1961 install sequence
I'm putting my '61 back together and after a front clip, engine and chassis completed along with bumpers and much elapsed time, I'm up to the dash area. I have the dash ready for the pad, the grab bar and then the windshield. Doors are empty and off the car. They've been fitted, removed and painted. After I've installed the pad and windshield, is there a "sequence" to re-installing all the other "stuff"? I know the AIM shows the technical aspects of everything but has anyone developed a step-by-step list in order of installation. I'm trying to avoid installing stuff and then removing stuff because I'm installing over stuff that shouldn't be there. A certain amount of this is intuitive, I know, but I'm trying to shorten the learning curve as much as possible. If anyone has a list (handwritten or otherwise) I'd sure appreciate taking a peek at what you have. Or if what I'm looking for already exists somewhere, would you direct me there?
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Re: 1961 install sequence
How much stuff are we talking about? Was everything inside and under the dash removed? -
Re: 1961 install sequence
All the stuff! Completely bald under and atop the dash. Dash pad and grab bar are going in this week. Windshield is to be assembled and test fitted also this week. Then begins everything else. I'd love to have a list from which I could install and check off. I know some of these things are difficult to install and that doesn't bother me. It's just that I'd rather not make things more difficult by doing things out of order and work against myself. Sometimes my intuition is just plain wrong, wrong, wrong. Anything you can do to make this process more smooth would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.Comment
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Re: 1961 install sequence
I know of no list that covers the precise sequence of reassembly of all of those pieces....
I will tell you that getting the windshield wiper cables/pulley/center drum installed early on would be wise while you have the dash gauge pod and passenger side insert out... See picture.... Likewise with the cowl vent handle and door... If you are installing a new dash harness this is prob a good time to do it.
Clock (radio and heater knobs next if you have them)... If you are assembling the entire car after a repaint then things you might not think about are the top fender stainless steel windsplits. Doing those now gives you good access to the two rearmost mounting studs on the inside of the cockpit. You'll need to put some dum-dum in those holes to prevent water intrusion...
You want to install the dash pad and glue the forward edge down in the windshield channel securely before installing the windshield frame...
You want to have nice uniform gaps between the vertical door posts and the windshield end pillars....part of that is how many rubber shims you use under the windshield pillar at the ends most cars take two, some just one or three... The door post can be adjusted separately but only have so much movement. You want to be very careful installing the windshield frame, do not get carried away tightening the "T" bolts that hold it on...
Here are a few other articles that may help... I have many pictures from when I restored my 61 along with articles I've written and friends have authored... You can PM me and I'll provide my email address if you want some of this info - too big to post here....including rebuilding the door guts, installing the dash instruments, adding the much needed fuses for safer driving, etc.. Even how to install new carpet in about an hour.Comment
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Re: 1961 install sequence
Make sure that the firewall insulation is one of the first things installed!Comment
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