C1 dash replacement

[Steve Wills]

I am in the process of doing my first frame off restoration of a 1960. It is time to replace the dash pad. My biggest concern with doing this job is removal of the windshield.I have heard removing and replacing the windshields on C1's can be a tough task for a "rookie". I would appreciate any input from those that have done this job before. Thanks in advance for any help.

Steve Wills

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 dash replacement

removing windshield not too big a problem but be certain all the t-shaped fasteners are inserted thru their openings in the dash before tightening any of them as broken windshield glass can result. good luck, mike

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 dash replacement

When removing, there are 12 fastners holding the ws in place. Be sure to remove them all. You can break things if you don't Don't ask how I know this. There are (4) 1/2" nuts on the side posts and (8) 3/8" nuts around the center of the dash. A couple of the 3/8 nuts are hiding under the defroster ducts. You will probably have to remove the left defroster duct. The ST12 states that you have to remove the left hand wiper transmission, but I have always been able to work around it.

Lke Mike says, be sure the T bolts are all in place. I put some rope caulk around the bolts to help hold them during reassembly. An extra pair of hands is very helpful, though I have done it by myself a few times.

[Art B.]

Re: C1 dash replacement

Several years ago, Loren Lundberg wrote an article in the Restorer on how to install a new dash pad on a C-1. I followed his steps carefully with good results on my '61. I am sure you could get a copy of the article by contacting him directly or finding someone with the Restorer article.

[Jack H.]

Add-on....

In addition to searching for someone who has a past issue of that particular Restorer magazine, you can purchase The Complete Restorer CD from the NCRS merchandise center in Cincinnatti (STORE pull down; this web site). You'll get ALL of the past issues of the magazine on CD and wind up with a very comprehensive addition to your library....

Today, your question is about doing an R&R of the windshield assy, but you'll certainly have 'question next' tomorrow. This CD tool can give you a wealth of 'how to' answers before you even formulate the question(s)! You'll also find 'where to' answers for finding this/that part from scrap yard donor cars and maybe save you the cost of the CD more than a few times over....

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 dash replacement

Steve....Using a univeral joint, wrapped in tape, will help reach the four bolts under the dash pad.
The Al Knock film is a good guide for first time installer's of a new dash pad.

[Ed Jennings]

My favorite tool

for working under the dash is a nutdriver with a flex shaft. They just have a square tip for a 1/4" drive socket. I have found this tool invaluable, especially when it comes to dash work. These are available at Sears for about $10. I have worn out two of these, but it took 30 years to do it.

[Dennis C.]

Ed, I agree, but why does the phone ring ??? *NM*

[Ed Jennings]

Dennis, you lost me on that one. *NM*

[Dennis C.]

Re: Dennis, you lost me on that one.

Ed - Seems like when I have a T-10 mounted on my chest or am head first under the dash with a drop light bulb burning my body and a ratchet that just bounced off my front teeth, the phone will ring and for some stupid reason, I feel compelled to try to answer it regardless of the pain and suffering I submit myself to in doing so. It's really just a personal problem I try to deal with.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Dennis, you lost me on that one.

I have a similar feeling for some unexplained reason. Speaking of ratchets bouncing off front teeth, I was pulling the trans in a 69 many years ago. I stuck the yoke back in it to keep the lube from runing out. While wrestling it, the yoke fell out and hit me square in the mouth, breaking one of my front teeth. One cap later, all was well, but I have dreaded pulling transmissions ever since.

[Dennis A.]

Re: Dennis, you lost me on that one.

Never lost any teeth yet...chipped glasses is my reward, still cannot get them to set on my noise straight.