Changing out instrument gage panel ikn 1963 Avanti

[floyd jaehnert]

Is it possible or practical to change out the instrument panel on a 1963 Avanti without removing the dash?. Also is it possible to remove the dash without ruining  the original dash pad.

[1963r2]

I would have thought you could do both but if you are removing the dash then that would be the easiest time to change over the panel.

[Gunslinger]

You can do it without removing the dash...if you have small hands and rubber arms.  The shop manual tells you how to remove the gauges without removing the dash, but practically removing the dash is better and maybe even faster.

[Avanti83]

To be sure we are on the same page, the dash is a one piece fiberglass molding with holes in it to mount the instruments. The trim panel that is painted or wood grained is held to the dash by the gauges and switches in the dash. 

The complete dash unit including the pad is held in by 4 bolts below the windshield and 2 or 3 bolts under the dash. To remove it requires disconnecting all the wiring under the dash including the radio. Take a look under the dash and see what's involved before you plot what you want to remove. Neither instrument nor complete dash removal is any kind of fun.

The bolts that hold the dash below the windshield, IIRC are part of the dash and the nuts need to be removed from below.

Edited April 16, 2018 by Avanti83

[Gunslinger]

The gauge inlay itself has one or two threaded rods attached which are held on by nuts behind the dash.  

What you do to make things a bit easier is remove the drivers seat, drop the steering column and follow the manual but rather than completely removing the dash, lift it up and out only as far as necessary to reach behind it and replace the gauges.  You won't need to disconnect all the wiring...just what you need to.

And before doing any of this...disconnect the battery.  And while you're back there and have room...make sure the attaching nuts for the wiper motor are tight just for general principles.

[floyd jaehnert]

Gentlemen: Thank you all for the reply's and advise. It appears to me to be a big project to do it right and not ruin the existing dash pad.  The reason for this project is according to an article in Avanti Magazine issue #171 summer/fall of 2015 my Avanti  serial number 2716 should have all black instrument and consul panels. the steering wheel and column are black but the instrument/gauge and consul panels are fawn colored. The instrument gauge panel is poorly hand brush painted (could have been painted over the  black) and  the consul panels, which could have been easily changed out, look like a factory type (fawn) paint job. I have been unable to get any background information about this vehicle other than the article in Issue #171 Floyd

[studegary]

Your message states  S/N 2716 and your profile (under your name) shows "Vin 4716".    

[floyd jaehnert]

Thanks for spotting that,  I guess I had better prof read my messages more thoroughly,  it should have read S/N 4716. Floyd