and the guy said theres a "clip book" over there...

I opened it up and there they were.

 

[max69chevelle]

Awesome!!