The new light switch from American Autowire needs to be installed into the dash now. You will need to disassemble the original light switch assembly to transfer the bracket and trim bezel over to the new switch. The new switch comes with a nice billet knob and a shaft you can cut to length for your dash. If you'd like to keep an original appearing knob and shaft they can also be used with the American Autowire switch. Once the switch is installed into the dash, plug in the electrical connector. There is very little space between the light switch and the larger aftermarket delay wiper switch after the panel is installed. Also, who wants to lay under the dash trying to do it afterward anyway?
You're now ready to test fit the fully assembled panel into your dash. Because the original panel was installed without gauges and other items sticking out of the back, you must be very gentle and cautious installing the new panel. Wrap some protective sheeting in the area where the panel slides in to prevent scuffing or scratching the vinyl. This is particularly important if installing to redyed dashes. DO NOT USE MASKING TAPE ON THE VINYL OF A REDYED DASH OR YOU MAY PULL THE DYE OFF WHEN REMOVING THE TAPE!
To install the panel tilt it so the bottom goes in first and gently tilt up little before the speedo and tach contact the framework. Then push the panel straight back and the panel should settle into it's original position. In this installation we're installing the panel into a reconditioned dash from Restore A Muscle Car so I clearanced the dash on a work table and will do the final fitting to check everything before we mount the dash in the car. Restore A Musclecar are my kind of guys! They packed the dash very, very well to protect it from damage in shipping. Since we already covered clearancing the dash structure to allow the new panel lets move on!
