1972 Dash Reinstallation

[Patrick H.]

Hello All,

I spent a lot of the day in the garage working on Dad's 72, and unfortunately have a new problem.

The original upper dash pad was severely cracked, so I replaced it with an Al Knoch piece. No problem, and I also reinstalled the two original dash "pods" containing the speedo/tach as well as the map pocket.

The problem I now have is this: I do not seem to have enough room between the "pods" to reinstall the center gauge cluster. There is plenty of room for most of it, but the top 3-4" (vertically) seems too narrow. I have loosened the pods from the dash pad, but still I am not able to insert the gauge cluster in place. As the cluster housing is $160 to replace, and easy to break, I am not forcing it. I have used my old broken cluster piece to try and work out a solution, but without success.

Reinstalling the cluster is something I have done several (?) times on my 71 without fail, so all I can think of is that the new upper dash pad has positioned the "pods" about 1/8" too close together to allow the center gauges to fit.

Has anyone else had this problem before? Any suggestions? Taking out the pods and reinstalling is NOT my favorite Corvette activity, but I am open for suggestions.

Thanks in advance,

Patrick

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1972 Dash Reinstallation

Hi Patrick:

I have fought this battle also but not in the area you describe. I wouldn't think the upper pad could not move the main cluster and passenger map pocket pad that much because of the overlapping, (wrapping) of these parts around the door jamb upright. You might attempt removing the passenger side map pocket pad , loosening the drivers side completely, installing the center cluster then installing the passenger side, always remembering the fragile nature of these resin pieces. I hope this works for your situation, as you so aptly said these aren't any fun at all.

jerjer

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1972 Dash Reinstallation

Hi Patrick:

I thought about your problem all day while sitting at a car show, asked a few friends and all agree that the center cluster should go in first. It is a very tight fit under any conditions and if the main cluster and passengers map pad have sat out of the car for any length of time they can "grow" a bit, the upholstery, although compressed for years seems to expand when there is no tension on the pads. With the center cluster in place the main and passenger pads are a tight fit but should go in. Hope this is a remedy that works for your situation.

jer

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1972 Dash Reinstallation

Thanks Jerry.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

1972 Dash Reinstallation Update

Jerry,

I loosened the drivers side dash pod, and was able to get the center cluster in place and attached to the passenger side pod. I could then put the drivers side back in place.

Getting the AC vent/wiper switch piece in place, however, was just as difficult. I didn't make too many scratches you can see...

In a couple of days we'll add the radio and go from there.

Thanks for your help.

Patrick