Advice on lower dash disassembly.

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I’m getting back to working on my 69 XR7 M code. I have the lower dash removed and have some surface rust on the fact of the dash and some typical rust on the backside of it.

  1. need some help with how to remove the headlight and intuition switches.

  2. advice on removing surface rust on face of lower dash.

Thanks in advance. I will post pics

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70 Lower dash restoration help
2

IDK about the '69, but the '67 headlight switch has a button under the switch assy to removed the switch stem and separate it from the switch body. (after the bezel is unscrewed, using the little grooves near the stem).

As for rust, Evapo-rust works wonders (Rick Dale approved!). Best if you can submerge the part overnight. You dash piece may require a big tub and several gallons though. Alternatively, you can use rags soaked in the solution, but you need to keep them saturated every few hours and it takes longer.

It will soften your paint in some areas such that it tends to flake off where loose or comprimised.

3

Do you know if there is a special tool to get the bezel loosened for removal. Thanks for the info.

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4

A good tool is a Snap Ring plier that has a bend on the end. It has pointy tips and flexes out as you squeeze.

I should say, good for the Headlight switch. Not so much for the IGN bezel, because it is so large where you grab it. It could scratch it up some if you slip there.

I think they must have something generic for that at the Auto store.

5

There are special sockets for the ignition switch bezel and headlight switch (well at least for the ign. switch, not positive on the HL switch). Personally, I use a pair of needle nose for the ign. and a big screwdriver for the HL. Just be careful.

6

These little tools out there…
http://static.cougarpartscatalog.com/ford007.html?attribs=87

If you decide to use an alternative tool just be extra careful.

Here’s a quick run down video…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDyxciegjtI&feature=channel

Post a picture of your lower dash showing how rusty we are talking about here. If it is just minor surface rust I would sand it with a grey ScotchBrite then wipe it down with wax and grease remover and finally paint it with an SEM interior paint.

7

All the 67-73 Cougar headlight switches come apart this same way.

Randy Goodling
CCOA #95

8

Have the piece media blasted. Plastic would do it & leave the grain pattern. Prime & paint. All rust gone!