Well the three day weekend proved to be just right for the installation of the dash caps in the 1800S. For anyone out there thinking about this as a weekend project, may I share a few points. (The rest of you can read if you wish.) You will need standard tools, and if at all possible an extra person. (My wife was a lifesaver this weekend)

Saturday:
Disconnected everything attached to the dash, and removed all instruments and switches working from right to left. (Just the way my brain works I guess.) I can't stress how important it is to label EVERYTHING. Wires on the switches can stay connected as the switches remove from the rear of the panel. Remove the steering column, and support brace. The temp gage cluster needs special mention as the two thermal leads must be disconnected under the hood and carefully moved through the dash. Since the oil temp is located in the oil pan, great time to change the oil. Removed the dash from the car. There are three screws along the top of the dash, and two bolts on each lower edge. I found that mine only had one screw and three bolts. (Someone had taken this out before). Great time to rest and then clean places you didn't know your car had.

Sunday:
Disassembled the dash. While my wife trimed and fitted the dash caps, I was replacing the wiper assembly. Hint, there are two 7/16" bolts holding the wipers in, not 1/2" bolts.(Took me fourty five rather challenging minutes to figure that out.) Cleaned all gages and switches with McQuires chrome polish. Fantastic stuff. Once the wipers were completed and all parts cleaned, help the wife glue the caps on. Trimming the caps correctly is critical. (That's why I ask the wife to help.) Trimming requires skill and a lite touch, not strengh and short cuts.

Monday:
Re-assembled the dash including the gages. Put the dash back in the car and found that putting in the three upper screws first works best. I learned the hard way that the steering column brace should go in earlier rather than later. You don't have to tighten it up, but at least get it in place and start the two 1/2" bolts. Then from right to left, (again, the way my brain works) reconnect everything. I found that the best way to do this was to get inverted under the dash and have my wife pass me tools like I was a surgeon. (Bonus, she even arranged all the tools in my tool chest by size!!!) Perfect time to install the upgraded brake switch I got from Ron Kwas and well as the hazard switch. (Thanks Ron both are great!!!)

End result:
FANTASTIC. Looks wonderful and new. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate this about an 8 in both results and scale of complexity. There must be some secret brotherhood of individuals that enjoy riping the guts out of their cars and trying to put them together again. I will try to get some pictures on the net in the next few days. All I need now is a Speedo that works, and a radio.

Well, thanks to all that contributed both parts and knowledge.

Oliver
66 1800S