[Chuck]

Fitting the Dashboard II

The air conditioning unit has three controls: fan speed, AC temperature, and a cable operated temperature control. We also will be installing a fire suppression system. The original GT had no air conditioning, so we wanted to place the controls in a location other than the switch panels on either side of the dash. A small panel, nine inches wide and two inches tall, was fabricated out of aluminum and secured under the dash, centered below the main switch panel. This ‘biased’ the location towards the passenger side to prevent interference with the driver’s right leg but yet looked appropriate. This extra panel is not obvious, but easily seen and within easy reach from the driver’s seat.

To secure the switch panels and the dash grill Nutserts were used. These are slick little gadgets that make screwing the panels in place a breeze, particularly since the panels are installed and removed many times during the wiring and installation process. We put old screws in them when the dash was painted and primed to avoid gumming up the threads. A picture of a Nutsert is below.

We sanded the dash smooth and sprayed it with primer, sanded again, and then sprayed it with several coats of low gloss engine paint. We were pleased with the results. Next we will install the gauges and move ahead with the wiring.