STEP 1  -  Remove your dash bezel. This requires the removal of two screws and the headlight switch knob. The knob is held on by a flat spring.... push the spring toward the dash and pull the knob off. The process is much easier than a Fox body Mustang, but you must remove the steering column covers. Now remove the four screws that hold the gauge cluster in place and disconnect the gauge cluster. Hint: A Ford wiring diagram helps to identify the wires you will be using.

STEP 2  -  Install the Dash Panel in the same position as the old gauge cluster, using the same four screws that held the gauge cluster in place. Keep the panel as level as possible.

STEP 3  -  The curved sides of your plastic dash trim bezel must be cut off straight. The old gauge cluster lens is convex, but the new dash panel is straight. The best way to mark your cut is to use masking tape between the top and bottom positioning pins on each side as shown in the picture below.

STEP 4  -  You now have established the lines you will cut. Using a die grinder, cut off wheel or Dremel tool, as shown, cut along the edge of the tape, leaving a flat side. You can sand out any small cutting irregularities. Hint:  Do not let the tool "drift" onto the exposed part of the bezel as it will show when done. Light, careful cuts are better than one through
cut.

STEP 5  -  With the bezel sides cut straight and cleaned up, re-install the modified bezel over the dash panel/graph paper. Use all four screws and insure the bezel is mounted exactly like it will be in the finished project. When you are certain the bezel is correctly mounted, take a #2 pencil and mark the opening on the graph paper. This gives us the exposed area we have to mount our aftermarket gauges.

STEP 6  -  Remove the dash bezel and the dash panel from the car. Leave the graph paper on the dash panel. Layout the vertical and horizontal centers of the marked opening area on the graph paper. Using the information from your gauge manufacturer, lay out the centers of your gauges on the graph paper. Take a compass and inscribe the circle to be cut out and insure that the spacing and pattern you have designed will allow clearance between gauges. Don't forget to layout your turn signal indicator lights, high beam indicator light, etc. We use 12v colored lamps from Radio Shack that require a 1/4" hole for mounting. Hint:  This is the time for careful planning and layout. The old rule applies here, "Measure twice and cut once"!

STEP 7  -  Assuming you carefully obeyed the "Old Rule", we are ready to cut the new dash panel. In order to position the face of the dash panel perpendicular to the drill press chuck, we use a wood platform built from scrap 2 x 6. Note the bottom of the appliance is larger than the top, this gives us clamping space. After you have build the appliance, you may set the dash panel on it and center punch the centers of all the holes you are preparing to drill. Next, with the graph paper still in place, use a 1/8" drill and drill a pilot hole for each gauge and indicator light center.

STEP 8  -  After drilling the centers with the small bit, you may remove the graph paper, but keep it handy for reference. Now, clamp the dash panel securely to the drilling appliance.... use scrap wood between the clamps and the panel to avoid scratching the panel. Chuck up the size cutter or hole saw you will be using first (I always cut the largest holes first and use a bi-metal hole saw for safety). Center the guide pin/bit over the first hole of that size you choose to make and clamp the drilling appliance securely to the drill press table! A drill press can hurt you badly if the work swings when the cutter hangs. After insuring that the cutter/saw is centered in the correct position and the entire assembly is securely clamped to together, make your cut, using a slow, even feed.

STEP 9  -  Repeat the above process for each gauge hole and indicator light hole. Be certain to double check your layout for the proper hole sizes. When you have completed all the holes, you can clean up the back side of the panel and the insides of the holes with some sandpaper or a file. Test fit a gauge of each size to insure a proper fit. When completed, your panel should look something like this, depending on your chosen pattern (Fox Dash used for example only).

STEP 10  -  At this point, if you want the Carbon Fiber look, you must apply the Carbon Fiber film to the cut dash panel. Clean the surface of the panel with lacquer thinner or some solvent that will not leave an oil residue. Do not touch the surface of the panel. Remove the backing from the film and apply it from one side, positioning the "grain" of the film to run straight across your dash. Once in place, burnish the film with flexible plastic to insure a consistent bond. A body filler "knife" works well for this function. Once bonded, turn the panel over and cut the film from the holes with a sharp X-acto knife. Your panel will look similar to this.

STEP 11  -  Mount your gauges in the dash panel using the instructions and hardware provided by the gauge manufacturer. Install the dress bezels for your indicator lights. Check to make sure the gauges are correctly aligned and not crooked. Note:  If you are using our gauge angle rings, be sure and put them on the gauges before mounting - See angle ring instructions. (Fox dash for example only)

STEP 12  -  Wire your gauges as required by the manufacturer. Hint: make sure you wire in parallel, not in series. You don't want one gauge light to take out all the lights. After wiring all of your gauges, check your connections to insure they are solid. It looks complicated, but it isn't.... if you can hook up one gauge, the rest are just repeats from the first one.

STEP 13  -  Install the wired dash panel back into the car, connecting the gauges to the sending unit wires that you tagged and the mechanical connection to the speedometer (if used). Be sure you have a good ground and power supply for the gauges. Hint:  Before securing the panel to the dash, hook up the battery, turn on the ignition and insure you have power to the gauges. Also turn on each turn signal to make sure the proper light blinks. If all is well, secure the new dash panel to the dash, install the modified dash bezel, lower dash panels and steering column bezels..... your done!

If you would prefer that we cut your panel, apply film or install angle rings and gauges, drop us a note at sales@mustanginnovations.com and we will explain the process.