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Dash pad removal?

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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 03:59 PM
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Default Dash pad removal?

Still working on my search skills here (every time I search it looks a the entire forum...).

anyway looking for the trick to pulling the dash pad on my 71 without removing the windshield?

It’s a new windshield and recently installed.

Thanks!
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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 04:10 PM
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yes, but its not fun
You have to remove the A pillar moldings (which starts with the overhead pad)
You will need to drop the steering column (prefered)
Remove the windshield wiper plate located above gauges
remove all the screw for the drivers lower dash pad (2) in the door jam, (3) across the top to upper pad, (3) on center gauge stack don't remember if there are any along the bottom
remove all the screw for the passengers lower dash pad (2) in the door jam, (3) across the top to upper pad, (3) on center gauge stack again I don't remember if there are any along the bottom
Now carefully pull the lower dash panel down you will find that the upper dash pad is bolted in (3) place underneath, You should be able to get you hand in there to remove the (3) screws on the underside of the dash pad
You should now be able to tug the dash pad towards you and finagel it out (Its not fun) Its been awhile for me but its a tight fit to get the pad to fit past both A pillars, but tipping at an angle and firm smooth pressure it can be done without breakage
Hope this helps
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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 04:43 PM
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Don't miss the screw behind the windshield wiper switch plate. If you don't already have the AIM I suggest picking one up. It's my "go-to" book.



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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 04:48 PM
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Thanks for the responses! It’s loose. I have the entire dash and harness our. It just seems like I’m going to have to bend it to make it clear the a-pillar....?

scary

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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 04:57 PM
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I just removed mine a few months ago and I did have to bend mine a bit and angle it to get it out. Was definitely nerve racking! Reinstalling it seemed much easier for some reason.
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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 06:13 PM
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I'll only add to make sure it's nice and warm in the garage, the pad will need some "flexing" so you want to make sure it's not cold/brittle, bad enough they are old/brittle...
M
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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 06:42 PM
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Ok I’ll wrestle with it some more. I do want to save it (will wrap in leather). Have not heard good things about the reproduction pads....
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Old Feb 19, 2021 | 11:55 PM
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I used a heating pad placed in the center of my dash pad for about thirty minutes, before removal. You want to make sure the old hard vinyl covered board gets soft. On my 73 it was easy to flex the pad in the center. I installed the drivers speaker and then used the heating pad before reinstalling the pad. I did not remove the driver side speedo and tach panel. Go slow, be very gentle.
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Mooser
I'll only add to make sure it's nice and warm in the garage, the pad will need some "flexing" so you want to make sure it's not cold/brittle, bad enough they are old/brittle...
M
This
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 11:48 AM
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Old Feb 20, 2021 | 12:36 PM
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ZAKsPOP, thanks! Haha feel silly now.

Took two seconds.....
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