Midyear Instrument Panel

[Michael M.]

Hi, I have what I thought was a 1965 Instrument panel for my car that I purchased sometime back [haven`t finished car] It has acc,lock,off,on, and start on the Ign Switch lettering. I have been informed that this is a 63-64 panel. That the 65-67 has accessory,off, on and start. It has 65 guages in it but a new 65 ign switch didn`t fit. It this the reason [shank with threads was too short]? Will this work for my 65 with the exception of the lettering and Ign Switch? The bezels are black with chrome edges like the 65-67. Any info would be apreciated. Thanks, Mike

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

Mike, the 63 cluster/instrument panel has a different shape where it fits over the steering column. It was unique to 63. Do you have Noland Adam's book. Very late 63 models used the 64 cluster. Best I can recall the 64 to 67 was the same?

Let's hear from others

[Michael H.]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

Mike,

I agree with Harry. The 63 only steering column opening would be a clue, but most of all, the "off" position for the ign switch would absolutely eliminate the possibility of this housing being correct for your 65. There wasn't an "Off" for 65 and later. I suppose someone painted the housing to look like 65-67 with the all black color.

[Michael M.]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

Hi Michael, All Midyears have the "OFF". I went through my collection of pictures and all had OFF but only 64 maybe 63 had the "LOCK" position. Yhe E-Bay item is 4639632463. I don`t mind mine having the "LOCK" if it will work with my 65. If the description is correct this is a fairly nice panel and I have bought from this seller before and gotten nice stuff. Surly someone on the forum has done this before. Thanks again, Mike

[Michael H.]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

Yes, you are correct. It's the "lock" position, not the "off" position,that's missing on 65-67. In 63-64, you could remove the keys while the switch was in the on position, then turn off the ignition.

[Bob R.]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

The panels will fit all 63-67 cars. However Harry was correct about the 63 being different. The steering column opening for the 63 is shorter or lower. The escussion for the 63 is also shorter to fit properly. The 64-67 escussions have a knotch cut into them to fit around the steering columns.
If you try to use a 63 panel you will have to modify the escussion and your steering column will sit lower then it was designed for. The 64-67 panels should be interchangable.

[Michael M.]

Re: Midyear Instrument Panel

Thanks All, Mike