1969 B-Body Dash Restoration

[rikubot]

I've seen a few really good cluster restoration threads on this site but I haven't found one that includes the entire dash: frame, cluster, glovebox, radio, a/c & heater controls, pads etc. . Maybe it's redundant, but I am by no means an expert so I would like to see what others have done or get some input as I do my own. I started today by putting the dash up on an adjustable stand my friend built me. I then pulled the a/c & heater control unit and to my surprise (sarcasm) have already hit a hiccup: the plastic vacuum diverter box attached to the bezel is partially separated and was duct taped together. I'll most likely open it up and see if the giblets within are in good shape then try to glue it back together. That's as far as I've gotten but I will update as I go. Feel free to chime in at any time  

[PlainfieldCharger]

You might want to check the fan speed switch connections on the switch. It appears one is burnt. 

[Dino]

I tried repairing mine and then found out they sell them cheap brand new so I jsut replaced it. Much easier than dealing with that old stuff.

[rikubot]

Good to hear from ya Dino. Do you have a link? I couldn't find anything under $70 plus shipping, and I think those were NOS so I fear they may be dried out and brittle too. I do have another from a '68 that might be usable if I can find the thing.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332930439663

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153326067341

[rikubot]

Messed with some parts earlier today. After pulling the vinyl cover off of my dashpad (installed by the previous owner) I set the A/C controls back into the dash and noticed that since the cover isn't holding the bezel down, the thing is almost completely obscured by the dash pad. Not sure what's going on there. I also found my spare control using. It has a few parts buttons that are in better shape than mine, but the plastic control is completely missing the back piece so it's of little help. Also, if anyone has some pictures of the wiring that connects to the A/C controls OR the switch for the fan speed they would be much appreciated.

What would be the best lubricant for the inside of the control switch for the plastic push buttons?

[Dino]

Good to hear from ya Dino. Do you have a link? I couldn't find anything under $70 plus shipping, and I think those were NOS so I fear they may be dried out and brittle too. I do have another from a '68 that might be usable if I can find the thing.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332930439663

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F153326067341

It's been a long time so that link is long gone, but lemme see what I can find.

[rikubot]

Appreciate it. Looks like my next best choice is the brand new one from Summit at $119 shipped. The good thing is it's fairly easy to get to after the dash is in the car so it can go on the back burner if it has to.

[rikubot]

I ended up skipping the ac heater controls for now. They can be installed after the dash has been relatively easily. I ordered ten rolls of 18G wire, bulb contact terminals, some male and female terminals for the plugs, and some pigtails to get some wire harnesses built. The wire seems like good quality and the bulb contacts fit really well. I couldn't find anything that looked like the contact inside the globe box light. Is there a name for those? Or is there a place to get a new bulb socket?

[Bronzedodge]

I looked for one of those, then found one in a junkyard.  they are unusual - hold one side of the bulb.  that wire is constantly hot, btw, as the switch makes ground.

[Nacho-RT74]

Its a socket with a built in switch to allow ground to the bulb. These sockets feeds reversed to the common sockets feeding central contact ground through the built in switch and outer case positive from batt.

[Nacho-RT74]

here is one NOS...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312438382553

[Nacho-RT74]

one better priced.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303033613079

doesn't matter the application. All use same socket. The only difference is really the wire lenght and terminal to be sourced and that can be matched to your needs

[rikubot]

I thought about going to check the yard for something I could hack up but last night I was able to get the terminal off of the old wire and get it crimped relatively well to some new wire. I remember it not being like a normal wire because an LED won't work in it. That would be a nice place to have one too considering that it's so dim in there being that the light has to go through that small plastic filter in a small hole.

[Nacho-RT74]

Led light won't work because as explained, it's fed reversed.

the terminal end to the socket is VERY SPECIFIC to the socket. Its shaped to hold the bayonet end of the bulb. i don't think is an easy find if needing to replace

Cheaper but used:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOPAR-60s-70s-GLOVE-BOX-LAMP/312435225488?epid=1142014106&hash=item48be973390:g:n4IAAOSwJ~xcQ1zI:rk:38:pf:0

[rikubot]

I think I'll have to look For another one, at least the black plastic case part. Mine has a little crack in it. It works, but might as well fix it while it's all apart.

I also came across an interesting variation between two different '69 charger AC control lights, the left side has the front blacked out and the lights shining down onto the buttons:

[Nacho-RT74]

Do you mean the glove box switch/socket assembly? mine got broken too on the area where the terminal attaches. I simply fixed it with epoxy untill find a replacement.

[rikubot]

Yeah the socket part. Mines not really too bad and would probably hold, but since it's easy to swap I might as well.

[Nacho-RT74]

When replacing, disconect the batt

( don't ask how I know it    )

[Dino]

I think I'll have to look For another one, at least the black plastic case part. Mine has a little crack in it. It works, but might as well fix it while it's all apart.

I also came across an interesting variation between two different '69 charger AC control lights, the left side has the front blacked out and the lights shining down onto the buttons:

Left is 69, right is 68.

[rikubot]

That's very interesting. The left one came out of my buddy's relatively unmolested '69 and the right came out of MY '69. One more thing I thought was original to the car but isn't  

[rikubot]

I've made a little progress on the dash. Got it all torn apart and I'm in the process of stripping it to the bare metal as best I can. I am planning on shooting it with Eastwood's 2k rattle can Rat Rod Black. I have been looking at dash pads too and was wondering if you guys had any recommendations. I've seen them going for $185 all the way up to $490 on Classic, which I think is ridiculous. I'd love to see pictures and hear your experiences.

[rikubot]

Little more.

[lukedukem]

I'll be following this for sure.
Looks like you had a good starting point

Luke

[rikubot]

I'll be following this for sure.
Looks like you had a good starting point

Luke

Awesome. I'll do my best to make a good example. There are a couple little things that need to be addressed on the frame before I paint it (cut off gauge cluster mounting point, buttload of extra holes drilled, some bent up parts) but it was in pretty good shape overall.

[rikubot]

Getting there. All the crevices and cutouts are making this a bit grueling. I plan to get it all the way down to metal on the visible surfaces then do a quick sandblast to rough up the surface for primer. The back side I'll probably just scuff really well and prime.