1971 Dash issues

[Bruce N.]

With the left and right dash pads installed, the gap for the Instrument panel is 1/2" too small at the top. The l & R dash sections were stripped and recovered by Al Knoch and seem to be fine but when in place they can not be moved around. Crazy mess to be in. Any sensible solutions would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Bruce, Maybe a few pic.s may help to see whats up with the fit.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

From your description in the post, I'm assuming that the center upper bezel housing will NOT fit between the right and left upper dash pads when installed, if this is so, I have to think that the re-covering of those dash pieces is somehow not exact like factory coverings.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

If you can move the center in the gap will get wider. My four speed shifter hit the front of the trim and I moved the dash forward to fix that problem.

[Bruce N.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Edward,
My car is in a garage at work - about 40 miles away. Monday will be my first chance to get a picture.

Warren,
I checked the covering and it seems to be glued right on top of the old substrate - very nicely done. Old age must be the problem. I bought this car with many parts in boxes. I think the pads may have grown larger over the years; probably because of heat. But now I have to use these high price suckers and the only thing I can think of is shaving a quarter inch off the cowl side of each of these pads - in a place that can not be seen after the gauge bezel is installed.

[Bruce N.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Thanks Lyle. That's a good idea. How much were you able to move your dash? I'm not sure if the upper pad will prevent me from moving it, but I'm going to give your idea a try on Monday. Thanks again.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Bruce just a question when you install the dash pads did you tighten the screws all the way down?

If so I have and many others have found if you tighten the screws in about half way in all the items fitting together allows a little more wiggle room. Just a thought.


Paul 18046

[Bruce N.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Paul,
Thanks for your response. I have tried with the screws loose and it does allow for some movement. But the panels are also attached on the side and that seems to be the real problem. Now, I think these panels have "swollen" over the years. I don't know what they looked like in the car because they had been removed when I bought it. Live and learn.

[Kevin G.]

Re: 1971 Dash issues

Bruce, While installing the dash pads on my 72 I started by installing the left pad with gauges, (leaving the side screws out). Next in was the center stack. I then installed the top or upper dash pad, giving me access underneath, threw the right side. Finally after securing the upper pad brace and making sure the front clips were correctly in place, I installed the right dash pad. With a little adjustment side to side the side screws were installed, keeping even with the ends of the upper dash. There should be enough wiggle room side to side and back to front. Good luck!

Keep us posted.