. Jerry
Dash rant
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From: FL
Dash rant
So, just installed a new tach board in the ‘75 (tach wasn’t going past 3500 rpm). Hope this fixes it (only took it to 3k in garage to adjust board).
Anyway only took 4-1/2 hours but what a PITA. Passenger dash and all windshield trim out to get dash top pad out (for access ) Both kickpanels and trim plates of course. Steering wheel out for access. And loosen and drop steering column.
But it all works and all lights are good to go. But if I ever meet the guy who designed the early C3 dash…
Anyway only took 4-1/2 hours but what a PITA. Passenger dash and all windshield trim out to get dash top pad out (for access ) Both kickpanels and trim plates of course. Steering wheel out for access. And loosen and drop steering column.
But it all works and all lights are good to go. But if I ever meet the guy who designed the early C3 dash…
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From: FL
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Ya know, I've had my dash out that many times over the years. It's just not that bad guys! Seriously, have you tried pulling apart a modern car? And not break plastic panels? There are way worse cars to pull apart! (And yes, years ago I did extend all that wiring on the back of the speedo/tach).
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Oh, and I sincerely hope your new tach board fixes your issue. I replaced my tach board about 20 years back. Been fine ever since.
Safety Car
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From: Chester VA
Steve, were you able to remove the upper dash pad without damaging the ends where they slide past the A-pillar? I caused minor damage every time I had the pad in and out on our '72.Very frustrating.
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From: FL
I remove all the pillar trim. I have also remove the stock speakers so it makes it easy. Pull a bit to get the clips to release and then lift one end and a slight bend allows me to work it out.
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I am just hoping this new board works. It was supposedly pre adjusted but I had to adjust it quite a bit. I hope the actual mechanism is not going bad.
Last edited by SteveG75; Nov 30, 2024 at 01:10 PM.
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From: Chester VA
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Once I decided to follow the repeated guidance of just removing the steering column it made taking out the driver side dash just all around easier. I've had it apart many times and now I don't even mind.....just a little planning ahead. I can pull off the steering column and then just remove the driver side instrument dash pad itself..... (well, doorsill and driver side kick panel also).
Last edited by carriljc; Nov 30, 2024 at 01:41 PM.
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From: Detroit
Ya know, I've had my dash out that many times over the years. It's just not that bad guys! Seriously, have you tried pulling apart a modern car? And not break plastic panels? There are way worse cars to pull apart! (And yes, years ago I did extend all that wiring on the back of the speedo/tach).
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I don't pull my column. I loosen it and drop it down about an inch.
None the less, yes, a lot of stuff comes out. Door sills, kick panels, console sides. All the trim around the windshield. Map pocket, then dash top. No I've never damaged it going in and out. Yes it is tight. Yes you have to bow it up a bit in the center. At that point the center gauge cluster can come out or not and then the drivers dash. Lots of parts to be certain. But it all comes apart and back together with screws and minimal clips. Not like modern car! Get the dash apart on just about any late model. Good luck!
None the less, yes, a lot of stuff comes out. Door sills, kick panels, console sides. All the trim around the windshield. Map pocket, then dash top. No I've never damaged it going in and out. Yes it is tight. Yes you have to bow it up a bit in the center. At that point the center gauge cluster can come out or not and then the drivers dash. Lots of parts to be certain. But it all comes apart and back together with screws and minimal clips. Not like modern car! Get the dash apart on just about any late model. Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2000
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From: FL
I don't pull my column. I loosen it and drop it down about an inch.
None the less, yes, a lot of stuff comes out. Door sills, kick panels, console sides. All the trim around the windshield. Map pocket, then dash top. No I've never damaged it going in and out. Yes it is tight. Yes you have to bow it up a bit in the center. At that point the center gauge cluster can come out or not and then the drivers dash. Lots of parts to be certain. But it all comes apart and back together with screws and minimal clips. Not like modern car! Get the dash apart on just about any late model. Good luck!
None the less, yes, a lot of stuff comes out. Door sills, kick panels, console sides. All the trim around the windshield. Map pocket, then dash top. No I've never damaged it going in and out. Yes it is tight. Yes you have to bow it up a bit in the center. At that point the center gauge cluster can come out or not and then the drivers dash. Lots of parts to be certain. But it all comes apart and back together with screws and minimal clips. Not like modern car! Get the dash apart on just about any late model. Good luck!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,068
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Actually, after ya do it a few times you'll get that time down under 4 hours.
And why exactly is that concidered bad to you?
This is supposed to be a hobby after all!
Replacing bulbs? Yeah a bit of a hassle. But, back to, pull the dash apart on a late model. God help you!
And why exactly is that concidered bad to you?
This is supposed to be a hobby after all!
Replacing bulbs? Yeah a bit of a hassle. But, back to, pull the dash apart on a late model. God help you!