What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

[David C.]

In looking at my 1973 dashpads (I have to remove to replace the headlight knob/rod), I noticed what appears to be tape or paper backing between the upper and lower dashpads on the driver's side. It may be part of / attached to the upper dashpad. I thought at first that the vinyl edge of the pad was coming away, but I think it looks more like a backing or tape of some kind.

Does anyone know what this tape or paper is?
Is there any specific care I need to take when removing the lower dashpad to access the headlight switch?

Thanks for your help.
Dave

[Bill S.]

Re: What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

Looks like the vinyl has split and what you seeing is the foam that gives the dash its shape.

[Russ S.]

Re: What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

I don't think it is anything to be concerned about. It is just masking tape used to hold down the edge of the vinyl that has come loose.

[John S.]

Re: What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

David, not sure about the paper, tape or what ever is in the photo but I’ll give you my two cents worth on the lower panel and switch removal. I have replaced several HL switches successfully without dropping the entire LH panel.

Remove the two screws that go into the LH panel from the gauge side, the three screws going up into the top dash pad and the three screws at the LH door jamb just above the hinges. That should loosen the panel and you should be able to get to the switch from the LH side. I prefer not to drop or remove the entire panel because that usually involves dropping the steering column and disturbing a bunch of the wiring harness behind the tach and speedo that can be a real pain to get back in properly.

If you need a little more room to get behind the panel, you may have to loosen the column and drop it down slightly to gain additional clearance. Make sure you temporarily support the column so you don’t damage the rag joint at the steering box.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

[Edward J.]

Re: What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

I don't think it is anything to be concerned about. It is just masking tape used to hold down the edge of the vinyl that has come loose.

I agree with Russ, the factory does use tape at the edges of vinyl this on the lower pads also. once you drop down the drivers side to fix headlight switch you maybe able to re-tape??

[David C.]

Re: What is this between upper and lower dashpads (1973)?

Thank you all, I will report back once I have the dashpad off.