Dash re-installation

[Ts & As]

OK - after many months the dash on my 57 is completely restored and ready for re-installation. I have the firewall pad, heater plenum and windshield wiper motor in place. Will run the vacuum lines before I do the dash work. What am I forgetting to finish before the dash install? By the way - the windshield is out of the frame.

[nomadbird]

Sounds like you have it pretty well covered. I'm assuming the pedal hangar bracket that mounts to the firewall is already in place.
Tom

[Ts & As]

Thanx Tom

Yes - the brake pedal is mounted also. Do I have anything to worry about with the vent cables or heater control cables?

[nomadbird]

I recommend starting the "Left Air" cable along with the main harness through the hole in the firewall when the dash is raised to its' proper height, but before sliding it into position. This is a good time to start the air flapper cable on the right side also. It is easier to slide the grommets over the cables and the harness from the engine side of the firewall after the dash is in its' mounted position.

A couple other points: I prefer installing the windshield wiper control switch and the hood release cable before starting the dash installation.

All should go smoothly,Tom

[gbhrps]

I've been following this thread with interest. Question:.....when do you suggest the steering column be installed?

[nomadbird]

The steering column is the first thing to remove and the last thing to install.

Tom

[gbhrps]

Many thanks! I appreciate your response, and in record time. I'll be reassembling my 55 starting in February, and the dash install sequence has been the thing that has had me the most concerned.

[Ts & As]

Well thanx to the help of nomadbird - dash is in, steering column is in and windshield is in. Could write a book on it. For instance installed the column 6 times before I got it right. Good luck with your 55.

Tom 57 Dusk Rose

[stephen]

Ts and As,

Here's where you're asked to write that book you were talking about...

I'm repainting/interior my '56. Took the windshield out last night. In order to remove the top chrome, I was told it would press forward, and then be rotated toward the rear of the car, coming off over the header. Didn't work. I just took the retainer and pulled it out of the weatherstrip sideways, and the chrome was released. Great. Two questions:

1. How does it go back together?
2. Where do the clips fit in?

Thanks.

[Ts & As]

Sorry - been away for a week. The clips (I had 7 on the 57) fit lined up with the small chrome tabs on the top chrome rear edge with the point of the clip facing forward. The clips snap into the two windshild weatherstrip retainers at the outside top of the windshild and then you snap down on the top of the frame toward the rear. I think the 56 calls for screws through those tabs into the frame but I had no holes in my frame. The clips should be tight enough to slide into the chrome from the ends into place and stay put during installation. You must have the buttom chrome (mirror/sunvisors etc.) off the car before you attack the top chrome. Let me know if that helped! Your winshild and retainers should be frimly in place first before you attack the chrome.

[ 02-05-2003: Message edited by: Ts & As ]

[ronp806]

I saw a post detailing installation of 57 dash pad. Didn't save it, cant find it now.would someone please repost it. I have old nos pad. kind of stiff around outer edges. your help is grately appreciated.Thanks Ronp806

[jannypan]

Many thanks!