Dash Removal-1979
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, Md.
Dash Removal-1979
Well, finally got it out. Originally, I was having problems removing the dash pad with the windshield still installed. All dash items were removed, console, etc. so only thing holding it in were the two corner edges that were wedged btwn the whindshield and windshield frame, I think some call this the A pillar. After doing a topic search it was suggested heating the dash up to make it more pliable. Nope. didn't work. I did notice, however, that the corners that were stuck were beveled approx. where it needed to be bent to pull the dash out. So out with the hair dryer and 1 min. later, out with the dash...it was sooo simple, such a dummy. Using a large screw driver placed btwn the corner and frame, pry the corner piece upward, forcing toward you and pull the dash pad straight back. No damage, so easy.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, Md.
Re: Dash Removal-1979 (79VetteMike)
79VetteMike...doing a thorough rehab. Needed to repaint the dash + remove the windshield because of windshield frame rot top right corner. didn't want to damage the dash pad so out it came. Going to heat/sound proof everthing behind the dash and replace the bits and pieces of foam that was used around the ducts, they rot away after 20+ years. I'm not certain if I'll tamper with the heater/ac duct/core but if you remove the dash, it'll be a whole lot simpler to get at, believe me.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, Md.
Re: Dash Removal-1979 (79VetteMike)
Hard to say since I went at it piecemeal in the evenings. Lets see: remove gauge console and radio, interior windshield frame plastic trim, dash speakers, all screws(including speedo/tach cluster) and the two underdash clamps, disconnect all the electrical connections (gauges, light switch, glovebox light), disconnect the plastic vent ducting to left/right outlets and center/defrost outlets, the dash itself, (removed the rearview mirror just to get it out of the way) I'd guess about an hour, maybe hour and half. I didn't drop the steering column as it was unnecessary. But with the tilt feature I dropped it to lowest point which helped to clear it when pulling the dash back and away. This exposes EVERYTHING.
