Grab bar/dash pad install

[Stephen R.]

I'm about half way through removing all of the dash items etc, necessary to install a new dash pad. I have a question about the grab bar. I purchased a new vinyl cover to replace the old one, however the old one seems to have some padding under the vinyl cover. None of the usual parts suppliers seem to offer a padding to go around the bar. Is there padding? What is it made off? (the old one seems to just be a piece of thin flat rubber wrapped around the bar), Where can I get some?
Question number two concerns the removal of the dash cluster to install the pad. I've read the articles which state that it's mandatory to remove the cluster while the instructions that came with the pad and some posts here in the forum state that all you need to do is loosen the cluster and move it forward without detaching all of the spaghetti behind it.
Any info from those who have gone before me is appreciated.
Steve

[Joe M.]

Re: Grab bar/dash pad install

Not sure what year C1 your are referring to. On my 1960, I loosened up the dash cluster and slid it forward onto the steering wheel column. It stretches the wires, but seems to be OK. Be sure to cover the steering wheel column with padding so the underside of the gauge cluster does not scratch the paint.

I believe my grab bar cover was original and when I removed it, there was no padding underneath it. The cover fits so tight, I don't see how there would be room for padding of any significant thickness.

[Stephen R.]

Re: Grab bar/dash pad install

Thanks Joe for the response. My C1 is a 59 and I ended up taking off the cluster. Wasn't so bad, especially if you leave the gages assembled. Luckily Bubba had been there before me and all of the hard to reach nuts/bolts weren't missing. I also used a flexible nut driver,,,great tool. The only thing I broke removing was the headlight switch, which in this case again wasn't all that bad either since the dimmer never worked properly and I planned on replacing it.
Again thanks for the response.
Steve