70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

[John S.]

I need to replace my speakers and repair my clock and need some help. I've researched the archives and can't find any step by step instructions (with photos preferably or a video even better). I've run across many posts that give advice regarding specific problems with this process...and some that seem to give conflicting advice. Am I just not doing the right search? If there is nothing like this available..are there any other resources? I have the 70 GM Chassis Service Manual, the Assembly Instruction Manual, a 68-82 Haynes Repair Manual and they just don't provide the detail I'm looking for...or maybe I'm just too aprehensive about taking this on. My dash and all are in excellent shape and I'm concerned I may do more damage than good if I take this on without knowing the best way.
Appreciate any help/advice anyone can provide.
Thanks!

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

Does your Corvette have C60? That will ass more stuff to come out.

The closest you will come to step-by-step is the Chassis Service Manual (CSM). To my knowledge there are neither photos nor video. Both would be nice ideas, but no one has put in the work to do that yet that I know of.

There are a few "tricks." Tag and mark where all the screws came from (especially if your dash has never been apart). Some of the screws are slightly longer or shorter than others and it will be important to get them back in the exact same hole to prevent damage.

Take off the panel with the pocket in front of the passenger. Three dash colored screws at the top, two cross-recess in the door jamb, and two in from the side of the instrument cluster. These last two are very important not to mix up. Put a long screw in the short spot and you will have an extra hole in your dash pad.

There is a screw holding a right angle bracket that has to come out in front of that passenger pad in order to get the upper dash out. Watch out for the screw (I think it is a machine screw) that goes up into the upper dash pad from the windshield wiper mechanism.

There are two studs in the bottom of the instrument cluster. These can be seen in the AIM, but I don't have one with me to give you the page. You only have to back the nuts (7/16-inch if memory serves, but get confirmation on this from someone else. It has been too long since I did it.) off and don't have to get them all the way off. There are slots in the center console and re-installing the nuts on the studs takes a contortionist with small hands. They can be accessed from the small triangular panels at the front of the center console -- the ones that are held in with one cross-recess screw. It will take a 1/4-inch drive 7/16-incgh socket with a flex joint on it to get at those nuts, but it can be done.

There is more, but I have to get out of here. Others will add and amplify.

Slow and steady wins the race with early C3 interiors. It also becomes easier the more often you do it.

[Edward J.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

John, the best way to start, remove the t-tops or if conv. put top down, next is to remove the center moulding ( above inside mirror) and then the left and right pillers mouldings,(note: the screws types and finishes). Since your doing the clock and speakers you will want to removed the pass side lower dash section, to do this I find that the lower kick panel removed makes this alittle easier, and remove the rocker moulding to do this. next is remove the upper screws on lower dash and then the side screws on the door side and then the screws on the gage cluster. this should now allow the lower dash removel,There is a few wires attached to the rear side of lower pads, Next, is the screw on the under side of dash pad, this screw is a 5/16 hex head screw. and then the 3 screws on the lower dash panel on the drivers side.at this time the upper dash pad should be free.the next step is to have a helper if possiable, The dash pad will not come straight out without flexing the middle of the pad to get by the pillers, if you have a helper , each in one side of car and grab the outter edges of pad and then flex the pad slightly in the middle to get buy the pillers.once one side clears your there.


The clock removel should be alittle easier since the dash pads are out of way. first remove the console side panels and the screws that attach the console to metal bracket. Then there are 2 screws on the drivers side gage console.the next step is to remove the 2 nuts on the underside of the front part of console these nuts are 3/8 heads and may require a flexable head socket to access these nuts.then carefully rotate the gage console to access the clock I believe that there are 2 hex head screws 5/16 heads. good luck. ED

[John S.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

Re Terry's question...yes, I have RPO C60 (Factory AC)
Thanks for the help so far..will digest...and take pics and maybe a video when I do it.

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

Hi John,
If I may, I'll add that you should be VERY careful with the center bezel. It's VERY easy to break it into 2 pieces at the area just above the gauges themselves. You'll see how small and thin this area is when you get it out. Be especially careful pushing on the top if the bottom nuts or screws are in place.
It's only makes a very little 'pop' and then it's too late.
Have fun!
Regards,
Alan

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

Re Terry's question...yes, I have RPO C60 (Factory AC)
Thanks for the help so far..will digest...and take pics and maybe a video when I do it.

I found it is best to do these kinds of jobs when I am well rested. I make better decisions that way, but maybe that is just me. So allow a day to disassemble and the same to go back. If it takes you more than a day for either part of the job, don't worry. It is not like you are a wrench at the dealership and you have to beat the book.

I asked about AC because I think the area of the wiper switch disassembles a little differently with AC than without. I am also not sure how the AC ducts on the passenger side affect access to the bolt that attaches the bracket to the upper dash. I didn't have any access issues once the passenger lower pad was out, but the AC ducts might be a little different. It should be no problem to see what has to come apart once you get the passenger side pad (with the storage pocket) out.

[John S.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

Thanks...I appreciate your advice...I would hate to do more harm than good.
John

[Jim T.]

Re: 70 Coupe w AC RR Clock and Speakers

John removal of the passenger door sill plate makes it easier to remove the passenger kick panel. Caution the top of the kick panel where it fits into the bottom of the dash to prevent damaging the dash panel.
Removal of the passenger panel gives easy access to the right speaker.