Winter upgrades on the list...

[68 Toro]

As you can see, over the years I have given this a great deal of thought. My factory bench seat is in perfect condition. However it becomes uncomfortable during drives greater than 25 miles or so, and I have no problem modifying my car in a "blasphemous" fashion. Witness the front disc brakes, aftermarket wheels, computer chip-controlled dual electric fans, etc. Modernizing this revolutionary design to current standards of safety, comfort and reliability, is my overall goal.

In addition to FORWARD modifications, I have one REARWARD modification still to be done. A few years ago I purchased a 1966 Toronado steering wheel that was in near-perfect condition. Subsequently I sent it out to have the plastic reconditioned (there was one small crack). My goal is to somehow mount it on a 1968 tilt-telescopic steering column. This endeavor may involve the fabrication of a custom adapter plate, and the horn wiring interface mismatch has to be solved as well. No steering wheel in history has equalled the design of the 1966 Toronado's, except, perhaps, for the single-spoke Citroen?

[Stubbe]

after trying many aftermarket mounts I made one out of sheet metal and made it line up with the original panal screws good clearence and easy to reach and I wrapped it with vinyl left over from re-doing the interior

[xgecko]

I have a tach temporarily mounted there from the previous owner. I don't particularly like that location as it is a bit dangerous in a crash - which of course I hope never happens but...

I am lucky in that my parts car has the radio in the Instrument Panel and so this winter I plan to swap panels so I can install my Kenwood head unit directly in the hacked up IP.

[68 Toro]

I would like to see your modified instrument panel. I'm looking for ideas. Installing just the head unit into the factory radio position is an intriguing solution. However I've gotten used to my future plan of installing a custom floor console for a large (double-DIN) DVD player/GPS navigator, plus cupholders, sunglasses holder, change drawer, etc.

[xgecko]

I have not yet removed it from the donor car but it looks like they just hacked it to allow a modern 1-DIN unit to be installed.

Hmm... just realized that the IP in the donor car, being a 68, has the ignition on the IP. Not sure what to make of that.

I am planning to build a fibeglass console at some point and had considered mounting the stereo in that. I'll have to see once I start digging into that aspect of the build.

[68 Toro]

On my 1968 Toronado, the ignition key is on the instrument panel.

[xgecko]

Yes, that is the issue. My 69 has it on the steering column. Not sure what to think at this point but it probably does not matter much; I can find some way to deal with it.

[68 Toro]

Remove the ignition switch and install a 2nd power outlet. The power outlet need not be used for anything, but it might appear better than an ignition switch.

[xgecko]

That is actually one of the things I was considering. I can always use more power outlets...

[68 Toro]

I put a dolphin light into my power outlet. Here in Miami, these things are necessary.