79 dash removal
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
79 dash removal
as you can see, I'm in for some fun! I've found threads on heater core removal on a 79, but none that detail removal of the dash itself. Everything ive heard says the dash has to come out completely, correct?
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
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Day one, I think I'm ready to take the dash out, but ran out of time. both instrument clusters are out, glove box is out, speakers are removed, A pillar trim is removed, headlight switch removed, both ends are loose. I think all I have left to do is disconnect wiper switch wiring, and remove the 2 clips underneath the dash pad, then jockey it out, praying I don't damage it!
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
The clips should pull out with the pad, they just snap over the lower windshield frame. Make sure you have the screws out of it.. Number 4 on page 8 on the paper I sent you the link for.
I've not looked at that page in a while and you seem concerned about damaging the dash... If you want to add a bit more insurance you could remove the column from the car. It's pretty easy and you are only five or six bolts away from being able to do this.
I have a page on our site for that as well. The column info is pretty much the same as the earlier cars and you'll find detailed info on it here: http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=318
But.. you'll have to bend the flap up on the passenger side so you want to make sure this part of the dash pad is nice and warm before you bend it up.
Willcox
I've not looked at that page in a while and you seem concerned about damaging the dash... If you want to add a bit more insurance you could remove the column from the car. It's pretty easy and you are only five or six bolts away from being able to do this.
I have a page on our site for that as well. The column info is pretty much the same as the earlier cars and you'll find detailed info on it here: http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=318
But.. you'll have to bend the flap up on the passenger side so you want to make sure this part of the dash pad is nice and warm before you bend it up.
Willcox
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
dash is removed, water lines disconnected underneath, and i'm done for the night. Tomorrow I will go after the heater assembly. The dash metal structure looks like brand new, but I'm not surprised, since it's a Texas car.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
well, tomorrow turned into several weeks. I've been lacking motivation to work in this since I knew any extra money I have right now is going towards Christmas, not to fix the Vette, but since disassembly is free, I went ahead and finished taking everything apart. Now I can clean, and restore some parts before reassembly with stuff I already have at the house, and hopefully can get this put back together after Christmas.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 1,727
From: Summerville SC
Somewhere I saw a thread that concerned the dash under the speedo and tach. There's not a lot there and from taking mine out, ( it was history anyway) I can see where it might start to bend at that spot, eventually leading up to a crack. They suggested hot gluing a piece of wood or similar material in that gap behind the dash to firm it up as you move the dash back and forth, then taking it out when it is in the final location. Just something I remember seeing.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
unfortunately, my dash cracked as I was removing it. I"m not terribly worried about it at this point, because I think I can fix it. I won't know for sure till I put everything back together though, and that probably won't happen till after Christmas.