Replacing the top dash on '73
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 2
From: Milton Delaware
Replacing the top dash on '73
I thought I saved the instructions on how to swap out the top dash for a new one, but I seemed to have lost it. If anyone has it , could you send me the link. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Fairly simple, really. You're gonna wind up removing all the other interior trim pieces from around the dash top as well as the passenger side lower dash...there is a bracket that supports the right side of the upper pad that is screwed into the bottom of the pad and the back of the firewall; remove that as well. As long as the upper pad is unscrewed from the center bezel and driver's side lower pad you can now lift it up and backwards far enough to disconnect the speakers and lift it the rest of the way out. If it's not already damaged be very careful getting it past the inside of the "A" pillars- you'll want to kind of move it around a bit to find the spot that requires the least amount of 'bumping' to get it past the [passenger side] pillar, and once you've got it up and out of there it will come the rest of the way out. A light 'pop' with a small dead blow hammer on the underside can help as long as you don't get carried away, but if it's so badly damaged/cracked already that you don't care then you can go ahead and whang on it as hard as you have to to get it out of there in one good shot. Hope this helps...
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Since I just did this on my '73 (a couple of months ago):
I removed the steering column - so I could work more easily.
I removed the left and right lower dashes (no small task, as you have all the light wiring and speedo/tach cables. They (speedo/tach cables) are not fun to remove - but easy to put back in.
TAKE LOTS OF DIGITAL PICTURES - very important!!!!!!!!! You'll need it when you re-install.
You will need to remove the speaker supports and speakers and put these in the new dash. Same for the Defroster outlet.
Don't forget the one support screw slightly right of center (brace)
Probably the most important item you can do is measure and slide the six (dash) screw speed nuts to match up with the lower dashes. I used masking tape and marked that very carfully. You want those screws to go right in.
You'll find that this C3 "procedure" will cause you to use some adult language on occasion...
I am assuming you have an 73 Assembly manual
I removed the steering column - so I could work more easily.
I removed the left and right lower dashes (no small task, as you have all the light wiring and speedo/tach cables. They (speedo/tach cables) are not fun to remove - but easy to put back in.
TAKE LOTS OF DIGITAL PICTURES - very important!!!!!!!!! You'll need it when you re-install.
You will need to remove the speaker supports and speakers and put these in the new dash. Same for the Defroster outlet.
Don't forget the one support screw slightly right of center (brace)
Probably the most important item you can do is measure and slide the six (dash) screw speed nuts to match up with the lower dashes. I used masking tape and marked that very carfully. You want those screws to go right in.
You'll find that this C3 "procedure" will cause you to use some adult language on occasion...
I am assuming you have an 73 Assembly manual
