Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

[Michael G.]

Good morning all,

Am soon to install new dash pads in my '66 . Am looking for a "heads up" regarding removal and installation of the new clips. From the visual observation appears clips go through the dash and possibly twist....locking the pad into place. Doesn't look like rocket science, however before I dive into the project thought ask first. Wouldn't want to ruin a perfectly original pads .

Thanks in advance.

[Rich P.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Michael,

they don't twist they open and close. They are referred to as butterfly clips.

So to remove them simply take a flat blade screw driver and wedge it between the 2 tangs and spread them apart. then the clip will come out.

To install them push the small end of the clip into the opening making sure it engauges the pad and with a pair of pliers squeeze together the tangs.

Rich

[John H.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Here's a nice summary from Dave Zuberer.

[Paul J.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Mike:

These can be tricky, especially with the dash in the car. When I last removed mine, I was only able to get a very thin blade screwdriver in a few of them. I found it a lot easier if I used a pair of wire cutters and gently squeezed from both sides. Place the blades of the cutters on the gap (seam) in the middle of the clip and gently squeeze. It will open enough to get a screwdriver in and you can open the clip by rocking side to side. If you twist it the clip usually rotates. I was able to save all of my original clips.

Paul

[Michael G.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Paul, dash is out however your post is somewhat confusing as you use the words "squeeze" which typically means together and later on "twist" indicating a twisting motion. Rich has indicated the clips spread apart using a screw driver type impliment, not twist .

[Rich P.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Michael,

What Paul is referring to is to use the wire cutters as a way to start the tangs to open. You don't squeeze the tangs together but take the wirecutters and turn them 90 degrees from clamping the tangs together and squeeze. The sharp edge of the cutters gets between the tangs and creates an opening that is easier for the screwdriver to get into to do the rest.

I have done the same as Paul said and sometimes I use a hammer to tap the screwdriver into the clip to open it.

Rich

[Michael G.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Got it Paul/Rich....the light bulb came on . I understand what you guys are saying. I'll giv'er a go! Thanks.

[Tony S.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Just imagine that you're in New Orleans and you want to open some oysters. Put your screw driver in the seam between the two halves and twist to open. That's how those clips work--just like a cajun oyster!

Good luck.
Tony

[Michael G.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Appreciate the support Tony .

Haven't heard from you since your car was painted. Give me a shout. Take care.

[William G.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Micheal
I just install new pads in a 65 Yes some times when installing
you will have to twist the clip to catch. If you are installing
new pads CAUTION
You will have to drill the holes where the dash insert goes
I found out the hard way. The new dash pads are fiberglass where
the dash insert goes. On original ones there is metal in the dash
pad with screw holes for the dash insert not so on the new pads.
On the new ones you will have to drill the holes for the dash insert
YES you are right i learned the hard way and went through the
dash pad. SO PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Bill

[Bob R.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

You might want to purchase some extra clips. When I removed and replaced on my 63 quite a few of them broke. They will only open once or twice then they break.

[Michael G.]

Re: Mid year dash pad clip removal/installation help

Thanks for the insight Bob/William. Helpful info regarding install. What a shock that must have been to drill through the new pad $$$$.