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- May 26, 2021
- Thunderbird Year
- 1957
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Please follow the posting prompts on your future posts. Your subject should be a brief summary of your post along with the model year. "dash board" could mean anything. Updating your title now.looking for information for installing a dashboard on a 1957 tbird I got the car was all parts were removed now I'm reinstalling them looking for information
There is also a 'Y' brace that attaches to the firewall just above the trans tunnel.Basically, the dash just slides in. Attachment points are around the front near the windshield (screws) and a bolt on the lower right and left side. I believe there is some anti-squeak material around the perimeter. Friction tape would be a good material to use.
Also the trim and sealer manual may be helpful.Aside from the manuals and exploded diagram illustrations, YouTube has videos with folks showing various stages of repair and rebuild. Search that several ways as some titles make little tie in to the scenes in some of those videos. I have watched almost anything I find that said ‘55-‘57 Thunderbird. You never know what can pop up. The restoration manual @jack-in-sac mentions is very helpful
When I had my dash out for painting, etc, I installed the gauges and wiring on the bench (I rewired the car at the same time). Get a friend to help you set it in place because it a mite big to handle by yourself.I’m ready to tackle the reinstall of the dash. As I stare at it, first question to come to mind is the proper sequencing. Gauges, switches, controls, lights, bezels, instrument cluster housing, et al are all lined up on my bench. The main wiring harness has yet to be installed. Steering column is out. Heating ductwork is in. Firewall insulation is in. My plan is to get the dash positioned to “slide” in, suspend the dash (ropes from the windshield frame), install instruments/gauges, etc. It seems like I should make as many electrical connections as possible at this point. Install windshield wiper motor. Then get the dash fixed to the frame.
Questions:
Is my sequence ok?
When should I install the radio?
Are there any heater controls I should address first?
I’m looking for confirmation or correction to my plan, but of course specific suggestions are always welcome.