Dash pad removal help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
Dash pad removal help
Everything is out of my dash except the dash pad. how the heck does it come out? I have the side pillar trim off also. I cant see how to get the corners past the window frame. I tried sliding one end up but it wedges in the frame. Anybody know the trick?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Seems like the old dash pads can crack with just a little bending, broke mine while trying to replace the speakers, now I have new speakers and a new dash, PG
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
I had a similar problem and I got help from the Willcox site. They have documentation on all sorts of stuff including the dash pads. There is a sequence to follow, and when I followed it I got it right out without cracking it.
You might want to check it out, couldn't hurt.
Best regards,
David
77Sleeper
You might want to check it out, couldn't hurt.
Best regards,
David
77Sleeper
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Found it. dash_pad_removal_instructions_new_with_pics_2.pdf
I hope you find it helpful.
David
77Sleeper
I hope you find it helpful.
David
77Sleeper
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Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Pat,
Give me a call tomorrow if you don't figure this out. Maybe I can run and help you with this.
My directions should tell you how http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Just in case. . . If you push the pad to the driver side of the car as far as possible, then push upward in the center of the pad while pulling downward on the passenger side you'll get it out. Don't crack it. . . If you don't get it out, I can run by and take a look at it and guide you! I can't do it, but I sure as H377 can show you!
David,
I didn’t know this was my link you posted. In picture G it shows you where to push. Pat is only in the next town over so if he is stuck, I’ll free up some time and show him.
Willcox!
Give me a call tomorrow if you don't figure this out. Maybe I can run and help you with this.
My directions should tell you how http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Just in case. . . If you push the pad to the driver side of the car as far as possible, then push upward in the center of the pad while pulling downward on the passenger side you'll get it out. Don't crack it. . . If you don't get it out, I can run by and take a look at it and guide you! I can't do it, but I sure as H377 can show you!
David,
I didn’t know this was my link you posted. In picture G it shows you where to push. Pat is only in the next town over so if he is stuck, I’ll free up some time and show him.
Willcox!
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Mar 23, 2009 at 10:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
Hey thanks guys, I'll give it a try after i take out the defrost vent so it dont break in half with the dash when it goes..lol theres no hot sun today, would a heat gun to the middle part help my chances any? and Ernie I could use some advice on a few things on this car so any time you get a chance let me know. 2706 hollywood blvd!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
A heat gun...used improperly...will damage, warp, or melt the vinyl surface. Unless you know what you're doing, don't use the gun. If you can't get the car into the sun (or don't have an electric blanket to put over the dash for a few hours), just be careful and don't use excessive force to 'wrestle' it out. Take the help offered, if you need.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
The heat gun came in a big azz tool box full of stuff I bought., never used it before, so i left it in the tool box.. lol I sat one of those yellow square shop lights in on the trans hump aimed up at the dash pad. Sanded on my firewall for a while and just now got in and pushed and pulled like in Willcox info and it came right out with no cracks.. Now I got one hell of a mess!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
The heat gun came in a big azz tool box full of stuff I bought., never used it before, so i left it in the tool box.. lol I sat one of those yellow square shop lights in on the trans hump aimed up at the dash pad. Sanded on my firewall for a while and just now got in and pushed and pulled like in Willcox info and it came right out with no cracks.. Now I got one hell of a mess!
When I was at this point I thought there would be no way I would ever get it back together.
Looks much better now. Now for that weather stripping...
Keep the faith brother, your efforts will be rewarded...
Best regards,
David
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Congratulations...does yours look more like this now?
Attachment 47636190
When I was at this point I thought there would be no way I would ever get it back together.
Looks much better now. Now for that weather stripping...
Attachment 47636192
Attachment 47636191
Keep the faith brother, your efforts will be rewarded...
Best regards,
David
Attachment 47636190
When I was at this point I thought there would be no way I would ever get it back together.
Looks much better now. Now for that weather stripping...
Attachment 47636192
Attachment 47636191
Keep the faith brother, your efforts will be rewarded...
Best regards,
David
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
Hey that looks pretty good, I'll keep it in mind and try not to loose hope! lol Mine looks pretty bad now, the dash pad was the last thing left. I was just going to put my 4-speed pedals in when I started but one thing lead to another..
