Replacing Dash pads
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Hebron KY
Replacing Dash pads
Getting too old to squeeze under the dash to work on things. Does anyone know how the factory installed the dashes in C2's? It seems that if the pads, cluster, radio, speaker, wiring harness/fuse box, etc. were already installed into the dash frame and then installed in the car as a whole unit it would make life easy for a restoration. Has anyone done it that way? Does anyone know how the factory did it? I'm going to restore my dash this winter and I dread living under it for hours to hook everything back up.
PS I know the it's glued below the radio :-)
PS I know the it's glued below the radio :-)
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
The main fiberglass dash panel (including the eyebrow pads, speaker, defroster grille, radio, etc.) went in first (after the heater and pedal support assembly), and the cluster (with the instrument panel harness and fuse block attached) went in next. Glove box assembly was next, then the steering column. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,554
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
If you're wanting to remove the dash to work on the pads you'll have to drop or remove the steering column. Then remove the cluster, glovebox, radio, and side windshield pillar trim as well as disconnect the heater/blower/temp and clock in the center. After that you need to drill out the pad rivets on the door hinge posts and remove the bolts under the trim at the back of the dash at the windshield base. Break the bond where the dash meets the tranny tunnel and you're in business. No way to avoid some pretzel like gymnastics on this job since the wiring, oil line, tach and speedo cables have to be disconnected to remove the cluster. If you have an air car, there's more to disconnect but since I've never done one I'm not sure what more that entails. Good luck. Dave
Last edited by dkleather; Aug 28, 2008 at 07:56 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
I just finished the job on my 66. Its not that hard, and I did not have to work on my back as some suggested. Just be patient. And be prepared to remove or disconnect virtually everything in the dash area. I did not pull the entire fiberglass dash panel (i.e. I did not remove the rivets at the door jamb). PM me for more details
Harry
Harry
