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I installed my AK pad and my only issue was that the foam was too thick behind the instrument insert. It would not go back far enough ton get the bolts in and I had already glued. Make sure you check fit before gluing.
That is an area that you don't want to get super aggressive, as those studs on the cluster are fragile. We spent lots of time removing foam there and i used my knees to 'buck' the cluster into place while a helper started the bolts through the dash brace.
Trimming to much around the dash insert will create problems later on (ask me how I know) - do the MINIMUM....Willcox makes a tool to get the insert in with the repro foam pads or you can make your own. I trimmed nothing off the front foam on my 61 Romeo pad when installing, I'd be real cautious there too.. Be careful on those corner cuts too...make 'em too long and they'll be visible..
I was lucky as a first time C1 pad installer - I didn't make any mistakes so large I couldn't cover them up - prob as good as it gets when "learning on the job"..
This pad has so much foam that the indent for the speaker is not visible from the bottom. Cut and shave all that today, things are looking good and getting closer.
Chip
This pad has so much foam that the indent for the speaker is not visible from the bottom. Cut and shave all that today, things are looking good and getting closer.
Chip
. That should have been job 1. Everything locates off of the pad being aligned perfectly with the speaker hole. Having said that, i saw Rich 5962s excellent tutorial on dash pad installation in my pile of stuff today It is probably 40 pages. It takes ALL the guesswork out of installing a pad, including dash end caps. Maybe someone else can attach the pdf file.
I always felt it was in the right spot but realized that it wouldn't fit right with the grill and surround. I got email alert that you posted Rich's tutorial but it was gone when I logged in 20 minutes later. I remember Rich had a web site and he had to shut it down for some reason. I'm not out of the woods yet but still in the hunt. Appreciate your help with this as I'm a first timer and I don't think I got the #1 pad as far as quality control goes. Or maybe this is normal, either way I'll get it right or get another.
Chip
Chip, that was my bad. I thought i had located the pdf file that Rich had done on the dash pad, and after i copied and pasted it, it was the windshield tutorial . I will be glad to scan and email the dash pad one if you would like it. Just PM your email address and I'll send it from the office in the morning. It really is good. Darell
Last edited by vettsplit 63; 04-25-2019 at 08:43 PM.
When I did my pad about 12 years ago, I recall when I got done that I should have gotten more aggressive with the backing foam removal around where the windshield is and the dash pod insert as it would have made everything easier for me.
Originally Posted by vettsplit 63
Did the pdf file come thru?
Yes, I got it thank you, very informative, Rich does a great job!
Finally back at it after a month of working on trucks, trailers equipment and "Honey-Do" list" in my "Spare Time". Of all the research, purchased and free videos I found or were sent to me, the tutorial from rich5962 and FTF are the "BEST" at telling what you( I ) what you might encounter, and how to proceed from there.
Chip
04-24-2019, 09:37 AM
That is an area that you don't want to get super aggressive, as those studs on the cluster are fragile. We spent lots of time removing foam there and i used my knees to 'buck' the cluster into place while a helper started the bolts through the dash brace.
