C2 dash pad replacement

[David F.]

Can the dash pads be replaced with minimal disassemble of dash? I purchased reskinned dash pads at Carlisle 2017. Now I am not sure how much is involved and how to do this job.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Sorry for the bad news but I think the entire dash will have to come out to replace the pads.

There are several clips that have to be removed and replaced along with a couple of nuts on the right side.

JR

[David F.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Thanks JR. I have ordered new clips, rivets, nuts. That I should receive next week. Looks like a BIG job ahead of me.
David

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

I replaced a pad in a 63 w/o taking the dash out. You need to remove either the inst. cluster or the glove box or both to get access to the clips that hold them on , these clips are deceiving you need to spread the clips open to release them . I don't remember any nuts but it was quite some time ago that I did the job and I may have forgotten them ,just go slow pay attention and youshould be good to go. Hope this helps. Jeff

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Hats off if you replaced pads with correct butterfly clips w/o removing the dash. I don't see how you get those waterfall clips installed that way though. Here is an article on the clips...save and reuse originals where possible.. Getting those clips to 'bite' even with the dash out in the radio area was a PITA...

If you remove the dash you'll need new rivets for the 'ears' on each side. These early midyears have different color conventions for the rivet heads IIRC than later midyears. Harry or others will know the details..

[Carnell M.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Did mine a few years ago. Definitely had to remove the dash

[David F.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

I thought this was a good idea when I saw the dash pads for good price at Carlisle. I now have 2nd thoughts, but I will make the attempt in the next few weeks. Thank you all for the help and advice. I'll post an update when finished.
David in Bergen County NJ

[Jim D.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

I hate to add to your work load but I would seriously consider replacing the dash harness at a minimum while you're at it. Every car I restore gets all new wiring. 50+ year old wiring that was designed to last only 10 years is a time bomb.

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

I thought this was a good idea when I saw the dash pads for good price at Carlisle. I now have 2nd thoughts, but I will make the attempt in the next few weeks. Thank you all for the help and advice. I'll post an update when finished.
David in Bergen County NJ

If you don't have John Hinckley's step-by-step instructions on pulling the instrument cluster I can provide it or perhaps others....
Its cookbook stuff, just tedious to get to some things and requires inordinate patience...and attention to detail.

And yes, this job is a massive candidate for project creep; e.g. harness, cluster refurb, etc..

You may find the new pads make the rest of the dash look bad now, so maybe a redye job is in order as well. Colors fade quickly!
You'll find out when you take some knobs off...

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

I've done quite a few without removing the dash. True the center area is tuff but very doable. Right side has easier access only the glove box assembly and the inner lower panel needs to come out. The drivers side is obvious more disassembly is required. One must make sure all the retaining clips are in good shape to reassemble with the "legs" being fully closed. Age and possible rust hamper reuse on some. So make use you have extras to complete the task.

[David F.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Frank, I would appreciate a copy of John Hinckley's instructions to pull the instrument cluster. Can you post a link to down load for printing? David

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

IIRC I've seen cleaner copies somewhere but this is what I have and they are legible enough..

[David F.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Thanks. I printed them out C2 Dash Cluster articles to read before starting anything. David

[Frank D.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

Thanks. I printed them out C2 Dash Cluster articles to read before starting anything. David

Its one of those jobs that's much worse in the anticipation than in the execution!
Some all-thread with double nuts on the end make 'stand offs' for the cluster to hang on while you detach wires and bulbs and cables -- helps a bunch....

[David F.]

Re: C2 dash pad replacement

It has taken me a while to replace the inside heater duct and passenger side dash pad. I accomplish it without removing the dash. Really hard to work on the pad securing pins. I am debating what I want to do on the driver's side, it isn't that bad and I want enjoy the summer. My more immediate problem is the heater blower motor does not work now. Pulled it out to test but I think it is done for.