Dash - Wiper/Light Knob Bezels

[unplugged]

I in the process of extending the wood of the main dash area to cover the area over where the Wiper/Light knobs and indicator lights are located. I sin't plan for the wood being thicker then the original fiberboard and the bezels are not deep enough to reach the threads on the rotary switch/rheostat.


Anyone encounterd this before and have a simple solution?

Thanks

[Ken]

you need to counter bore from the back side.

[tartan18]

When I installed a cap over my cracked dash I discovered that with the new wood in the center section there wasn't enough depth for the windshield and wiper knobs to catch their threads. Rather than counter bore I simply used two small stainless screws which go into the switch's outer casing.

[unplugged]

Thanks Both.

I don't believe I can counter bore as there is the metal framework of the dash that I still want to secure the switches.
I suppose I could remove that but I was counting on them to hold that part of the dash in place.

The screws are an interesting an idea.

I am going to see how $$ it would be to have a few knobs machined. I can drill / tap them myself after so I am hoping I can get something without spending too much money. If that fails then the screws sounds like a plan.

[baltobernie]

As you've discovered, the two rectangular strips in the center section of the dash must be quite thin ... about 1/8", if I remember correctly. I used 1/4" mahogany plywood for my dash. Had to build it up with Baltic Birch plywood for the glove box, and used a 10" disc sander to remove (from the rear side) enough material to get to the 1/8" or so for the two center strips. You might try this, too. There's no need for super precision, just keep removing from the back side until they fit.

[RRoller123]

A good option is to veneer over the existing ply or fibreboard in the case of the center section. Rough it up well to get the glue to adhere. The thin veneer thickness has no overall effect. Glove box door, Radio Console and Dash Center Section done in this photo, instrument cluster and floor console remain to be done.

[DUCeditor]

I took a different path going with a two piece dash and eliminating the (to me) over fussy center section. This, of course, required the counter boring so the shafts would reach. For bezels I simply took large washers and sprayed them with a flat black paint.



Did all this over twenty years ago and she still looks good.

-Don

[Kingme2]

I moved all knobs from the plastic thingy, when I built my solid hardwood dash. Now, completely bare except I now have the speedo, etc one the one end, and, other end, the glove box.

I moved the knobs down just in front of the heater controls....

Me likely.

Links to my pics, too tired to look how to post... http://myfiat.weebly.com/upgrades-done.html

Better picture of the semi-finished lower console. http://myfiat.weebly.com/upgrades-doneagain.html