Can't get upper dash pad out!!
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mount Bethel PA
Can't get upper dash pad out!!
Hey guys, I'm trying to remove my upper dash on my 75 and I can't get it out! I disconnected the bracket and the pad is lose but I can't get it past the pillar posts (I removed the pillar post trim)! It's seems like they built the car around it! It's in good shape and I don't want to damage it. I wonder if i need to remove the lower dash pad with the Taco on it to get it out? What a pain in a$$! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 520
From: McClellandtown, Pa.
Hey guys, I'm trying to remove my upper dash on my 75 and I can't get it out! I disconnected the bracket and the pad is lose but I can't get it past the pillar posts (I removed the pillar post trim)! It's seems like they built the car around it! It's in good shape and I don't want to damage it. I wonder if i need to remove the lower dash pad with the Taco on it to get it out? What a pain in a$$!
Good luck!
Tooch
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Hey guys, I'm trying to remove my upper dash on my 75 and I can't get it out! I disconnected the bracket and the pad is lose but I can't get it past the pillar posts (I removed the pillar post trim)! It's seems like they built the car around it! It's in good shape and I don't want to damage it. I wonder if i need to remove the lower dash pad with the Taco on it to get it out? What a pain in a$$!
If you have the ability to warm it up in the sun that will make it much more pliable and less likely to break.
They are consistently tight, so you are not experiencing anything new, just need to be cautious.
Willcox Corvette may have a tech tip on this on their website.
Good luck and best regards,
David Howard
AllVettes4Me
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 721
From: Marietta GA
On my 73 Vert, I used an old Heating Pad that was placed in the middle and left there for a good hour or so. When I returned it to the car, I used the heating pad once again. Just go slow and bend the pad toward the Mirror / Upward.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
My advice is to NOT remove it, if you don't have to. If you need to remove it for other work underneath, etc., follow the advice above. If you want to recolor the dash, it might be better to just mask the heck out of the interior and shoot it in place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
It will come out. I've replaced mine (72) several years ago - you do have to bend it in the middle and remove the pillar post pads. Installed the new one using the same method.
Remember there are clips on the front - leading edge of the pad that have to be slid in/out when removing or installing the pad.
When removing the pad, bend and lift just enough to disengage the clips and you gain several inches of play for removal.
Remember there are clips on the front - leading edge of the pad that have to be slid in/out when removing or installing the pad.
When removing the pad, bend and lift just enough to disengage the clips and you gain several inches of play for removal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
It will come out. I've replaced mine (72) several years ago - you do have to bend it in the middle and remove the pillar post pads. Installed the new one using the same method.
Remember there are clips on the front - leading edge of the pad that have to be slid in/out when removing or installing the pad.
When removing the pad, bend and lift just enough to disengage the clips and you gain several inches of play for removal.
Remember there are clips on the front - leading edge of the pad that have to be slid in/out when removing or installing the pad.
When removing the pad, bend and lift just enough to disengage the clips and you gain several inches of play for removal.