72 upper dash pain in the rear!

[Scott M.]

Good grief! Has anyone figured out the best way to remove/install the upper dash pad without destroying the corners? The windshield is still installed.I really don't want to force it too much.ThanksScott

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

Scott, The windsheild piller post trim and center trim must be out of the way. the next step is to remove the pass lower kick panel panel and pass side dash pad there are one or two screws hidden on the under side.once this is out of the way the trim screws across the top of drivers pad, The upper dash should now be floating around, the next step is to push the upper pad to one side while flexing the middle of the pad upward(almost trying to bent so to speak) to clear the piller post on that side. If you have a extra hand it helps, but can be done. I have done by myself before.

the only warning is that if the pad is original the it can crackif mishandled. maybe put the car into sun to help make a little more flexible.

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

Scott, The windsheild piller post trim and center trim must be out of the way. the next step is to remove the pass lower kick panel panel and pass side dash pad there are one or two screws hidden on the under side.once this is out of the way the trim screws across the top of drivers pad, The upper dash should now be floating around, the next step is to push the upper pad to one side while flexing the middle of the pad upward(almost trying to bent so to speak) to clear the piller post on that side. If you have a extra hand it helps, but can be done. I have done by myself before.

the only warning is that if the pad is original the it can crackif mishandled. maybe put the car into sun to help make a little more flexible.

This is the way.

[Scott M.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

OK Thanks

Scott

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

Scott,
Please pay attention to Ed's caution about bending original upper dash. As they grow old and brittle the chances of damage are greater. Be careful.

[Randall K.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

Don't forget about the dash support bracket behind the map pocket (at least there is one in my '454 roadster). This bracket also has a screw into the underside of the dash panel.

This is doable - be patient. Letting the dash panel warm in the sun, or with a hair dryer will improve flexibility.

Randy

[Michael D.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

...the only warning is that if the pad is original the it can crackif mishandled...

Yep. They can, and do, break.

[Ronald D.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

I have a 1971 that is 35% complete doing a frame off, I noticed that when I removed the old dash top, I know the new one will be installed before the windshield, I am guessing, but I think they were installed prior to glass when built.

[Michael D.]

Re: 72 upper dash pain in the rear!

...I am guessing, but I think they were installed prior to glass when built...

I would tend to agree since it probably made the task easier for assembly line staff.