So yesterday, my project was to drop that steering column. A late model dash, the lower dash closeout is an aftermarket fiberglass panel vinyl covered. Remember when it’s an aftermarket part the key phrase is “it almost fits perfect”. Sometimes it’s actually is barely fits with a pile of work! Those vents don’t look too bad…right? Well, those are original louvers stuck into the holes…they don’t move
The lowering kit is installed under this panel. The steering column opening will need to be modified cutting is down 2″ plus we installed a USB charge outlet but we need some vent that can move in the hole. Here we go, that’s better
With this done, I need to get into the dash to install the lowering kit, Phillip & Katlyn is finishing up the FiTech fuel injection system plus replacing the dash AC compressor, with the motor open I have to wait until this morning to get in there
but now that that’s done, my job is clear this morning
This coach got the first set of LED projector headlight, Junior got another set in Mr. Clean too
Jared pulled in, page 2 later may show you the column dropped and the panel back in…see ya later.
Hey, while I’m licking my wounds getting the steering column lowered on John’s dash I figured I’d process the pics and finish this project up for ya.
So with the funky fiberglass lower dash closeout modified and ready to go in, using Ma McNeal’s lowering kit (look him up at ( www.custominstrumentpanels.com ) It’s really important to have the steering column secured tight, Mac’s kit has a stiffned plate that when tightened up the entire assembly “swedges ” together….actually quite ingenious.
As you can see, the steering column was never recolored, this must have been a Palm Beach. Before installing the lower dash panel I’ll prep and dye that spot….you can see how far down the column now is.
Of course the flexible duct is shredded so putting in the panel takes a little finesse. Wiring the USB charge port to the radio controller it will not be sucking current when not in use. Here’s the new driver view of the gauge clusters
Even though this is an original dash, with the brushed aluminum bezel the motorized DIN radio, vacuum and trans temp gauges and USB port, the dash has a fresh look.