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I'm sure this has been covered more than once, but is there a detailed instruction guide somewhere for the removal and install of the dash pad on a 78-82 C3? I have a 79 I need to remove the dash pad and either do some repairs or replace but don't want to cause more damage while removing. I know the gauges have to come out and since I am already doing a refurb on the Speedometer and Tachometer I figured now was a good time to tackle the dash pad and center gauges as well.
Once you remove all your gauges, the glove compartment, and the screws that are hidden when the doors are closed, you can push down on the corners of the dash, there are creases on the top, and pull the dash toward you.
It should come out.
Be super careful and take your time with removing the pad. I wasn't and broke the corners off the pad and had to purchase a new pad. The replacement pad is not as well made as the original, hopefully one day I'll find someone that can mold the corners back to the original dash.
So there are no hidden screws up in the dash anywhere other than the sides at the doors. If so, those are all I have left to remove it. Also, does the steering column need to be dropped?
Last edited by MobileGreg; Jun 30, 2019 at 11:07 PM.
I hadn't seen it in my AIM manual...but is there some little trim piece in between the dash board and the A pillar trim? On both ends of my dash (1981) there is a triangle shaped hole. It looks to me like the dash would have been broken off, except that its on both corners and it's identical in size and shape on both ends.
Thanks for the tips. Got the dash out. Driver's side had a bad crack already so hopefully I can repair it decently. Plan to fix cracks and recover with vinyl and dye to match and maybe some year down the road replace with a new one when the windshield comes out, but for now this will have to do.
Having switched mine to RHD , I had to cut mine apart, fiberglass the backside back together , fill the cuts in with 'Bondo ' sand them down , and then re-cover it. I found out the hard way that you need to glue the face down first , and then heat and stretch it over the top. I did the top first, and when the dash got hot, the glue would let loose ,and create an air pocket in several places
Dash Pad Removal
