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Dash Pad Clips - C2

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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 01:11 PM
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Default Dash Pad Clips - C2

I have the entire '63 taken apart. The interior is gutted except for the dash pads. I see the clips holding the pads. But its not clear to me how to undo them.
Rather than breaking a few to find out, can someone describe the process for removing them?

Thanks,
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 01:18 PM
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Once the clips are spread open at the parting line, they'll pull right out. You can open them with a small flat head screwdriver or a pair of dykes (side-cutting pliers, if you prefer).

The clips are pretty much one time use. If you don't break them taking them out, they'll probably break when you try to reuse them. Buy new ones.
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by nassau66427
Once the clips are spread open at the parting line, they'll pull right out. You can open them with a small flat head screwdriver or a pair of dykes (side-cutting pliers, if you prefer).

The clips are pretty much one time use. If you don't break them taking them out, they'll probably break when you try to reuse them. Buy new ones.
Ah, I see. They are not part of the pad. Rather they are separate and push in from the back side and as the two sides of the clip come together, the forward end of the clip separates and grabs the pad.

I will buy new clips.
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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I was able to remove all the clips, some of which were a real PITA. There is also two large nuts which secure studs that are part of the pad.
However, the damn thing will just not come off. Its loose, but the studs requre the dash to be lifted directly up, but the front contour of the pad prevents it from moving up. I dont know if this pad is original or not, it has not cracks.....but perhaps when the pad was new it was much more flexible and could be bent to fit in place. Its fairly rigid and just will not come out. If I force it, I'm going to wreck it.
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by split63
I have the entire '63 taken apart. The interior is gutted except for the dash pads. I see the clips holding the pads. But its not clear to me how to undo them.
Rather than breaking a few to find out, can someone describe the process for removing them?

Thanks,
(from other members here) The factory assembled the dash completely before installing it into the car as an assembly. All of the dash clips, especially those near the radio, are easier to get at with the unit removed. Unbolt the dash frame from the lower windshield area, break the bond below the radio, drill the rivets, remove whatever else I haven't mentioned holding the unit and pull out the whole assembly, then you'll be able to remove the pads.

Chuck
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 05:05 PM
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From JohnZ - When the car was built, the entire instrument panel (fiberglass main panel, eyebrow pads, cluster, instrument panel harness, speaker, speaker grille/defroster outlet, clock, radio, heater control cables, etc. was built up off-line as a complete assembly and installed as one piece. Then the heater control cables were connected at the heater box and the glove box and door were installed. No midgets involved . Lots easier to deal with when it's all one piece, out in the open where you can deal with it without standing on your head (and needing a chiropractor to help get you out of the car)
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by valrico_stingray
From JohnZ - When the car was built, the entire instrument panel (fiberglass main panel, eyebrow pads, cluster, instrument panel harness, speaker, speaker grille/defroster outlet, clock, radio, heater control cables, etc. was built up off-line as a complete assembly and installed as one piece. Then the heater control cables were connected at the heater box and the glove box and door were installed. No midgets involved . Lots easier to deal with when it's all one piece, out in the open where you can deal with it without standing on your head (and needing a chiropractor to help get you out of the car)
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Yes, I have seen this advocated before. With the assembly removed I would still have this problem. I just can't get it off the fiberglass piece you suggest removing.
Also, I just can't get past the "breaking" of the bond part, nor do I want to mess with those rivots. Although I must admit, yours looks very clean in your pictures.

Last edited by split63; Sep 2, 2007 at 05:14 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2007 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by split63
Yes, I have seen this advocated before. With the assembly removed I would still have this problem. I just can't get it off the fiberglass piece you suggest removing.
Also, I just can't get past the "breaking" of the bond part, nor do I want to mess with those rivots. Although I must admit, yours looks very clean in your pictures.
If the interior is gutted then the bonded spot, the rivets, and the windshield bolts are all you have left to undo. That may give you the flex you need in the frame to get the pads off without wrecking anything. Just my 2-cents. (that isn't my dash in the pictures) By the way, you break that bond adhesive with a small chisel, don't pry or pull on it, not a big deal.

Chuck
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