YearOne’s custom dash insert is replacing the old stamped aluminum piece. YearOne’s panel is machined from 1/8″ aluminum plate and engine turned to give the look of the original. The panel will oxidize over time so you may want to clear anodize or clear coat if you decide to go this route.
A fair amount of modification is required to the dash in order to use this panel. If you don’t like the idea of cutting on your original dash, I would suggest you steer clear. The clean look of aftermarket gauges and modern a/c vents was enough justification for me. Note that this mod will also require relocation of the headlight, wiper, and defrost switches.
So let’s get right into the installation. The original stamped piece is comprised of two panels riveted together. The route I chose was to drill out the rivets of the top panel. This is the piece which holds the original panel to the underside of the dash with 3 screws. With the upper piece free, it was fastened back to the dash. The new dash insert was temporarily set in place. Some aluminum angle brackets were cut about a 1/2″ wide with a 5/32″ slot milled for adjustment.
With the panel still in place, the brackets were bonded in place using Fusor 109B metal bond. The two pieces have to be roughed up a little to get a good mechanical bond. A rotary tool with a medium/heavy grit sanding drum should do the trick. After the bonding adhesive was dry, the dash insert was removed. It can now be fastened to the upper panel with some #6-32 screws and nuts with plenty of adjustment.
