I've probably done three complete dash removals and re-installations and some partial removal/re-install. The 45 year old plastic substrates of the dash panels become like crystal glass. They fracture very easily. There's often tight fits. On the original assembly line, I assume the workers just used their fist to push interior parts into place. Do this on you 45 year old Corvette and these plastic parts will possibly shatter. I don't think it's possible to do a original interior disassembly and restore without damaging something. The idea is to minimize damage. For instance, the center instrument panel screws into the passenger's and driver's side vertical dash panels. After two or so remove and install...these screws will gouge out meaningless holes in the driver's and passenger's vertical dash panels and screwing in the instrument panel becomes hopeless.

Working with the driver's side instrument panel, you'll have to pretty much lower the steering wheel. Disconnect it from the mount were it mounts to the bottom of the windshield frame. You can then lower it by maybe three inches.

When you go to re-install the driver's side vertical dash panel, the tach and speedo cannisters will often interfere with the wiring harness. Remove the tach and speed cannister from the dash, reinstall it and put your hands through the holes for the speedo and tack and move the wire harness out of the way. Then remove the vertical dash, re=install the tach and speedo and install.

Also, working on the interior driver's side dash..or the clutch..or brake mechanism...or removing/installing the vacuum boost cannister..BECOMES SO MUCH EASIER IF YOU REMOVE THE STEERING COLUMN. I's pretty easy to remove..a little tedious...buy basically easy. A lot easier than laying on your back trying to work on the interior firewall wire harnesses, clutch, brake, etc.

 

Do I need to completely remove the dash to replace the following?:

-Left & right under dash speakers
-Stereo
-Tach cable
-Fresh air vent hoses
-Tripometer

Thanks

 

I believe it is an OE bezel cut out for DIN syereo. Something that has to be done a lot cuz most were cut for 80's Pioneer stereos anyway. Mine was. Rather badly.

 

I cut mine in my Z-28. Perfect job - until someone broke in and stole my radio in Lansing.

 

I wish I hadn't read this thread before going to bed

 

This might be what you are looking for.

Chevy Corvette Radio DASH KIT: Single Din Install Aftermarket Stereo Faceplate

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380450306056

It works for both shaft and single DIN.

 

Thanks for the link, I will be needing that too

 

Just a quick idea I picked up when I had to replace the dash in my '70 LS5. Before I installed the new dash I laid it in the sun for about an hour to really heat it up. After getting it really hot, it was really easy to bend in order to install without fear of cracking it down the middle. Just my TCW........

 

good idea

 

I know this is an old post, but I just started the process of putting an overdrive manual into my 72, and thought I would try to remove the dash to do some minor "patching" since half of the interior is already apart. I'm wandering if they put the dash in at the factory before the windshield was installed. Does anyone know if it will come out that way without having to try to bend it. I'm afraid to snap that old thing in half.

 

If you have the two "A" pillar side covers removed and the screw(s) removed under the dash so essentially it's free, gently apply pressure up from the bottom of the dash ( making it bow up a bit in the middle ) and at the same time slide a corner out (say the left side ) away from the pillar and presto, it's done. Some I believe have let the car sit in the sun to soften the dash to make more pliable just be patient and use light pressure.
Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for that. I may be taking the windshield out, so thats why I was wandering if I should wait on the dash (if it readily come out that way)