G'day people, my '82 dash is quite badly cracked and looks like After much soul searching I've nearly decided to get a new dash pad from Ecklers.

Has anyone fitted a new dash pad before. Is the "replacement" item ok, does it fit properly? Is it a PITA to fit?

Also, what's the vent in the centre top of the dash called? I've looked everywhere and can quite easily get new speaker grilles but can't find any reference to the vent in the middle - mine is all warped...

 

Center vent? Up top???? Isn't that your defroster?

Easy to do on an '82? Hmmm. I just pulled my dash from my '76 and to say it was a pain in the **** is a major understatement. MAJPITA would be a better way of putting it.

 

Well, yeah......... I know what it is, just not what it would be called when trying to buy a new one - Defroster Grille, Defrost Vent, Windscreen Defrost Air Outlet Port, Warm Air Directional Device, Ham Sandwich

I've had a bit of a look around the dash pad (a good long look when I was changing the damn brake booster!!!) and it appeared fairly straight forward to replace Any tips.....?

 

I had to actually BEND! mine to get it outta the dash area. I was so afraid it would bust in half! but no it came out OK. Like any other dash work (pardon me for stating the obvious here) work slowly and methodically. Keep plenty of coffee, chocolate, and snacks handy.

Don't drink beer unless you're alone or with somebody!

 

 

Most important thing to look for when working on removing or installing the dash pad, the ears that stick off the top corners of the dash. You WILL snap them puppies clean off if you arent careful.

You should check with 80TexasC3. He just installed a new dash pad.

 

Sheesh, Saudi's a dry country what on earth am I to do? I spose I could make my own beer and if I was to do that, I'd only ever drink it if I was alone or with somebody

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just take my time. Luckily at this time of the year, it generally only gets into the low 50's - Celcius that is and if I'm REAL lucky, the humidity might kick in, which normally runs at about 90%. I reckon my copius quantities of sweat may help lube the dash pad up for easier fitting, and If I get too frustrated, my blood pressure will go through the roof. Combine that with the heat and I'll just pass out - saving any damage to the new dash pad!

Vacation in 5 weeks - out of here for 3, not that I'm counting or anything.......................

 

Cool, I'll remember that and have a yarn with 80TexasC3. Thanx

 

I just did this on my 81 and they are a PITA, but worth the work when you get done. My big surprise when doing mine was the new dash doesn't come with any of the holes drilled for mounting anything, just the cut outs for all the components. Like someone said both ears on my old one broke off when I was removing it, but the new one is much more flexible. There are a few things that can be mounted before the install. The A/C vents, light and wiper switches and also the glove box door (remove the door before you install the dash though then reattach it afterwards by standing on your head). Because there are no pre-drilled screw holes for attachment to the car or the gauges, I put mine in drilled pilot holes and then removed everything for the final drilling. Yes it is a lot of work and fitting everything is a real PITA but if you take your time and quite a few pain pills, it will come out great. Fit is ok if you really work at it. The glove box and speedo/tach were the major PITA areas I had to really work to get them to fit up correctly. If you take your time and a whole lot of beer it will look

YBnormal...drive a vette

 

Thanx mate. I reckon I'll have to get one and give it a go. I spose at $500 you'd be a moron NOT to take your time