Dash pad install question on a 69
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
Dash pad install question on a 69
It has been almost a year since I removed my dash pad on my 69 so I have forgotten how difficult it was to get out with the windshield still in.
Is there an easy way to install it with the windshield in?
Thanks
Glenn in San Diego
Is there an easy way to install it with the windshield in?
Thanks
Glenn in San Diego
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,280
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Glenn,
Given the opportunity to install the pad while the windshield is out is the best way to do it. It can be slid in from the front.
When the windshield is installed the pad needs to be tilted and humped up SLIGHTLY in the middle to get the end of the pad in place around the bottom of the a-pillar. The first side goes in easy... it's the second side where things get 'chancy'.
There's a chance of cracking the pad while doing this... the older and nicer the pad is directly affects the chance of cracking it.
Regards,
Alan
This is the shape of the pad that causes the difficulty.
Given the opportunity to install the pad while the windshield is out is the best way to do it. It can be slid in from the front.
When the windshield is installed the pad needs to be tilted and humped up SLIGHTLY in the middle to get the end of the pad in place around the bottom of the a-pillar. The first side goes in easy... it's the second side where things get 'chancy'.
There's a chance of cracking the pad while doing this... the older and nicer the pad is directly affects the chance of cracking it.
Regards,
Alan
This is the shape of the pad that causes the difficulty.
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 30, 2018 at 01:54 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I did the trick Alan mentions on my new dash pad install. If you are doing it with an original dash, I would recommend putting it in the sun for awhile.
On my new dash, I was able to bow it up just enough to drop in the other side. It was room temp. The new dash pad has a thick abs slab that the foam is bonded too. It bowed with minor effort.
On my new dash, I was able to bow it up just enough to drop in the other side. It was room temp. The new dash pad has a thick abs slab that the foam is bonded too. It bowed with minor effort.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you get the vinyl surface too hot, it will quickly shrivel up and destroy the pad. Heat gun is OK...just be very careful. Sitting it out in sunlight, with bottom-side up, to get it warmed and more pliable is a good idea.
