stangnet33 88 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 I starting pulling my interior apart and came across this when I was thinking about starting to pull the steering column. I guessing this in just butch job, but does anyone have a pic of the proper way this lower panel should be mounted/installed ? Thx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skidmarky 50 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 Don't have a picture, but there are plastic ears on the bottom that extend right where that bracket is screwed to the dash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KipDurran 18 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 The piece is supposed to look like this with the ears on the bottom. Looks like yours were broken off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KipDurran 18 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 CJ pony parts has them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
THE EVIL TW1N 12 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 its common for the plastic ears to break off. I think mine is held by one screw only since the other side broke. I'll have to check that out, I had forgotten about it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stangnet33 88 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 Gotcha, oh hum just another part to find/buy :hammer: Thx guys Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stangnet33 88 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 its common for the plastic ears to break off. I think mine is held by one screw only since the other side broke. I'll have to check that out, I had forgotten about it. Glad to help ya lol ! Why should I be the only one spending money. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaun071 62 Report post Posted June 18, 2014 I need to replace mine as well. They are on ebay for about $30 from several vendors Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted June 18, 2014 You should keep your eyes open for the rubber gasket that is part of this assembly. Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stangnet33 88 Report post Posted June 18, 2014 You should keep your eyes open for the rubber gasket that is part of this assembly. Brian It's still there amazingly. I'll check the fleabay ones. What's the quality like ? I see them as high as $50 for a Scott Drake one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SA69mach 39 Report post Posted June 25, 2014 Keep the botch up job. The aftermarket ones are flimsy. Just paint it. It is actually stronger than any OEM or aftermarket part Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buening 63 Report post Posted June 26, 2014 Not to hijack but what keeps these panels attached near the column? I bought an aftermarket one (Ford tooling from CJ Pony part# SCC5L) and besides the two screws along the bottom, I don't see how its attached at the top. There are two spring tabs that separate the panel from the instrument cluster. Its just kind of flopping around and can see why tabs get broken if this is the case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SA69mach 39 Report post Posted June 27, 2014 Not to hijack but what keeps these panels attached near the column? I bought an aftermarket one (Ford tooling from CJ Pony part# SCC5L) and besides the two screws along the bottom, I don't see how its attached at the top. There are two spring tabs that separate the panel from the instrument cluster. Its just kind of flopping around and can see why tabs get broken if this is the case. correct. the panel is only held in position by those two screws. any unfortunate event that puts weight on the panel, and they snap off at the tabs. I like the 'botch job' he has already. Stronger. My 70 was missing the panel so I bought a second hand OEM piece. Was not impressed by the design. I have an idea to fit a strip of sheetmetal along the edge, to reinforce it. rivet it in a few places, then drill through at the mounting holes. Which is not so different to the OP's piece - just that his metal strip is on the outside. Paint it black and call it an upgrade. Silly design and just a cosmetic trim part. I wonder who approved the engineering for that part? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
