1964 Fairlane question

I very recently acquired a 64 Fairlane 500 and I'm chasing down some wiring problems created by a former owner. I need to pull the instrument cluster out for access, I removed the (2) screws from the bottom but can't figure out what's holding the top tight. I don't want to break anything so please help a new Fairlane owner.

Don

 

There are 5 screws total, the 2 at the bottom that you mentioned. There are 3 more, one at the top of each of instrument bezels. You may have to have to pull the speedo cable from the back side (they usually don't have any slack to get the cluster away from the dash).

 

Thanks! I new I was missing something.

Don

 

It's also a good idea to drop or at least loosen the column for clearance while removing the cluster.

 

Pics of your new acquisition?

 

Sure

 

Nice car...lov those '64s. I have the bigger Galaxie.
B.B.

 

That is one sweet looking fairlane!

 

I'll probably have more questions in the future. I've been into Jeeps, newer trucks, and Harleys. This is the first car I've owned in 20 years and the first Ford in 30. I'm going for period correct for my senior year of high school (1976) so got a Grant 15" (manual steering) from summit and picked up the AR wheels from Craigslist. QUESTION: What automatic shifter was everyone running in 76, Hurst I'm guessing but one they still make? I was a 4 speed guy in the day, I'm without a clue.

Don

 

b & m

 

Instrument cluster is out, thanks.

When I got the under hood mess unwrapped I found the OEM harness intact but a bunch of stuff was added. A bunch of positive leads coming from the starter relay some went places and some just ended and were taped over. The wire from the oil sender ended up plugged onto a small post on the starter relay.

So I have one mystery wire left from the VR (car has an Alt. now) that goes through a hole in the firewall and plugs into a factory wire. On the VR there are four poles marked F S A I. I goes to the coil for Ign. on hot. F & S trace to the Alt as when I got the car. "A" goes to the mystery wire that test grounded and also goes to a condenser looking thing mounted at the VR. What is "A" suppose to wire to?

Please show pity on and help a guy that owned Power Wagons for the last 20 years.

Don

 

"A" is most likely the generator idiot light wire.

 

If it were mine, I'd go with a set of these here...

 

And a few more "goodies" for the engine compartment....

 

Those 64's are sweet ... they readily take to Shelby parts/tricks, ie. lowered A-arms, export braces, Monte Carlo bars, etc. Getcha some Cobra hollow-letter valve covers and oil pan ... whoa!!

 

I found this on the net for Ford alternators. So maybe the dude went to under the dash to pick up the battery hot instead of going to the starter relay?

Don

 

Dude the level of craftsmanship on your car is outstanding! I am quite envious but does it turn right (just joking with ya)? Back in the day I was a straight line kinda guy unless the cops were chasing me.

Don

 

The COBRA oil pan requires a little cross member notching but its worth it. Get the Cobra roadster pan for an easier fit.

 

So I'm getting after the last of the electrical issues, thanks for all the help earlier. Where I'm at now is the wiper switch, it's froze and won't turn.

I pulled one from a yard and it's different. It is a multi speed switch like the one in my 64 Fairlane 4dr sedan, I'm thinking this one out of the Hardtop is single speed. The electrical plug is completely different.

Here are some pix on the bad one out of the car. The number on the housing is: C3AB-17A553-D1. I found one on eBay with a lil different part number but it looks identical.

Anyone have an extra?

Don

 

Wonder if you sprayed down into the shaft area with some WD 40 if it would loosen up?

 

Yes there are 5 screws, drop the coloum down to remove it easier. Take your time with the wires behind it. It only comes out about 2" with the wiring, reach in a just start unplugging . We have a SOCIAL GROUP, JUST FAIRLANES......Join with a bunch of Hambers that own them and fire away the questions....we r here to help.....Jeff

 

yes, that one you are holding is for a single speed wiper system. The C3AB is a casting number, which is different than the part #
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1964-Fa...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f1f0c9708&vxp=mtr

 

I joined the group, thanks for cluing me in.

All done with the dash. The real pain was the speedo cable, could only reach it with a small pair of pliers. Now the speedo is making noise and jumping the needle, I have to revisit this. The speedo is off 10 mph so maybe the speedo shop gets to deal with all of it.

Don

 

Thanks, plan on buying it as soon as my money hits PayPal.

Don

 

So I missed that auction, it was gone before my money cleared PayPal.

This one was jammed up and the back had separated so I bent the three tabs out and took it apart. That's what had it jammed. Cleaned everything with contact cleaner put some Di-electric silicone grease on stuff and put it back together. Used an automatic center punch to bend the tabs while holding it tight.

Checks out with a multimeter, try it in the car next.

Don

 

I love the 64. Mine is a 289hipo, 5spdtremec, posi 411. Way fun but you better hold on with both hands!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I never dropped the column to remove the cluster but that's just me. I eventually replaced the 64 dash cluster with a 62 sport coupe cluster. The chromed potmetal is pretty.