72 Dash assembly

[Rey S.]

I know this has been discussed before but my feeble brain needs to be refreshed.
What is the preferred order of assembly of the three major sections of the dash and instrument cluster and any hidden items related to same?????

[Rey S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

P.S. I maybe a little ahead of myself here buuuut !!! After reading older posts I realize I may be in for quite a job once everything is ready to go. I will need to get my center cluster refurbished before I go any further. The two outer dash panels are done and ready to go into the car.
Thanks Rey

[Douglas L.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

I have never removed my driver side panel but have removed the other two. I would install the driver side first, then the center cluster and finally the passenger side. Both the center cluster and driver side will require access to the rear during installation and having the side open will make things alot easier.

[Mike F.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

I've had my dash out more times than I'd like, left-to-right worked best for me. Drivers dash, center console, passenger side dash.

[Rey S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Sounds reasonable to me, so I then figure that the top panel goes in/on last.

[Mike F.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

I should have been more clear. I actually install the top panel before I install the passenger side dash.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Hi Rey,
If the windshield is in place I believe it's best to put the upper dash pad in first.
That way you can tip the pad at an angle to slip the ends past the windshield posts.
When installing the pad be certain that the clips across it's front edge seat properly on the lip of the lower windshield frame.
Regards,
Alan

[Rey S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Thanks Mike
Partially my fault, In original inquiry I should have included my top panel.
So the order should be left, center, top, and the right side ?

[Rey S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Thanks Alan, What about any hard wear mounted to the under side of the top panel?

[Gary R.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Hi Rey,
If the windshield is in place I believe it's best to put the upper dash pad in first.
That way you can tip the pad at an angle to slip the ends past the windshield posts.
When installing the pad be certain that the clips across it's front edge seat properly on the lip of the lower windshield frame.
Regards,
Alan

That's how I did mine.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 Dash assembly

Hi Rey,
You'd want to make sure the u-nuts for the left and right lower dash pads are in place on their mounting brackets and I'd install the radio speakers right after getting the pad in place before moving on to the lower dash pads.
I prefer a slightly different sequence…in order….top pad, e-brake console, shifter console, left lower dash, center gauge cluster bezel, right lower dash.
I found that if the shifter console isn't in place the center gauge bezel can drop down and move toward the rear if it doesn't have the console to sit on.
Also, check the operation of EVERYTHING as you install each piece. The last thing you want is to get the dash in and realize something like the radio doesn't work.
I install all screws LOOSELY until everything is in place and then begin to tighten fasteners in a sequence while maintaining the proper fit and alignment.
Nerve wracking!
Regards,
Alan