Dash switches

[LocuMob]

I'm curious what switched were available for accessories on a 66 Polara, most specifically a rear defogger switch, as I plan on putting one in the 500. My parts car has a rear speaker switch, and a flasher switch. Where would a car defogger switch be located, and what does it look like? I have seen a picture of the switch itself, and the bezel and knob, but all separately, not a complete assembly. And was the rear speaker one speaker only? Which side? Could both be had on the same car? Are the options the same for '65, '67 & '68? Meaning can I get parts from one of those so equipped cars? Thanks FCBO.

 

[CBODY67]

I would suspect the '65 and '66 fan switches would be the same, as the instrument panels were similar.

In those years, there were two 6x9 rear speaker holes in the rear package tray. One was for the rear speaker option and the other one was for the rear defroster grille. Now, if the rear package tray trim was for the rear speaker option, the slots for the speaker should be on both sides, as it was on other C-bodies that came with the rear speaker option. All it will take is to take a knife and cut through the perforations in the just insulation under the package tray trim panel, remove it, tidy-up any "hanging fabric", and install what you desire in that location, on the bottom side of the panel. I don't recall if there's a rear heater core for that option or if it just blows air? Air intake in under the rear seat cushion, I believe? The factory service manual details this stuff.

Here's what I'd consider . . . upgrade the alternator to a more recent 100+ amp model (think 100amp model from a '75-78 Cordoba with the rear window defroster option) and then get the aftermarket accessory seat heater panels and put them under the seat cushion upholstery already there. Then put two 6x9 rear speakers on the rear deck. If the car has factory a/c, use that until the heater gets hot to dehumidify the air in the car, then use the regular heater when the coolant gets hot.

As far as the hardware for the rear defogger option, I suspect it'll be very similar for the '65-'68 model years. Might be able to adapt the '69-'73 cars' items, too, other than the correct model year switch and mounting items in the instrument panel.

Good luck,
CBODY67

 

[LocuMob]

Here's what I'd consider . . . upgrade the alternator to a more recent 100+ amp model (think 100amp model from a '75-78 Cordoba with the rear window defroster option) and then get the aftermarket accessory seat heater panels and put them under the seat cushion upholstery already there. Then put two 6x9 rear speakers on the rear deck. If the car has factory a/c, use that until the heater gets hot to dehumidify the air in the car, then use the regular heater when the coolant gets hot.

I'm only looking to get airflow to the windows when I'm leaving work at 6:00am, get a lot of condensation and need to clean them off. I'm not worried about heat for me, the heat selector works, but I've never gotten around to finding out where the dangling wires and hoses plug into, way up inside the dash. Terrible, but it's never been a necessity, the last year it started bugging me though.

 

[Polara_500]

Is your rear fader down loe on the dash to the right of the column? I'm used to seeing either a fader or rear vent in that spot, never seen a car with both.
Here's where mine is.........

 

[Big_John]

These probably won't be specific enough for what you need.

Dealer accessory catalog: The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1966 Accessories Catalog (Page 1)

Dealership data book: The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1966 Dodge Dealership Data Book - Monaco & Polara

As I understand it, I believe that the rear defogger was a dealer installed accessory for a lot of those cars in 1966. The kit that the dealer used had specific instructions for switch locations. I found a scan of installation instructions for my Barracuda. At least that might give you a direction for what to look for.

 

[Big_John]

And just for laughs, I ran the part number and found this! A little pricey and no mention of the installation sheet, but here ya go... NOS Mopar 1966 C-Body Rear Defog Package | eBay

EDIT: Spotted install sheet in bottom right corner of one of the pics.

 

[LocuMob]

Is your rear fader down loe on the dash to the right of the column? I'm used to seeing either a fader or rear vent in that spot, never seen a car with both.
Here's where mine is.........
View attachment 182761

Yep, that's where the rear speaker knob is.

 

[LocuMob]

And just for laughs, I ran the part number and found this! A little pricey and no mention of the installation sheet, but here ya go... NOS Mopar 1966 C-Body Rear Defog Package | eBay

EDIT: Spotted install sheet in bottom right corner of one of the pics.

Yeah, I saw that one too, that's actually what started me on the hunt for the correct switch. I got one coming from a Dart, might throw one in there too, but then I noticed it looks nothing like the switch in the eBay ad. I have two sets of defoggers from cars from the 70's,one correct switch on the way for my Dart, and the hunt continues for the Polara 500.

 

[Polara_500]

Yep, that's where the rear speaker knob is.

Just for giggles, check up under the rear shelf - you may find a reverb there.

 

[LocuMob]

Just for giggles, check up under the rear shelf - you may find a reverb there.

There is a speaker in the left hole of the rear tray, I looked.

 

[Polara_500]

There is a speaker in the left hole of the rear tray, I looked.

How about a box like this?

 

[LocuMob]

How about a box like this?
View attachment 182779

I have to take a closer look. I looked from above. Drivers side, correct?