Hi gang,

For those of you fortunate enough to have several of the mid 70's Effies......are the dashes (the large metal part that holds the glove box, instrument cluster and wiring / ignition switch) the same for 73 - 79 dashes? Are the bolt holes and defroster ducts in the same positions? And the dash pad, are they the same for these years?

Thanks....

 

laptopgeek, The metal portion of the dashes are the same, as for the defroster ducts, that section of the dash is incorporated with the windshield frame. Just in front of the padded cover are phillips head screws (5 or 6) remove these, there is also a bolt on each side, bolting the dash to each kick panel. There is also two bolts holding this above the steering column. There was a minor change in steering column trim (at the dash) early years this trim piece was metal and painted the same color as the dash, later models this trim piece was black plastic. Disconnect your switches etc. and there is also a bolt/nut holding your emergency brake assembly to the bottom edge of the dash, and you should be good to go. Loosening the two bolts that hold the steering column to its support helps a little bit to clear the steering column when removing the dash, so you don't scratch the column.

I just went through this repair also. I wanted a nice clean dash, so many of these have had holes drilled in them for one reason or another, CB mike brackets, toggle switches, etc. Hope this helps, if you have any more questions, just ask.

 

The only difference I've ever noticed is the a/c trucks have the vents through the front of the dash (one on each end and two in center), but non a/c trucks have no vents. Otherwise I believe they are the same.

Marty

 

DPW -- thanks for the detailed post!! I am also trying to get a clean dash - will post pix on my website later this year when it's complete --- I have something VERY interesting to share with the gang...!!...

73custom - thanks...I'd heard about the A/C vent thingie --- my 74 Customer had ONE option on it when it was ordered from the factory and that was an automatic transmission - that's ALL!!....I believe I have found a dash for Harrison (one that has a/c vents in it) and I'll be getting the vents WITH the dash, so it'll just "appear" I have A/C when I really don't - no big problem...or I could have a body shop "shave" the openings to make it a "non-a/c" style dash....

Regards....