[bluejudge]

Before I end up messing this up, I want to make sure I cut the correct rocker switch hole for the convertible switch. I believe it is the center one but I want to make sure. I bought this a while ago from Performance Years and never put it in because I could not get the switch out. The wire for the rocker went up around the dash wire harness by the instrument cluster. The new dash insert only shows the closest one by the radio on the back so I will have to measure it out and then cut the hole. It says R.E.M on the package. Not sure if the new ones show all 3 rocker switches on the back witch would be a big help. Thanks, Marc.

[OG68]

From the 69 service manual

[bluejudge]

Originally Posted by OG68

From the 69 service manual

Thanks, Ed. I guess I should have looked there first. Marc

[gto4evr]

be careful cutting the hole, don't make the mistake I did of using the metal of the square dash cut out to trace on the back of the plastic to cut it out, that hole is too big and the switch will fall through it. Factory had a clamping die tool to cut that hole so that's why there's no actual dimensions on these drawings beyond a center hole. I seem to recall a member on here actually has that tool in his possession he might rent out, but obviously can be cut with a dremel, a file and alot of patience so you don't take too much off.

[bluejudge]

Originally Posted by gto4evr

be careful cutting the hole, don't make the mistake I did of using the metal of the square dash cut out to trace on the back of the plastic to cut it out, that hole is too big and the switch will fall through it. Factory had a clamping die tool to cut that hole so that's why there's no actual dimensions on these drawings beyond a center hole. I seem to recall a member on here actually has that tool in his possession he might rent out, but obviously can be cut with a dremel, a file and alot of patience so you don't take too much off.

I have an original that I am replacing because it was all broken. I measured up the new one and drilled out the center. But now like you said a file and a lot of patience. Thanks, Marc.

[north]

I have one of those Original tools but I found it was too easy to have it shift as you tighten it and the need for a 9/16” center hole is very dangerous with 50 year old plastic as it will likely catch and destroy the whole insert. My preferred method is to mark the center of the needed hole (using the above illustration from the shop manual) with a sharpie marker and then to measure out the opening fro the center point. I cut it with a fresh exacto blade but I purposely Make the hole slightly smaller on all four sides. I then use a small smooth flat file to make a perfectly aligned and just big enough hole for a snug fit. This is especially key when you have more than one switch as you really want them perfectly aligned to each other.

Whatever you do do not install those retainers as they are hell to remove!

[bluejudge]

Originally Posted by north

I have one of those Original tools but I found it was too easy to have it shift as you tighten it and the need for a 9/16” center hole is very dangerous with 50 year old plastic as it will likely catch and destroy the whole insert. My preferred method is to mark the center of the needed hole (using the above illustration from the shop manual) with a sharpie marker and then to measure out the opening fro the center point. I cut it with a fresh exacto blade but I purposely Make the hole slightly smaller on all four sides. I then use a small smooth flat file to make a perfectly aligned and just big enough hole for a snug fit. This is especially key when you have more than one switch as you really want them perfectly aligned to each other.

Whatever you do do not install those retainers as they are hell to remove!

Thanks North. I can’t even get the retainer back on. I left it there for when I have more energy to deal with it. I drilled the hole out then used the flat file. Very slow I got the hole pretty perfect. Finishing a few other things now, then will put another order in with Ames and back in the car. Thanks, Marc.

[north]

Instead of the retainer on original holes or if the hole is made a smidge too large I carefully place Black electrical tape on the sides of the switch to Snug it up nicely.