What's the best way to get the dash pad out of a C3/'72? My pad doesn't seem to want to bend. Does the windshield have to come out?

 

I did mine on a hot day and had to bend it a little to get past the pillar but had no problems just don't over do it. I have had it out three times and each time it was able to bend a little. I never took the windshield out.
Just place your palm on the under side in the middle and push down on the
side your having trouble with.

 

Same here - it gets flexible with heat. Mine flexed slightly in the middle and I was able to get it out.

 

I had the passenger lower dashpad out and the drivers side pulled out (layong on the steering column) and the top dashpad went in and out without any problem.

 

had to bend mine a bit too. did that about 3 times. was even the original pad, managed not to crack or split it all 3 times.

 

I have a '76 which may be slightly different, but have had mine in and out a few times. Here's how...

You have to take the A-pillar pads off first!
There are two screws at the top of each, one going through the sun-visor bracket and one that screws upwards into the frame. Then ease the pads out, pulling the tops out then the whole pad up from behind the dash-pad.

Then remove the passenger dash-front to access a bracket that attaches the underside of the dash-top to the bulkhead.
Remove all other screws between the dash front and top (centre consol and drivers side).

The top dash pad should now be ready to come out. Pull it back (towards you) to disengage two clips that hook onto bulkhead brackets.
Now the tricky bit, use some force to push the dash to one side, and at the same time pull the other end out from behind the A-pillar. I usually push toward the drivers side and remove the passenger corner.
The dash should now be sittling on your lap , and you think your troubles are over but be careful re-installing it. I think it's harder than removal.
Mainly watch out for the two clips snagging on things (especially the defroster vent).

Good luck, and just remember to be firm but gentle (childish chuckle)

 

I used an electric blanket--tucked it up on the dash pad until the dash was nice and warm--slight pressure in the middle and it slid past the pillars--I have also heard others used a hair dryer to warm it up.

SEMPER FI-- 1970 Dave

 

I used an old hair dryer to warm up the underside of the dash. once it was nice and warm, I was able to bend it easily without any cracking in order to clear the birdcage

I was able to reinstall it using the same method with no problems. I probably spent a good five to ten minutes warming it up

 

there's a 90 degree angle bracket that has to be removed, its bolted to firewall and pad screws to it, take off map pocket to acess

 

Sounds like heating the pad up is the way to go. I'll give it a try. Thanks again!

 

Anyone have any pics?

 

I busted mine...

 

they have to be bowed slightly to get past the pillar posts of the windshield. all the windshield trim has to be removed, and all the screws on the lip of the dash, the map pocket and a few screws located when you open the passenger door, there is a 90 deg bracket attaching the center of the dash pad to the fiewall,if you dont remove this your sure to break it,,,giving the fact that you may be removing a 30+ year old dash pad its probably gonna crack no matter what you do... the u v rays over the years have baked it to a piece of brittle vinal,,the new dash pads are soft and very plyable the'll bow in without cracking....i cracked my origional and was verrrrrrrry careful in removal,,just the nature of the beast

 

I removed and reinstalled mine for the fourth time on a 40 degree morning a couple weeks ago. Didn't borrow wifey's hair drier. Went for that last little pop to nudge it past the birdcage and....THACK! put a split in it about 6" from the right corner. Grrrrrrr...