I just hope I can get everything back together again. Took good notes and Digital Pics. 
81 Dash and Gauges Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
81 Dash and Gauges Removal
I just spent most of this past Sunday afternoon removing the Dash Pad, Center Gauges and Speed Tach from my 1981. The original Pad was badly cracked so I was not too concerned with mangling it. My question is the best way to replace everything? I do not want to damage anything including the new Dash Pad. Should I install and hook up the Speed and Tach Cluster first or remount everything to the dash and try to get it back in place. BTY I am insulating and reconditioning the Speed, Tach and Radio.
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
Do not install anything in the dash pad prior to install. Is the steering column still in place? If so, remove the steering wheel you'll be glad you did. I've done it with the wheel in place and without. I install mine with the speedo cluster in place. Be careful, take your time and watch the ears on the top side.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 69
From: Juneau AK
I have no experience with dash pads, but when I put my interior back together after a body-off I hung the dash and then the gauges. If you have the steering column out, put it back in before the gauges. With the gauges out you have a bit more maneuvering room for rehooking the wiring harness to the column, etc.
For what it's worth, when the dash is out is also a good time to clean up and paint up all those metal parts (pedals, supports, etc.) that you never see. I used POR-15 on mine but some don't like it...
kdlp
For what it's worth, when the dash is out is also a good time to clean up and paint up all those metal parts (pedals, supports, etc.) that you never see. I used POR-15 on mine but some don't like it...
kdlp
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
Do not install anything in the dash pad prior to install. Is the steering column still in place? If so, remove the steering wheel you'll be glad you did. I've done it with the wheel in place and without. I install mine with the speedo cluster in place. Be careful, take your time and watch the ears on the top side.
I hear you on the ears which broke off on the old pad, which was fine. I only broke one of the clips for the drivers side Courtesy lamp holder. Hopefully I can find one – I may have to get creative if not.
Thanks for the replies – I will probably have other questions as I go.
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
Forgot this bit, bolt the clips to the dash pad before installing. They snap into place on the brackets on the firewall. It's much easier to have them tight and in place BEFORE the dash is in the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
I just spent most of this past Sunday afternoon removing the Dash Pad, Center Gauges and Speed Tach from my 1981. The original Pad was badly cracked so I was not too concerned with mangling it. My question is the best way to replace everything? I do not want to damage anything including the new Dash Pad. Should I install and hook up the Speed and Tach Cluster first or remount everything to the dash and try to get it back in place. BTY I am insulating and reconditioning the Speed, Tach and Radio.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
I went through this a year ago. My best suggestion is to take a few days, and dry fit everything 1st on the workbench. You WILL have to trim and fit sections. The headlight switch, the a/c vents, the speedo pod all required time to fit well. Lot's easier out of the car.
Has anyone repainted the inside of the Speedo Bezel? I put a scratch in it getting it out. Looks like i should be able to respray it with a black semi-gloss.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
My speedo cluster had already been repainted by the time I got my car and I never bothered to redo it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Apple Valley MN
Is the finish the same as the shift plate and center gauge panel? If so, use Trim Paint. (I'm pretty sure it is Duplicolor "Trim Paint" TP-70. I'll double check tonight when I get home.) The "trim paint" is an exact match to the center panels.
My speedo cluster had already been repainted by the time I got my car and I never bothered to redo it.
My speedo cluster had already been repainted by the time I got my car and I never bothered to redo it.
