Initial Cleaning and Interior Projects - Part 3

I continued on the interior cleaning and mini restoration project while off work today.  I tackled so many small projects it doesn't feel like an incredible amount was accomplished.  That is in part because a fair amount of time was spend cleaning everything that was visible of dirt and dust.  This might be unnecessary but I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity and feel good about the job I've done. 

The instrument cluster was the first item on the list.  I removed the cluster, cleaned it completely, and swapped in a Scott Drake LED set (LRS-7993LED-W).  The nine LED kit covered the turn signals, high beam indicator, low coolant light, the five cluster illumination bulbs, and the two illumination bulbs in the A/C controls.  I used original bulbs in the oil pressure, check engine, brake, belt, amp warning lights and left the air bag light without a bulb.

I polished the clear plastic over the gauges with some Meguiar's PlastX plastic polish.  It worked well but there are a few marks on the clear plastic that will not come out completely.  I did the front side four times and then the back side twice.  I then cleaned both sides twice with good glass cleaner before putting it all together.  I'm trying to ensure there isn't anything stuck inside that would be visible later as this part is rather hard to get out.

With the instrument cluster done, I cleaned the entire dash, installed a new Mustang emblem on the dash (LRS-04460-B), and swapped out the old looking A pillar screws (HDW-6103598).  I removed the stock amplifier before taking out the carpet but removed the wiring today and set it aside.  I then put on my new registration sticker before I forgot or lost it.  I then decided to change pace a little and switch to work on the door panels.

I pulled the door panels so that I could install new map pockets at the bottom of the doors.  When pulling the driver's side off, I found none of the push pin that retained the door panel.  The insulation inside was held to the door panel with some really thin duct tape.  The door also lacked the plastic shield to protect the door panel.  While looking around, I did find a loose ground in the door which I was able to quickly fix.  

I pulled off the black block off panels the former owner installed instead of going back with the factory style map pockets.  It then became incredibly apparent how dirty the door panels were as the gray was not so gray but more brown in areas.  I cleaned it for quite a while and it is probably half way back to normal.  I then installed the new map pocket and it looks good.  I'm going to need to do some paint on the door pull so I set it aside to do with numerous other parts later.

While I had the door panel off, I measured the speaker opening.  It has a 5" opening to hold a 6.5" speaker.  With the window rolled down, there is a bit over 2 1/8" of space for a speaker magnet.  That should give me plenty of options.  The mount pattern uses three screws instead of four that I've seen on most of the 6.5 speakers sold lately.

Next, I removed and took apart the A/C vents as they had a yellow/brown tint to the gray color and looked out of place.  I used Opal Gray paint from LMR and planned to use SEM Sand Free Adhesion Promoter (SEM-38363) but the can they sent gushed fluid from the top rather than spray like it should.  Hopefully, the paint still adheres.