Dash Pad Replacement

[Walter R.]

I am going to replace the dash pads and am looking for iinformation on removing pads from car. What is the process.

[Bob R.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

It is a litle bit of work. Remove the glove box the gauge cluster the radio and clock. The pads are held in place with a "T" shaped clip. You slip a thin screw driver blade in the middle of the clip and twist it will open the clips up remove all the clips and the pad should be easy to remove. There are at least 20 clips and most of them will either brake when removing or brake when you try to re use so buy new clips. Reverse the procedure to replace. The new clips are open when you get them and you position them and squeeze to close. The most difficult part of installing the new pads will be to get them into proper position on the fiberglass frame. I covered the new pad with a towel and a small piece of wood got a very large clamp and squeezed the pad into position then installed the clips.

[Gary F.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

Here's a couple of pics of underneath the dash of my 63 showing the clips that hold the pads on.

[Russ S.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

It is a litle bit of work. Remove the glove box the gauge cluster the radio and clock. The pads are held in place with a "T" shaped clip. You slip a thin screw driver blade in the middle of the clip and twist it will open the clips up remove all the clips and the pad should be easy to remove. There are at least 20 clips and most of them will either brake when removing or brake when you try to re use so buy new clips. Reverse the procedure to replace. The new clips are open when you get them and you position them and squeeze to close. The most difficult part of installing the new pads will be to get them into proper position on the fiberglass frame. I covered the new pad with a towel and a small piece of wood got a very large clamp and squeezed the pad into position then installed the clips.

There are also nuts holding the right side pad to the fiberglass on the top side.

[Walter R.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

I was planning on replacing dash pads with dash in car if that is possible. I am replacing dash wiring and have taken windshield out for replacement. I took bolts out of inner dash frame and and it seems if I take a couple of bolts out of center console the complete dash will come out making all the work I'm planning on doing a little less difficult. Do I need to drill rivets out of sides of dash? I love how a project gets larger and larger. Additionally, I'm replacing the dash insulation as well. Any guidence on this is appreciated.

[Gary F.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

You WILL have to pull the rivets to remove the entire structure, and having the windshield & dash out makes everything on your bucket list that much simpler & less time on your back.

[Paul J.]

Re: Dash Pad Replacement

I was planning on replacing dash pads with dash in car if that is possible. I am replacing dash wiring and have taken windshield out for replacement. I took bolts out of inner dash frame and and it seems if I take a couple of bolts out of center console the complete dash will come out making all the work I'm planning on doing a little less difficult. Do I need to drill rivets out of sides of dash? I love how a project gets larger and larger. Additionally, I'm replacing the dash insulation as well. Any guidence on this is appreciated.

You do not have to remove the dash to do what you are proposing. You can leave the rivets in place. Also, if you are carefull removing the dash pad clips they will not break. As previously mentioned, having the windshield out makes it easier.