I just completed the installation of a 66 panel in my 65 shell. I had installed a wiring harness from a 66 donor car and rebuilt the panel from the same donor. It is possible to get the 66 panel into the 65 dash without cutting it, but I found it difficult. I did cut the dash just above the column with my saber saw and a fine blade. I used masking tape and paper to catch all the shavings. Now the panel is easy to get in and out if you need to check anything. Well worth the effort to make the cut. Good Luck.

 

Did not have to cut mine.

 

Agreed, you do not have to cut it. It is possible to get it in without doing the cut. I just said that it is very easy to get it in and out if you do cut it. Big help if you need to troubleshoot gauge problems or lube speedo bushing etc.

 

Do NOT cut the dash. Totally unnecessary.

 

It may be possible to get the 66 panel into the 65 body. Mine proved to be possible, but it was a tight fit. I decided to cut a small semicircle area out of the bottom of the opening. The panel now goes in and out very easily. Yes, you may not have to, but what harm is done by cutting the dash properly?

 

Just tilt it in from the bottom edge first. I've taken mine in and out 1/2 dozen times. No need to cut anything.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

Woo Hoo!

I'll have to try this method on my '65 vert someday...


Tony K.

 

i read somewhere that the new bezels that they make now dont have to be cut can anyone confirm this

 

I used a new 65 style bezel on my 66 cluster to freshen it up. The 65 and 66 bezels are the same except for the design of the 'chrome' trim that surrounds the gages The 66 forms an oblong 'circle', the 65 does not. Even so, the OLD 66 style bezel that I had did not have a problem fitting in the dash and that was an original 66 bezel.

 

thank everybody for the heads up! i got the bezel in today and the gauges come in next week. i dont want to take the bezel out and test fit the new one yet because i want to do it all at the same time. my car is a driver and i use it all the time, if i take it apart i will have to leave it in pieces until the rest of the gauges come in...

i will post some pics for the next guy to come asking

 

As I recall, the plastic lens, where it stuck out past the metal back cover is the only thing that really would hang up. If you have to trim something, trim that! That is why it is easy to set the bottom in place first and then push the top right in. If you put the top in first, the plastic lens hangs up on the bottom.

Why not just cut the dash? There are hundreds of Mustang owners cursing PO's for hacking the radio opening. After hacking out at least 60% of the original sheet metal in the car due to rust, I like to leave as much as possible there!

If you cut the opening and the next owner decides he wants the car returned to original, will it be noticed? I don't know the answer, but that's my logic on not cutting anything that doesn't need to be cut.