Dash removal
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
Dash removal
I'm going to remove the dash and insturment cluster on my '70 to get to some things that need to be repaired/replaced (Dash speaker, odometer). I spent a couple of hours on it several months ago, but then decided to elist the advice of some who have done it before. I'm sure there are "tricks" and lessons learned that will help me.
Any tips from those of you who have done it?
Any tips from those of you who have done it?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
The passenger side knee pad is easy to remove. A few screws, vents and such.
The upper dash pad is tricky, and old, and prone to cracking. First, remove the A-pillar trim. Then unscrew the driver's side knee pad from the upper dash, so it's free and ready to come out. Then, lift the center of the dash pad upward...in effect bowing it upwards which brings the side ends inward.
This will allow the dash pad to be pulled upward and removed. Be careful so it won't crack.
Then you can remove the driver's side knee pad if you need to.
The upper dash pad is tricky, and old, and prone to cracking. First, remove the A-pillar trim. Then unscrew the driver's side knee pad from the upper dash, so it's free and ready to come out. Then, lift the center of the dash pad upward...in effect bowing it upwards which brings the side ends inward.
This will allow the dash pad to be pulled upward and removed. Be careful so it won't crack.
Then you can remove the driver's side knee pad if you need to.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
There is also a small steel support bracket that attaches the right side of the dash pad to the cowl- DO NOT attempt to remove the upper pad without first removing this or you will break the pad....you will need to remove the right hand panel from under the dash to get to it. It's also a good idea to use a heat gun on the pad to get a little flexibility going before you pop it past the windshield pillars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 893
Likes: 243
From: Green Valley Ca
I just removed my 1970 dash I took the windshield out. It was still a pain, I would recommend tape on the area of the pillars, I bowed the center of the dash upward and had one side pulled up as high as possible with a helper. I couldn't get the dash out while the windshield was in.
Bob
Bob
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MLM,
Be VERY careful and gentle with the center gauge bezel. It's easy to break the top 1/3rd off if you pull on it or twist it too hard. Also, there are 2 studs on the bottom of bezel that go through the front brace for the shifter console. There are 2 nuts on the studs that are difficult to reach... a looong extension on your socket wrench helps.
Regards,
Alan
PS: If you don't have the factory ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL for your 70, now would be a good time to buy one.
Be VERY careful and gentle with the center gauge bezel. It's easy to break the top 1/3rd off if you pull on it or twist it too hard. Also, there are 2 studs on the bottom of bezel that go through the front brace for the shifter console. There are 2 nuts on the studs that are difficult to reach... a looong extension on your socket wrench helps.
Regards,
Alan
PS: If you don't have the factory ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL for your 70, now would be a good time to buy one.
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 30, 2008 at 04:56 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
We have a install help on this at our site. Here is the link. http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Willcox Inc.
Willcox Inc.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
I believe you also have to lower the steering column to get the driver's side dash/speedo/tach pad out. The upper steering column cover that is part of the driver's dash will most likely crack off if you don't.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thanks Bob,
I think there are over 300 help pages on the site at the moment and you can search them by year and what you are looking for. Entering the year in the first box, Help and repair in the second, and then Dash in the last box will show you any help pages with the word dash in them.
Willcox Inc.
I think there are over 300 help pages on the site at the moment and you can search them by year and what you are looking for. Entering the year in the first box, Help and repair in the second, and then Dash in the last box will show you any help pages with the word dash in them.
Willcox Inc.
