1980 dash removed ! Crack....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
1980 dash removed ! Crack....
Guys !
I was able to remove the 1980 dash from my vette.
It was taken out before since the previous owner repainted it to match the body paint.(Burgandy).
Boy 'o boy did I do some pullin' and a bit of twisting !
I wasn't scared since I know I'm getting it replaced. It cracked and broke at some places....
Is there any tips you guys can give me to INTSALL the new one coming in ?? Its gonna be tight !!!
Appreciated !
Phil
I was able to remove the 1980 dash from my vette.
It was taken out before since the previous owner repainted it to match the body paint.(Burgandy).
Boy 'o boy did I do some pullin' and a bit of twisting !
I wasn't scared since I know I'm getting it replaced. It cracked and broke at some places....
Is there any tips you guys can give me to INTSALL the new one coming in ?? Its gonna be tight !!!
Appreciated !
Phil
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Remove the A-pillar trim for more room, and you'll want to pull the center upwards, bowing the dash, so the ends go in first. With it bowed, you should be able to get the ends down into position before getting the center section down, and then you're in.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Some people say to let it sit in the sun (if you have any) to warm up and become a little more flexible. DB is right, try to hump it up in the center, don't try to bend the ends.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Besides the above good suggestions, if your new dash was like mine it had NO holes in it anywhere. I had to drill out all the hole and make sure evyerhting fit carefully. The foam they are made out of can take a good screwing once. If you screw up (pun intended) you will just elongate a hole.
So before screwing anything into it, make sure you are on the money.
So before screwing anything into it, make sure you are on the money.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 316
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands TX
And if you don't have the sun. A good hairdryer or careful application of a heatgun on the side 'wings' that go by the a pillar are a must. And amen on making sure all your screw holes are predrilled for all your instrumentation and glove box. When I installed mine, the fitment was off quite a bit on some items especially the side air vents, the speedo tack housing. I had to heat it all up and reform pieces for a better fit. Good luck, mine was a trial in patience.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Cary Illinois
I heated the original dash pad on my 68 thoroughly for removal and installation using a hair dryer. As DB mentioned removal of the pillar trim gave me an extra inch which allowed me in bow the dash only slightly in and out.
No cracks or breaks after a nice heat soak
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 0
From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
Phil, are you going to redo the speedometer to the 160 mph upgrade while everything is apart?? I've seen some on here that have been done. Definitely cool!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Canton MI
Guys !
I was able to remove the 1980 dash from my vette.
It was taken out before since the previous owner repainted it to match the body paint.(Burgandy).
Boy 'o boy did I do some pullin' and a bit of twisting !
I wasn't scared since I know I'm getting it replaced. It cracked and broke at some places....
Is there any tips you guys can give me to INTSALL the new one coming in ?? Its gonna be tight !!!
Appreciated !
Phil
I was able to remove the 1980 dash from my vette.
It was taken out before since the previous owner repainted it to match the body paint.(Burgandy).
Boy 'o boy did I do some pullin' and a bit of twisting !
I wasn't scared since I know I'm getting it replaced. It cracked and broke at some places....
Is there any tips you guys can give me to INTSALL the new one coming in ?? Its gonna be tight !!!
Appreciated !
Phil
