Dash reinstall - any pointers......
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Brandon Manitoba
Dash reinstall - any pointers......
I may get brave enough to try and reinstall the dash assembly in my 80 tommorrow. Any pointers that could help with my sanity . I noticed it was tight enough removing and I am not really looking forward to shoe horning it back in . I partially tore the little triangle corner ,drivers side, on removal. Fixed it up with some glue and paint , must be carefull on reinstall . Advice appreciated. Thanx Brent
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Go slow and take your time. Install just a few components into the dash before installation...side vent assemblies, wiper and headlamp switch. Install the spedo assembly after the dash is in. You will have to lower the column a little todo that...just two bolts not a big deal. Trying to install the dash with the spedo in makes it a lot harder. Take your time to test for squeeks/rattles inside the dash and deal with them now. Also route/re-reroute wires carefully to make sure they are not stressed or getting pinched as each component is installed, especially around the spedo and center console. An extra carefull person to help position the dash without tearning the corners is needed.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
A few more tips. If you have also painted your steering column protect it with tape etc. While sliding the spedo in it will be rubbing against the top of the column... i learned the hard way. Leave your seats out until everything is in AND tested..you will be crawling under it. Dont forget to also check all the dash lights. If you have not done it yet, change them before you assemble. Although all of the dash bulbs look the same there are different part numbers/lighting levels. Your owners manual has the part numbers for each lamp location.
Last edited by Retro78; Mar 31, 2005 at 09:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 1
From: Brandon Manitoba
I replaced all the cluster bulbs and the speedo tach bulbs with 194 long life bulbs . I am sure that is what was in each spot when I replaced them. All good advise, the column is already lowered and the steering column has been painted. What kind of tape do you put on freshly painted column that will not pull off the paint ? Brent
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
My dash has been in and out so many times that several of the srews no longer hold because the plastic is "stripped" out.
Anyone have a cure for this problem, other than going with bigger screws?
Thank you
Anyone have a cure for this problem, other than going with bigger screws?
Thank you
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
Hi, I did my '78 last summer. Be real carefull when pushing the dash past your window posts because of those ears. I folded mine upward to clear the posts, and they fell back into place after the dash was seated. Also, try to make sure the dash clips slide under the seats on the steel part of the dash firewall to hold itdown securely so it won't rattle. Take plenty of breaks if the going gets tough as as mentioned earlier.....Take your time! Good luck! 
Mike
Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Originally Posted by 73 Vet
My dash has been in and out so many times that several of the srews no longer hold because the plastic is "stripped" out.
Anyone have a cure for this problem, other than going with bigger screws?
Thank you
Anyone have a cure for this problem, other than going with bigger screws?
Thank you
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Jackson NJ
Originally Posted by vettfixr
Put some white glue in the holes and shove a couple flat wooden toothpics in. When It's dry snap the toothpics off. The screws will now be tight when you install them,
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage Alaska
Originally Posted by vettfixr
Put some white glue in the holes and shove a couple flat wooden toothpics in. When It's dry snap the toothpics off. The screws will now be tight when you install them,
GREAT IDEA!! THANKS
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
I did mine earlier this year. As mentioned earlier, install the dash with everthing already assembled, i.e. switches, vents glove box door.
My biggest tip, have someone help you. It is much easier to have one person on each side of the dash when you are trying to get it in and lined up.
My biggest tip, have someone help you. It is much easier to have one person on each side of the dash when you are trying to get it in and lined up.
