Jim: My dash was also falling apart at the seams. After removal, I glued the
separations and clamped them tightly together again. But I didn't glue the
laminate finish. It was in bad shape so I removed it with a razor knife. This
was not difficult since the laminate had already decided to start removing
itself many years back. After the plywood was solid and sturdy again, I went
to an antique furniture repair shop. He had many selections of veneer to
choose from. I liked what he called "fiddle back" so that is what I applied to
the plywood. When it was dried, I very carefully cut out the
instruments/switches holes with the exacto knife. The dash was done the same
way.
At this time, I decided that I didn't like the large knob that controlled the
dash lights. I never understood the purpose if it. At full bright, the lights
are still too dim. So, I cut a round plywood plug to fit it the backside of
the hole and glued it in. I took the wires to the lights and connected them
together. now I have full bright full time and no fiddling with that cheap
rheostat.
During this project, I also relocated my ignition to the dash (where it
belongs, IMHO). But that is another subject.
The dash renewal job is a long and painstaking project but when it is
finished, it looks great. After I was finished putting everything back
together again, it all worked except for the amp gage. Somehow I crossed the
wires and for the next year it worked backwards. Showing + when starting and -
when running. But that was an easy fix. Gary
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