1970 Lower Dash - Think this can this be restored?

[Twisted_Metal]

If you need to adjust the radio antenna trimmer screw... Do it before you install the radio.
(I'm not sure where it is on a 70 AM radio but the access holes look a little tight.)

 

[80WA7113]

Thanks for the tip and I'll definitely check that out. Honestly though, I HIGHLY doubt we'll ever be listening to any AM radio stations when were in the car...but, on the other hand, I'm very much a stickler for everything having to work as it should, whether it'll be used or not, so I'll check it before installation.

 

[severum17]

Again, thanks for all the compliments, they're very much appreciated!

Ok then, back to the dash...we're now of the final leg of this journey.

I'm happy with how the face repair came out, but I wanted to make sure that the face surface was entirely smooth and devoid of any flaws, especially where the resin/glass mix meets the dash, so I decided to put down a layer of clear coat over the entire surface. Once the clear set up, I sanded the face with 600 grit to get the desired finish, then proceeded to shoot a couple of coats of dye.

Here are the results:

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And last, but not least, the final test fit of the radio:


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At the start of this project, I had a vision of what I wanted to accomplish, but I really didn't know if I would hit the level of quality I was attempting to achieve. All I can say is; I will be more than happy to use this lower dash in my car. I am extremely picky, and this part checks all the right boxes.

Great job! Looks awesome!

 

[hubedobeedo]

my daughter asked me where my stereo was in mine. i told her the two speakers were at the back of the car lol

 

[80WA7113]

I'm really glad I saved this lower dash. I finally got around to trimming it out, adding the glove box door and the passenger side vent. I was able to get everything aligned exactly like I wanted. I'm pleased with the results.

I think today I will be mating both lower dash sections with my new upper dash pad to get everything in perfect alignment, so that when I get around to installing it, I'll be able to drop it in without complications.

 

[70lt1z28]

Nice work. Did you replace the corner vents? Some 70's, maybe just early ones, the vanes were flat with no texture. Yours look like they have a texture. In 71 for sure they had a texture so maybe sometime in the 70 model year they changed?

 

[80WA7113]

Nice work. Did you replace the corner vents? Some 70's, maybe just early ones, the vanes were flat with no texture. Yours look like they have a texture. In 71 for sure they had a texture so maybe sometime in the 70 model year they changed?

Good eye. Yes, I replaced the one you see pictured as well as the driver side. I do have one original with the smooth vanes but it's in very sad shape.

 

[VA/SC Gamecock]

Some fantastic work right there, very impressive and looks brand new! I know this took a lot of time and patience but it was well worth it! Always great when a rare piece like that can be reused and not tossed.

 

[balloonpilot]

You are a true craftsman my friend!

It is people like you and the amazing tips and tricks that I find on this site inspires me to attempt work like this myself.
Is it easier to just buy a new piece? Maybe, but the satisfaction of doing fine work can't be beat!
Like catching a fish on a lure or fly that you make yourself!

Thank you for sharing!

 

[70lt1z28]

Good eye. Yes, I replaced the one you see pictured as well as the driver side. I do have one original with the smooth vanes but it's in very sad shape.

Based on your craftsmanship and attention to detail you probably already know this, but the vents can be "downdated" to install the flat vanes

kind of a fun little chore.