Dashboard Pains

[oldred]

I know I'm a newb, I've done the search, but I've only come up with suggestions of buying manuals, so here goes:

Can anyone explain to me in a simple way how to remove the dash board of my challenger? Do I have to remove the windshield? The last owner of my car mangled the wiring, and I can't see all of it clearly from the underside of the dash, I'm also looking to replace the dashpad (I don't want to use a dash cap). I've spent countless hours of staring and removing screws and I can't figure it out 

[Hemi Challenger]

All I can say is Take your time it will come out there is  clip in the back that slide out  toward you has you pull the dash toward you, just take your time and it will come out, don't get mad it it do not come out the first time  just be gental and slow it will come  Trust me been there and done that

[FY1 RT SE]

Did you remove the 4 screws in the defroster ducts at the top of the dash?  Windsheild does NOT have to be removed to get them out.

[oldred]

I've removed those screws, as well as the other visibile dash pad screws, but nothing seems to be budging. I've also tried removing some of the lower trim pieces to pop off the panels around the stereo etc, still no luck. Every part of this dash doesn't seem to want to move.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

 

 I've done it, but it wasn't fun. It sounds like you are there, so I'll recap what I did. Remove gauges, ashtray assembly, and glove box liner. Shining a flashlight up in there can help you. Also there are 2 screws on the outside. One on either side. The only speed nut I couldn't get to with the windshield in, was the one right in the middle of the defroster ducts. I just lifted up the dashpad and did the twist until that sucker popped. 

  Mike

[miketyler]

MEK - is right; there are only 6 bolts holding the dash assembly in place; the four at the vents and one on each side in the door post. However there's quite a bit of stuff that needs to be turned loose to separate it. In addition to what MEK mentioned you will also need to drop the steering column.  If you are pulling the harness also, you will need to pull the firewall plug. I left mine wiring in the car and undid all the metal stays that held it to the dash and left the harness in the car.

If you have the 6 dash bolts out and the steering column dropped, you should find the dash is very loosey-goosey   

[oldred]

What do you mean by "drop the steering wheel?" I don't quite understand why the dash pad removal requires the gauges to be removed either. I though just the lights above the gauges would have to be removed.

[FY1 RT SE]

What do you mean by "drop the steering wheel?" I don't quite understand why the dash pad removal requires the gauges to be removed either. I though just the lights above the gauges would have to be removed.

There are about 12 nuts in addition to the 4 screws that hold the pad on.  Much easier to pull the whole dash.

[miketyler]

Can anyone explain to me in a simple way how to remove the dash board of my challenger? Do I have to remove the windshield? The last owner of my car mangled the wiring, and I can't see all of it clearly from the underside of the dash, I'm also looking to replace the dashpad

From your original question, I think we all assumed you wanted to remove the dash assembly and replace the dash pad on the bench.

If you are removing the pad only, then you only need to remove the stamped nuts. You will prob need to remove guages, glovebox, and ashtray at a minimum.