Top Dash Pad Removal
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 558
Likes: 22
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Top Dash Pad Removal
I want to remove and replace my headlight switch for maintenance. I understand it is probably easier to remove the top dash to get at the switch. Is removing the pad a hard project?? Do you actually bend it to get it out and back in?? Looks to expensive to damage!! Any tips would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (Kim72)
Kim,
You'll have to remove all the windshield trim, and it's a much easier (read: possible) project if you also remove the passenger side dash panel. Then you should be able to remove the top dash pad without bending it, by tipping it--lowering the passenger side, raising the driver's side.
Not a big project. A lot easier than removing the driver's side panel (which would require the removal of the top dash pad, anyway).
-Pedro
You'll have to remove all the windshield trim, and it's a much easier (read: possible) project if you also remove the passenger side dash panel. Then you should be able to remove the top dash pad without bending it, by tipping it--lowering the passenger side, raising the driver's side.
Not a big project. A lot easier than removing the driver's side panel (which would require the removal of the top dash pad, anyway).
-Pedro
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (Kim72)
Just to add.
1) I don't think you would have to remove the pad. I lifted mine to replace the speaker. I think you would have enough room.
2) If you do remove, either let it set in the sun or use a hair dryer to heat the pad up. Less chance of cracking the pad.
Hope this helps.
Terry
1) I don't think you would have to remove the pad. I lifted mine to replace the speaker. I think you would have enough room.
2) If you do remove, either let it set in the sun or use a hair dryer to heat the pad up. Less chance of cracking the pad.
Hope this helps.
Terry
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco, CA
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (trw)
Agreed that you may be able to lift the pad not remove. If you have a AIM take a look and you will see that it is a matter of removing screws from the front and pulling it forward a little to disengage the clips in back. You should then be able to lift it up. Put back the same way.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 0
From: Clifton Park NY
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (R. Bruno)
you will see that it is a matter of removing screws from the front and pulling it forward a little to disengage the clips in back.
:cheers:
-Pedro
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (Kim72)
My dash pad stayed in place on my '74, when accessing the headlamp switch. Must remove screws on drivers dash pad (both sides and a few along the top). Had to drop - not remove - steering column. Be careful with dash pad now as all your instrument lights are wired and speedo+tach are still connected to it. This should give you enough room for a skinny arm+hand to acces the head lamb switch if thats what I think your trying for.
If you what to reomve the whole top pad, remove the passenger side dash pad also (except nothings connected here) and a screw on the upper instrument cluster. Be careful here of vent ducting for windshield defrost - can't remember how it all fits up but I remember swearing alot.
Good luck and keep'm ;)
If you what to reomve the whole top pad, remove the passenger side dash pad also (except nothings connected here) and a screw on the upper instrument cluster. Be careful here of vent ducting for windshield defrost - can't remember how it all fits up but I remember swearing alot.
Good luck and keep'm ;)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (cardo0)
When I replaced my driver side radio speaker, I was able to gain enough clearance to reach the speaker by raising the dash pad and dropping the steering column.
I have a complete description on how to drop the steering column. The description is the same whether you have a T&T or a standard column. You can find it by going to http://www.corvettefaq.com and looking under Steering. The paper is Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly and Repair Paper #2. Also the T&T Column 69-82 Installation Pics may be of help as well.
I have a complete description on how to drop the steering column. The description is the same whether you have a T&T or a standard column. You can find it by going to http://www.corvettefaq.com and looking under Steering. The paper is Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly and Repair Paper #2. Also the T&T Column 69-82 Installation Pics may be of help as well.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Top Dash Pad Removal (Kim72)
To remove the headlight switch.... save yourself time and aggravation by removing the top dash pad. There are vacumm hoses, a large harness connector, and a metal strap that must be removed from the switch before pulling it out. The severe angle of the windshield provides little room for visibility and work area, so you'll have to remove all the screws from the drivers dash pad and carefully tilt it forward a bit to reach all those hoses and wires. I found that pointing a trouble light on the outside of the windshield tword the dash increases visibility back there. Carefull... there are a ton of wires/lightbulbs and connections behind the dash. Mark the vacuum hoses as to their position for reinstallation too. NO...this job is not easy..... Good Luck.... :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Eddie
P.S. Lucky You.... Steel Cities Grey is near the top of my "favorite color list" :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
[Modified by Silvr77, 7:06 AM 11/1/2002]
Eddie
P.S. Lucky You.... Steel Cities Grey is near the top of my "favorite color list" :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
[Modified by Silvr77, 7:06 AM 11/1/2002]
