dashpad removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
dashpad removal
Hi Everyone,
Does anyone know how to remove the dashpad without having to disconnect all the instrument wiring? I've removed the map pouch and panel, and although nothing seems to be holding the dashpad, it won't come out. The driver's side is loose but not yet disconnected. I'd like to have the dashpad recovered. It's a '69 Coupe manual, 350.
Regards,
Barry.
Does anyone know how to remove the dashpad without having to disconnect all the instrument wiring? I've removed the map pouch and panel, and although nothing seems to be holding the dashpad, it won't come out. The driver's side is loose but not yet disconnected. I'd like to have the dashpad recovered. It's a '69 Coupe manual, 350.
Regards,
Barry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
Did you disconnect the brace which connects the dash pad to the windshield frame? It's somewhere to the right of the center gauge console (going from memory). One screw. Accessible once the passenger side panel has been removed.
Did you remove the screw which fastens the dash pad to the center console?
I'm pretty sure you'll need to remove the trim from the windshield pillars as well.
I had mine out last year. Came out OK. Had to warp the panel slightly to get it clear of the windshield frame. Warp as little as possible to avoid risk of cracking the panel.
Did you remove the screw which fastens the dash pad to the center console?
I'm pretty sure you'll need to remove the trim from the windshield pillars as well.
I had mine out last year. Came out OK. Had to warp the panel slightly to get it clear of the windshield frame. Warp as little as possible to avoid risk of cracking the panel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Briefly, you have to remove all the visible screws that fasten the upper pad to the attaching pieces- LH/RH lower pads and center bezel, then remove the windshield post trim pieces, and finally there is a steel bracket that supports the right side of the dash pad. Disconnect that bracket, unhook any speaker wires and you can remove the pad. It won't just fall out; it will be partially 'trapped' between the windshield posts and will require some tweaking to remove so be careful. It can be a little sketchy with an older, dried-out pad to get it out without cracking it, so you may want to grab wifey's hair dryer and apply some heat-CAREFULLY. Have fun!
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
For the left side removal use this one... It is an update to the link posted above. However, this is one mistake in the last picture... the screws are on the wrong side of the dash pad. The center bezel screws come in from the other direction... 
I'll have to edit his soon.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=318
I'll have to edit his soon. http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=318
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Barry,
I believe you'll find the pad has 4 clips spaced around it's front edge that fasten to the lip on the birdcage at the base of the windshield. You have to be able to pull back on the pad an inch or two before you can begin to lift.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I believe you'll find the pad has 4 clips spaced around it's front edge that fasten to the lip on the birdcage at the base of the windshield. You have to be able to pull back on the pad an inch or two before you can begin to lift.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
The job is easier if the windshield is out. In case you have a reason to pull the windshield, I thought to mention it. Once that is out you can...........LOL
Be careful with the dash pad, it is old and can crack easily.
Be careful with the dash pad, it is old and can crack easily.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 945
Likes: 10
From: Winston Salem NC
I had the speedo, gauge cluster and pass side pad out. I then pulled up one edge. I had to put a paper towel on the edge and gently bend the dash pad in the middle to get it out. I probably bent it up about 1" and it popped right out.
When I put the new on in, it was much easier. I got it from Ecklers. It has a tough ABS plastic core and can be bent with no trouble. It popped right in. I used a small cloth on the pass. side end to prevent it from getting scuffed.
When I put the new on in, it was much easier. I got it from Ecklers. It has a tough ABS plastic core and can be bent with no trouble. It popped right in. I used a small cloth on the pass. side end to prevent it from getting scuffed.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 2
From: York UK
dashpad removed
Thanks to everyone who replied about how to remove the upper dash pad. I managed to remove it today, but unfortunately cracked the instrument panel, just above the speedo, in the process. I didn't want to have to remove the panel or column, but sure enough that was the result. When I looked behind it, I saw that there was a fibreglass patch, which had repaired a previous crack, so it was weaken by that.
I just removed the four bolts at each end of the brace, and without too much trouble it came away. Pity about the panel - but I was warned! What I'll do now is remove the panel, repair it, and restore some other parts such as the odometer which can't be set, at the same time. It was disappointing at the time, but I'll go a step further and carry out a few improvements. Thanks for your help - maybe I should have taken out the windscreen!
Regards,
Barry.
I just removed the four bolts at each end of the brace, and without too much trouble it came away. Pity about the panel - but I was warned! What I'll do now is remove the panel, repair it, and restore some other parts such as the odometer which can't be set, at the same time. It was disappointing at the time, but I'll go a step further and carry out a few improvements. Thanks for your help - maybe I should have taken out the windscreen!
Regards,
Barry.
