dash pad replacement 1962

[Ted K.]

I am replacing the dash pad with the windshield off. In reading the archives there are different opinions as to where to put glue to hold on dash pad, in fact one says put the glue in the window channel. Is this correct? I was under the impression the pad was trimmed so it would butt against the windshield frame not go underneath the frame.
Too what point is the excess pad trimmed, and what part of the pad receives the glue? I was planning on using 3M weatherstrip adhesive, any thoughts.
Ted

[Christopher R.]

Re: dash pad replacement 1962

Most people use the 3M spray adhesive. That and the weatherstrip adhesive won't allow you to reposition the pad after contact. So the trick is to position the pad dry and then work it forward. Apply glue sparingly as you go forward. You don't need glue where the pad is held down by the speaker and the defroster bezels.

Over time, the pad will want to pull away from the windshield. I put the leading edge of my pad under the frame. I know others have too. I don't know if much or any glue is needed there because the windshield frame will hold it down. I'd trim the foam off the top skin before I put the skin under the frame.

[Dennis C.]

Re: dash pad replacement 1962

There are plenty of items to hold the pad down on top - speaker, defroster outlets, & mirror. Lower, you have the dash cluster, aluminum insert, courtesy light, & you also have the dash end caps.

I don't think you need glue along the top. A little to wrap the dash pad around the lip of the body under the windshield frame. It would be helpful to have the dash pad extend under the windshield frame.

Check the archives, there is information on this and a great article on the cd of Restorer articles.

Dennis

[Loren L.]

Re: dash pad replacement 1962

First, it's hard to respond to some of this since it has been almost 30 years ago that my article first appeared in the Restorer and the producers of the pads have done, in at least Al Knoch's case, a number of improvements.
At first blush, I would agree that the hold-down surfaces of the other items might be enough to hold the pad in place; and then, I would say anyone who does it that way better be selling the car quickly.
My other comment would be that anyone who is t******* away foam from the vinyl that goes under the windshield has purchased a pad made by someone I don't know or has somewhere, somehow already made a serious mistake.