1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Finishing up replacing the dash pad on 1962 that was started a good while ago. Problem is how to install the grab bar. The instructions with the dash pad said not the remove the grab bar brackets and therefore I am stuck. Help. Thanks.
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Ted:
It has been several years since I replaced the dash pad on my '61. But as I remember the process, I removed the brackets and left only enough dash pad material to cover the area where the brackets attach. I made sure the bolt holes were clear. I don't see how you can properly install the dash pad without removing the grab bar brackets. -
Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Al Knoch directions specifically state not to remove grab bar brackets. Either way the brackets are now on and protrude out at least 2 inches on each side and I cannot figure out how to slide the grab bar over them. There must be a way that is much simpler than I can figure out because there is little written about it. If you have done it, please help. Thanks, TedComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Ted, I've done several dashpads over the past few years.......
I install the dashpad with the brackets mounted/installed so I get the cuts in the pad as close as possible to the brackets. Note that I make "rounded" cuts close to where the pad meets the bracket edges. Cut minimally in that area.
After dash pad installation, I then remove the left side grab bar bracket, using a 3/8" drive flex socket for the bolts. I always use "shoulder" bolts there, 5/16" course thread. You have to very carefully use the socket and a extention bar to get the bolts in or out. With the bracket removed I then install the dash insert. It will not fit with both brackets installed. One of them has to come out. The rounded pad cuts near the bracket edges are important when using the socket on the bracket bolts. It prevents tearing the vinyl.
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Now you say you're having trouble with the grab bar installation. The 2 brackets must be there for attachment. However, the chrome endcaps must be installed on the bar and moved inward to clear the brackets. I wrap heavy duty electrical tape, sticky side up, on the grab bar padding to compress the foam where the end caps are temporarily held. This protects the vinyl. Then the bar gets bolted from underneath using the 4 clutch head flathead screws. Once installed, the chrome ends then slide back over the brackets outward both sides, and attached using the 2 screws each, one from underneath into the captive nut plate, the other into the dash insert ends.
RichComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Ted:
Rich's description is right. However, somehow I was able to get the pad and the dash insert in without removing the brackets. I can't remember how just now. Also when you mentioned brackets in your first post I was mistaking them for the rail escutcheon (chrome endcaps). Rich's last paragraph about the installation of the grab bar is how I did it. The grab bar goes on top of the brackets and then is attached from underneath.
Sorry for the confusion in my first answer.
If you have a '61-'62 AIM you may find page A35 helpful.Comment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Right on. I thought it would take removing at least one of the brackets. I watched the Paragon video on U-tube on installing a dash pad and it was fairly complete, but the grab bar just seemed to magically to appear installed. Thanks, TedComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
I have not installed a dash pad yet, but last week I disassembled one.....I removed the 4 clutch head screws from underneath grab bar, unscrewed chome caps, pushed caps toward center of grab bar enough for clearance and the bar came straight up.....removed the nuts from the aluminum dish, and the driver side lifted up and out first, took a gentle push on the stainless beads to clear the bracket and it came right out......the pad was torn away and the mounting brackets are still in place....Dino LannoComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Unfortunately I took it apart about a year ago and don't fully remember how I did it but I know that after removing the 4 clutch head screws it did not just lift off. It was a struggle getting it off and much more to get it back on. I did have to remove the bracket on the left side to slide the brackets into the grab bar as described earlier. Thanks, TedComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Dino, yes some dash inserts can fit with both brackets installed, but some cannot. Variations in the body, dashpad foam thickness, brackets, inserts, etc make it easy for some, but not for others. You got a good one.
RichComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Rich, Thanks for the comment. I'm feeling a little better now that I know there are different variations. I did a 58 dash pad several years back a did not remember this kind of difficulty.TedComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Yes, just be careful using the socket. You have to squeeze the extension bar above the bracket, but under the top edge of the vinyl through the hole. The vinyl can tear there if the cuts are square/sharp. That's why I use a pointed x-acto blade and make the cut with a gentle sweeping curve around the bracket. Less likely to tear.Comment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
I am installing the dash pad currently and have accepted the fact that the dash insert cannot be put in place without removing one of the grab bar brackets. I trimmed the vinyl very carefully by the inboard bracket using large radius cuts close to the perimeter of the chrome grab bar trim ring per Richard Mozzetta's guidance so that the flex socket can access the head of the mounting bolts. I have the pad dry mounted in a trial fit and found that the inboard bracket will not fit past the opening I cut in the vinyl and the end of the dash insert. So, it would seem impossible to reinstall this bracket after the pad is glued down with the dash insert in place. I did not see this issue addressed in this or other threads so I'm wondering how to address this during the final install. Should I loosely fit the inboard bracket inside the vinyl and behind the dash insert as the dash is put into final position?Keith MacRae
NCRS #36692
New Mexico Chapter
1960 290HP FI
2013 427 Convertible
Shade tree mechanic and
B-52 pilot extraordinaire
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Keith, On some I have to grind the corners of the bracket quite a bit to get to fit. Also I often use round head Allen bolts and ball end Allen wrench to ease installation.
RichComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
Thanks Rich. This morning I went out and tried to insert the bracket with the pad and dash insert in position and it slipped in okay. It didn't seem to want to do so last night. Isn't it true - sometimes you let something sit over night and it fits or works okay the next day!Keith MacRae
NCRS #36692
New Mexico Chapter
1960 290HP FI
2013 427 Convertible
Shade tree mechanic and
B-52 pilot extraordinaireComment
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Re: 1962 dash pad replacement GRAB BAR
I am going to try and use some of these tips but the process to install the grab bar replacement has been very frustrating so far. Easy out but not so easy in...will come back for my progress with a list of cuss words !
If someone wants to help me avoid the cuss words I can be reached at 561 265-8851 (Florida EDST) or GreggCesario@aol.com
Good guidance reading the threads as I return to what I thought was to be a small easy project that has turned out to be more frustrating.Comment
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