Before and After of a Dash Restoration

[peterro]

Hey Cody, nice work. Can you install the whole unit you have pictured at once? After seeing the pictures it kinda looks like that's how the factory would have done it.

[Street_Challenged73]

Cody,

I think that a complete "How-To" online D-I-Y photo directory would be great for the E-body community!   There have been others that have done these sort of websites for other vehicle platforms (like my other car) & it's really nice to have that resource at your fingertips whenever you're about to tackle something you haven't done before or need some additional guidance in finishing up.

BTW: The dash looks great!

[burdar]

Can you install the whole unit you have pictured at once?

Yes, that's how the factory did it.  There are two bolts at the bottom and four at the top at the base of the windshield...that's it.  All the wiring is contained on the dash.  Once those 6 fasteners are installed, you can start connecting all the wiring. 

Just make sure the two steering colomn studs sticking out of the bottom of the brake pedal bracket are removed.  Those studs go down through the dash frame and can be installed once the dash is in.

['Cuda Hunter]

Do the resto thread. I would love to read it.

Great looking work.

[jimynick]

Do the resto thread. I would love to read it.

Great looking work.
 

[Cuda Cody]

Here's the suede codes for the dash and other interior items for 1970.  It's neat the way it looks so original with the suede texture and not just flat back.

  I have several dash parts that I bought NOS. There is a slight difference in the texture of the paint.  It is only slight.  I bought them to get an idea of what the paint should look like. The paint is very easy to get.  Just go to any PPG paint supply house.  It is Ditzler paint code 9388 for the black.  I have the other codes for other colors if someone needs them.

Cory, the dash looks great.

[Cuda Cody]

Yes, it's real easy to put everything together on the bench and install it as one unit.  The cable the vents is the only hard thing you'll have to hook up after you put the dash in..... the rest of the wires and connections are real easy to get to.

Hey Cody, nice work. Can you install the whole unit you have pictured at once? After seeing the pictures it kinda looks like that's how the factory would have done it.

[Challenger6pak]

Cory,
  I have a 70&71  Chrysler book here.  I also have the 71 book.   I don't have the 70 only book.  My codes are the same in both books.  I wonder if there was a mid year change?  I wonder if the color was different for a woodgrain dash than a ribbed dash?  I have access to both dashes that are original.  I'm going to see what I can find out. 

[Chlngrcrzy]

That dash looks sweet. Would you recommend i pull mine out to finish the gauges, controls, wiring, etc. or can i build it with the dash and frame already instaled. Mine is installed, as well as the heater box and defrost venst arein in.

[Cuda Cody]

The dash is so easy to remove and it makes it really easy to work on when it's out so I personally would pull it out to finish it.

That dash looks sweet. Would you recommend i pull mine out to finish the gauges, controls, wiring, etc. or can i build it with the dash and frame already instaled. Mine is installed, as well as the heater box and defrost venst arein in.

[burdar]

The dash is so easy to remove and it makes it really easy to work on when it's out so I personally would pull it out to finish it.

 

The heater box and defrost vents go in first.  Assemble the entire dash assembly outside of the car.  It will go much faster that way.  Not only durring assembly but installation as well.

[peterro]

Just wen to the local paint store (Foster Auto Parts) and they don't do interior paint by code. They just have a rack of spray cans of SEM in various colors. So when I asked who does, he said nobody does that anymore. I think his view of the world is limited. Oh well. Now to find the right place in town.

That's OK, I still need to build a box to contain the media when I blast the frame. It's kinda big.

[burdar]

That's what I was told too when I called the paint supply store.  You can get the correct suede paint from a guy on Moparts.  Look in the "hot deals and new products" section for the thread. 

I used SEM Trim Black and it's a color match to the paint on my dash frame.(73)  I sprayed it from a farther distance on the last coat to give it a slight texture.  It's a cheap alternative.     

[Cuda Cody]

Just come over to my place and do it in my blast cabinet.  I can get you the suede paint locally too.  Just call me when you want to set up a time.

Just wen to the local paint store (Foster Auto Parts) and they don't do interior paint by code. They just have a rack of spray cans of SEM in various colors. So when I asked who does, he said nobody does that anymore. I think his view of the world is limited. Oh well. Now to find the right place in town.

That's OK, I still need to build a box to contain the media when I blast the frame. It's kinda big.

[peterro]

Fantastic! I'll do it. Thanks.