Dash Removal Trouble...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Dash Removal Trouble...
I'm having a HARD time getting my lower dash pad out of my '73. Does anyone have any instructions on how to get it out! I've unscrew every visible screw, disconnected the speedo and tach cable, dropped the steering coloumn.. what else is there? Is there some unvisible screw underneathe or behind the dash pad that are holding it in place?
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg SC
The problem may be the wiring harness is still held in place by the harness clamps. You can reach in and feel them at the top of the speedo and tach. Also you should remove the driver side kick panel. Also I've found it;s easier to remove with the small gage cluster out. It's a tight fit and you have to have patience. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Harness clamps? hmm.. I guess I'll go try that.. I know I didn't take them out because I can barely see underthere.. its one big clusterf***. And, I was afraid that you were gonna say I had to remove the center gauge cluster.. Those 2 nuts holding it to the console are always a PITA! 
Sorrry for my rudeness!! THANK YOU!
Sorrry for my rudeness!! THANK YOU!
Last edited by FRSTR90; Mar 1, 2009 at 07:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Shelby NC
Harness clamps? hmm.. I guess I'll go try that.. I know I didn't take them out because I can barely see underthere.. its one big clusterf***. And, I was afraid that you were gonna say I had to remove the center gauge cluster.. Those 2 nuts holding it to the console are always a PITA!
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg SC
The clamps are accessable from the top between the dash cover and gage cluster. You have to pull the top of the speedo/tach cluster out as far as you can and reach in from the top. Actually I found it easier by removing the dash pad. You have to remove the right side lower dash and from there the dash pad is pretty easy to remove. These C3's can test your patience.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg SC
Harness clamps? hmm.. I guess I'll go try that.. I know I didn't take them out because I can barely see underthere.. its one big clusterf***. And, I was afraid that you were gonna say I had to remove the center gauge cluster.. Those 2 nuts holding it to the console are always a PITA!
Sorrry for my rudeness!! THANK YOU!
Sorrry for my rudeness!! THANK YOU!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Look at this and see if it will help you.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Willcox
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Willcox
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
I wanted to thank you all for you help!! Man.. getting that dash out was a major PITA. I am just wondering how I am going to get everything back in there like the way it was! anyways.. that will be another day.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg SC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
I have the center gauges out... Actually I kinda lost a little bit of patience and took out the whole console and emergency brake console and everything... I am feel like I am getting while you're at it bug! I am going to try to leave the upper dash pad on. From what I hear, when you take them out and you put them back in, it does not settle like it had for the past 36 years. I hear that usually when it does finally settle for a second time, they crack. I just need this dash to last me another 6 months - year.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 0
Hey FRSTR90! could you take a couple pics of the stuff that you have taken out? and whats giving you trouble, Im going to be doing the same thing in a few weeks and would really like to be as prepared as possible
Miles
Miles
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
I will do my best... To me the most important picture, is the one of the that shows the back of the dash. If you want, I will later post up pictures and give some directions on how to remove the dash. They might not be in the right order, but it will get the job done.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Orangeburg SC
If needed I have pictures of every thing and what it looks like. Just got mine back together. Did a whole replacement of the interior. Just got the seats from Corvette America today. Let me know.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Is there any way I could get those pics also. I need to get the dash pad replaced on my car and want to replace all the lenses and bulbs while I'm at it. Thanks so much!! I've tried to take it out numerous times but have talked myself out of it due to not having pics.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,742
Likes: 1,384
Last time I disassembled my dash....
I went ahead and extended the harness and added a couple of multiple-lead plug-in connectors. SO, next time I have to take it apart (which I kept saying I'd never do again); it's a lot easier to separate the leads. I've done it once since, and it makes a large difference.