Don't do it on a cold dash pad. You have to finess it.
Upper Dash Pad Removal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 282
From: Back in Nebraska
Upper Dash Pad Removal
Having a problem removing the upper dash pad from my 1970 convertible. I have removed the pillar post pads, the passenger side dash pad and removed all of the retaining screws including the one that the upper pad is attached. The pad is loose and moves up and down slightly, but I can’t seem to get it past the windshield posts without bending it and possible breaking it. What am I doing wrong?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,547
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Your not doing anything wrong, you have to slide the top dash to one side and bow it in the middle to get out. I cracked mine while I was changing the speakers. Nothing on a Vette is easy. PG.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Taylor Ridge Illinois
Hair dryer
My buddy told me to heat up the pad with a hair dryer for several minutes before trying to bend it up in the middle. I thought he was crazy but now I guess he knew what he was talking about! He works at Best Buy and installs radios and speakers into old cars all the time.
I hope this helps ya!
Drive Safe!
MK
PS A shout out to Mark he's the one who gave the hair dryer idea, what a good guy!
I hope this helps ya!
Drive Safe!
MK
PS A shout out to Mark he's the one who gave the hair dryer idea, what a good guy!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Lakewood Colorado
Hot summer day is best time for this job. Warm winter day with dash in sun ain't so bad. Cold is risky. Heat will work well. Heard others say treating with something that at least replaces the plasticizer on the surface buys a little working margin. Armor All etc. I dont know about the last one but have tried the warm days and sunlight a couple of times with success,
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
What helped mine from getting scratched while pulling the end past the pillar, was wrapping the end of the pad with a rag.
Pull one side up as high as you can, then bend in the middle, then pull past pillar.
Eddie
Pull one side up as high as you can, then bend in the middle, then pull past pillar.Eddie
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
2 screws used
After that there are attachment points that work like velcro on steriods. Just wiggle and it should come out.
David
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 5
From: Frisco TX
Having a problem removing the upper dash pad from my 1970 convertible. I have removed the pillar post pads, the passenger side dash pad and removed all of the retaining screws including the one that the upper pad is attached. The pad is loose and moves up and down slightly, but I can’t seem to get it past the windshield posts without bending it and possible breaking it. What am I doing wrong?
-Proud owner of a '74 roadster......with a new dash pad!