1963 Champ · Part 13 of 14

Cab Interior

The firewall insulation pad cut to fit inside the Champ’s cab

Task: Install Interior Firewall Insulation Pad

Need to install Firewall insulation pad on the inside of the cab next to the firewall to stop engine heat from entering the cab and also help to fireproof it. Get a large piece of cardboard and cut out pattern before you cut the Insulation to ensure you don’t cut the pad improperly. To cut the large heater hose holes use the proper Household Heater vent hose drill hole cutter to get a clean cut. To cut the other smaller holes and also the ends use a aircraft cutting shears. Once fitted use the 7 clips that secure it from the inside to the firewall.

Ceiling insulation pad fitted in the Champ’s cab

Task: Install Ceiling Insulation

Get a can of spray on - contact cement and attach a cut to size pad of ceiling insulation which you can buy at any upholstery shop. While you at it get some bulk Headliner material 2 metres.

If you can’t find one to sew the rod holder pockets then get a custom build one but expect to pay

I cut to size with abit extra which will trimmed upon final installation

Clips used to hold the headliner at the top of the windshield opening

Task: Install Headliner

Place Headliner rods in their holes and measure to sew in pockets. Ensure to sew abit closer so all of the slack is taken up once the headliner is installed. The front part of the Headliner is glued with contact cement & secured by stationary clips. Pull tight and cut neatly to fit under the windshield seal once you get to that stage. Leave overnight to ensure it’s dry and secure

The Champ’s dash installed with gauges and end dash brackets securedThe Champ’s dash with the gauges and end dash brackets in place

Dash installed with gauges End Dash Brackets secured

Task: Install Dash & Trim

If the dash has been removed best to have it complete as possible before reinstalling it. Have all of the gauges and housings installed and also if you plan to have a new dash pad time to do it is when it out of the cab.

Before you install the dash ensure you have as much done behind the dash as possible as the space is limited and hard to work behind install such items as the heater motor and hoses. If you have to install the wiring harness this can be done after the dash has been installed. Step 1 is to ensure you have all of the speed nuts installed in the proper spots to ensue they line up for when you screw in the dash. Position the dash over the steering column and clip the front 4 clips while positioning the dash over the end brackets. It should snap into place and then secure the dash at the end brackets underneath. Secure the centre bracket at this time. Then secure the front bottom dash trim to the four front speed nuts through the trim and das. Position the top trim piece with the rear view mirror lining up the screws with the holes using a long finishing nail first as its hard sometimes to find the hole and this makes it easier to locate the hole which you can’t see due to the headliner being installed. Now is a good time to install the windlace. Once the windlace has been installed then attach the left & right trim pieces ensuring not to miss any screws. At this time you can also install the sunvisors.

The Champ’s rear view mirror, trim and sunvisors installedThe Champ’s cab interior with trim and sunvisors in place

Rear view mirror and trim secured Sunvisors installed