Holy Dash Cluster

[Joe C.]

Yes, it's a "hole-ey" cluster all right. The cannonized cluster I am referring to is for a 1965, and it appears to have a few extra screw holes drilled into its bottom surface (the horizontal surface where the vent pulls are attached). In my quest for perfection, and the true meaning of life, it is apparent that I must fill in any extra holes, so as to make the cluster appear as it did when it was first born, and free from sin (although not Original Sin), but alas, I am not sure which holes must be exorcised/excised.

This car is non A/C, and so as far as I know, the only items that are attached in this area are the left and right fresh air pulls(2 holes each), the headlight door actuation switch(1 hole on each side of the rectangular cutout on the left side of the cluster) , and 1 hole on either side of the column to mount the column bezel. In addition to the above, there is another rectangular cutout on the left side with a hole on each side of it, and there are 2 more pairs of holes on opposite sides of the column.

You would lead me to the Holy Grail if you could describe the holes, their locations and functions, as surely God will smile upon you for doing this.

God bless you,
Joe

[Wayne M.]

I'm not normally a religious man, but...

...you had me down on my knees (under the '65 dashes of my air coupe and non-air convert.) in search for truth.

Let's start on the passenger side bottom of the instrument panel housing casting and work left. Under the ignition switch are two holes for the rear blower motor and vent cable for air coupes. These are unused for air cars with 36 gal. Next are two holes for the right kick-pad fresh air vent, located just to the right of the steering column. This location would be used for the LEFT kick-pad vent cable location on an air car. Next is the steering column cut-out with the two holes for the escutcheon screws to either side. Then come the two holes for the left kick-pad vent on non-air cars. Immediately to the left is a cut out with a screw hole to its left side for the headlight up/down switch for air cars (unused in your case). The screw hole to the right of this switch cut-out is common use for the left vent cable on non-air cars. To the left of the cut-out is a pair of holes that are for the rear blower motor actuator cable on non-air coupes; not used on convertibles or 36 gal cars. Then, finally, is the cut-out with 2 holes for the headlight up/down switch on non-air cars.

As my coupe has the C60/N03 combo, I'm left with a single cable (left kick-pad vent), mounted to the right of the steering column.

Things got much better in '66 with the elimination of the rear blower vent/motor cable.

[Wayne M.]

I'm not normally a religious man, but...

...you had me down on my knees (under the '65 dashes of my air coupe and non-air convert.) in search for truth.

Let's start on the passenger side bottom of the instrument panel housing casting and work left. Under the ignition switch are two holes for the rear blower motor and vent cable for air coupes. These are unused for air cars with 36 gal. Next are two holes for the right kick-pad fresh air vent, located just to the right of the steering column. This location would be used for the LEFT kick-pad vent cable location on an air car. Next is the steering column cut-out with the two holes for the escutcheon screws to either side. Then come the two holes for the left kick-pad vent on non-air cars. Immediately to the left is a cut out with a screw hole to its left side for the headlight up/down switch for air cars (unused in your case). The screw hole to the right of this switch cut-out is common use for the left vent cable on non-air cars. To the left of the cut-out is a pair of holes that are for the rear blower motor actuator cable on non-air coupes; not used on convertibles or 36 gal cars. Then, finally, is the cut-out with 2 holes for the headlight up/down switch on non-air cars.

As my coupe has the C60/N03 combo, I'm left with a single cable (left kick-pad vent), mounted to the right of the steering column.

Things got much better in '66 with the elimination of the rear blower vent/motor cable.

[Joe C.]

Praise Be To God !!

Maybe my cluster is not so "holy" after all, for it has the same holes that you describe, and therefore the exorcism is not necessary.

For your kind indulgence I will say 2 Our Fathers and 2 Hail Marys on your behalf.

I come in peace,
Joe

PS: The Lord came to me and said he heard you praying while you were on your knees gathering that very valuable information for me.

[Joe C.]

Praise Be To God !!

Maybe my cluster is not so "holy" after all, for it has the same holes that you describe, and therefore the exorcism is not necessary.

For your kind indulgence I will say 2 Our Fathers and 2 Hail Marys on your behalf.

I come in peace,
Joe

PS: The Lord came to me and said he heard you praying while you were on your knees gathering that very valuable information for me.