68 Heater/AC Control Lense

[Kurt B.]

Does anyone have a procedure for replacing this lens?
I have removed console from car and removed blower switch to gain access to 4 screws holding plate which contains lens. Removed the 4 screws and still can't get to the lens. This is the plastic lens that is between the thumb wheels and reads "Cold" "Hot" "A/C" etc.
I really don't want to remove the thumb wheels if I don't need to as I will never get it back together again.
Any tips or suggestions appreciated.
Thank you,
Kurt

[Jack H.]

Re: 68 Heater/AC Control Lense

The thumb wheels, dial pointer strings and the whole nine yards have to come out to do what you're after! Also, NOBODY makes a correct repro plastic lens...the gradicules on the repros are 'fat' and 'fudgey' looking compared to factory originals and easy for a judge to detect.

So, take your time and when you have 'er all apart, use a low speed Dremel Tool with miniature polishing wheel + clear plastic scratch remover (Meguiars has a couple to choose from) to try and save your factory original lens if authenticity is your objective...

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68 Heater/AC Control Lense

Jack,
Thanks for responding.
I was unaware that the replacement lense was going to be different. I will need to look at that again as I purchased it many years ago and if it turns out that it is different from my original, I might be better off leaving mine alone. What happened was that at one point over the years I must have used a cleaner that was too strong and it hazed the portion of the lense up by the fan switch that says "Fan" and "High" I think. (The two tiny little squares) The rest of the lense is in good condition. I may just leave well enough alone as I am scared to death of those thumbwheels and strings. I don't need more trouble than I already have.
Kurt