Disassembly continues with the dash components. Removed the radio (I keep calling it a stereo) the grilles on either side of the speedometer, the fuel gauge, the ashtray, and the speaker. Tried to make a bunch of photographs to document how everything was hooked up.
A couple of observations: the radio is not original. There are markings on the case, ones says “Gadsden” and the other says “won’t play.” Since I have to guess — the bug was in Gadsden, and sent off the radio to some other city/dealer for repair. The original radio was a “Wolfsburg” (Blaupunkt, I think) according to the birth certificate that indicated code “M-95”. Also, the front windshield rim rust areas are rusted through to the electrical area, but there’s not widespread rust/damage underneath. That’s somewhat encouraging. It makes me think that once the windshield area cancers had eaten through the shell, the car was put aside, or mothballed, or whatever. Because it seems like the rust would’ve continued unabated and done a lot more damage. Although the speaker paper cone was completely gone, there’s not a lot of water damage in behind the dash.
Work time: 45 minutes to an hour. Photos following:
Radio about to be removed.
Rats’ nest that is the electrical area behind the dash.
The radio being removed.
Underside of the electrical compartment. Looking up at wiper motor.
Radio removal.
Radio, with ‘Gadsden’ (Alabama) written on it.
Radio has “won’t play” written on one side.
Fuel-level sending unit cover.
Back of the fuel gauge.
Curious writing below the wiring compartment. Can’t really make out what it says.
Back of the speaker. Paper cone has been destroyed. Probably a combination of age, and water dripping down from one of the rusted areas around the windshield.
Speaker removed. Bass response is probably poor. As is treble and mid-range, since the cone has disolved.
Front dash grille being removed.
Fuel tank and fuel-level sending unit with cover removed.
Wiring from speedometer to fuel gauge.
Left front fender.
Inside of left front fender.
Left front fender. Missing a horn grille.
Left front light.
Right front fender turn-signal.
Left front fender
Left front fender.
Left front turn-signal. Clear plastic lens (well, it was in 1963).
Inside of left front fender.
Right rear fender.
Both taillights look ok. And small. I worry about the safety issue involved in having small dim taillights.
Rear fender damage.
Damage to the left rear fender. Bad cut across the fender.
Some damage to the right rear fender
Another of my ‘Evidence Bags.’ If I put small parts in bags, label said bags with a date, then I can find photos I took during disassembly and certainly be able to re-assemble those items, right?
