79 Corvette Dash (Help)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 12
From: New York
79 Corvette Dash (Help)
I'm working on a 79 L48 that has a few cracks in dash. My guess is the dash needs to be replaced. Can someone tell me what is involved in changing and replacing a 79 dash? What parts need to come out what can stay in? Is the dash 1 piece or 3 piece? The more information and detail the better.
Thanks,
-Dave
Thanks,
-Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The upper dash is one piece. The two knee pad dashes are screwed to the upper dash with three screws per upper edge. Very easy to get to. Next, remove the A-arm trim so you have more room. You'll want to start lifting in the middle, bowing it up, so the ends point down. Careful, you will have speakers to unhook, and a duct that mates with the defrost vent.
Once you get it slightly bowed, you can get it out fairly easily.
Once you get it slightly bowed, you can get it out fairly easily.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Or you can buy a dash 'cap' to put over the top of the dash you now have. It won't be completely original, but it will fix the damage on the dash quickly and look much better. Changing the dash pad is a PITA and will cost a bunch more than a cap. Good luck either way.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
Unlike the earlier C3s, the 78-82 dash is ONE piece. You pretty much gotta remove EVERYTHING attached to it; both gauge clusters, glove box, radio and speaker connectors, AC ducts, wiper connection, headlite switch,etc., etc.........
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Unlike the earlier C3s, the 78-82 dash is ONE piece. You pretty much gotta remove EVERYTHING attached to it; both gauge clusters, glove box, radio and speaker connectors, AC ducts, wiper connection, headlite switch,etc., etc.........
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
I haven't seen a repro dash that fits worth a damn yet. I'd pay twice as much for one that was properly strengthened & had the mounting holes predrilled.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: staten island new york
St. Jude Donor '10
Unlike the earlier C3s, the 78-82 dash is ONE piece. You pretty much gotta remove EVERYTHING attached to it; both gauge clusters, glove box, radio and speaker connectors, AC ducts, wiper connection, headlite switch,etc., etc.........
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
The dash attaches with several screws underneath along the windshield. I think 2 screws at each door jamb. Remove the steering column support.
I've heard complaints about the fit of the repros so that will add to the frustration, too.
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