73 Challenger Dash HELP (NEWBIE)

[asm74]

For me the hardest part about pulling the dash was lifting it!! 
I have a 73 chally too, I had to do the following to remove my dash:

disconnect the battery!!!
disconnect the bulkhead connector
unplug the cabin and chassis electrical harnesses from the dash harness
unplug the speedo cable
remove the steering wheel
drop the column (I used a jack stand to hold it up so it wouldn't get damaged)
loosen the two side bolts,
remove the four screws in the vents at the cowl (which i have subsequently LOST duh!!!)
The dash frame mounts in between the column mount at the firewall and the column itself, so some jiggerring might be necessary to get it free.. 

I've torn down my car entirely, and almost had it completely back together when I sent it to body (except the interior) so feel free to ask me more questions.

One last thing, the 73 chassis and body shop manuals are invaluable.  They cost me $50 but so worth it!  You can find them on ebay or swap meets usually.

[hooD]

One last thing, the 73 chassis and body shop manuals are invaluable.  They cost me $50 but so worth it!  You can find them on ebay or swap meets usually.

I bought mine 6 months after I ordered my car in 1973.  Still have them as you can see below!  You can see which manual I have used the most.

[Super Blue 72]

Uhh...Phil?  From two postings above you:   

   Ooops, asleep during the day, bad, bad....if you were here you could've slapped me up side the head.....Thanks for keeping me in line, Greg!     


Nice history, BTW....    It's a real granny car!   Just remember, whatever can be bolted on can be taken back off.  My car is mostly stock (Save for the 70's fuzzy dash cover...  ) but I have a set of Keystone Klassics and another hood (Thanks Tom!) that'll bolt on and give it a different personality, oh yeah, also a Mr. Gasket Street Scoop. 

[asm74]

FYI, the challenger information is contained in the Dodge version of those books, with red covers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Manuals-Literature__1973-73-DODGE-CHALLENGER-CHARGER-DART-SHOP-MANUAL_W0QQitemZ160242771698QQadnZManualsQ20Q26Q20LiteratureQQadiZ2872QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160242771698&

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

That is gret info. I was not sure which manual to get. Although I have been looking. I have seen 2-3 and could not pick. Wanted more info which as I can see here I may know now which one I need. Thank you for that info.

Also I am a little over my head with the dash if it takes that much to get it done I may just wait.


I have to get the intake, exhaust, and replace the Green vynal top. So I may do all that first. I think that top may really be the kicker to my budget  but it has to be done. I have little to nothing in the car now so I shouldn't complain.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

HAVE A HANG UP!!
I wanted to ask, one of the main reasons I am replacing the dash is I got a good clean one off ebay with a working clock. Trouble is I didn't get the little adjusting arm (knob that adjust the time). Anyone know where I can get a replacement without totaly rebuilding. I talked to year one and they totaly replace everything. I only need to replace this missing arm. Any help would ROCK!!

[asm74]

That is gret info. I was not sure which manual to get. Although I have been looking. I have seen 2-3 and could not pick. Wanted more info which as I can see here I may know now which one I need. Thank you for that info.

Also I am a little over my head with the dash if it takes that much to get it done I may just wait.


I have to get the intake, exhaust, and replace the Green vynal top. So I may do all that first. I think that top may really be the kicker to my budget  but it has to be done. I have little to nothing in the car now so I shouldn't complain.

Definitely make lists and prioritize before you get started.  Personally, I'd be afraid to do that top myself, I'd send it out for that.  Engine stuff is the most fun for me, because most of that work you can do in your home garage.  What are your plans for the intake and exhaust? 

As for the books, get the red 1973 PAIR.  You want both the Chassis (which covers engine, electrical, exhaust, suspension, brakes etc) and Body (which covers exterior, interior, lighting, trim etc).  The chassis manual is much thicker than the other, and is definitely the most useful for mechanical work.  But I think both are a must for anyone doing a restoration.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Totaly, I am not even touching the top my self. I am having this shop up the way from me do the metal and I found a really good shop that will do the top with good (NON CALIFORNIA LEAGAL) Glue. He comes highly recommended. I found the hardest part was finding the top. Which I did. I found an NOS GREEN TOP.
   
   The car will be changed over to a stock 4brl intake and I am converting over to duel exhaust. That is about it other then some dress up. I don't want much to change honestly the car is very catalog and I want to keep it that way. I just want to wake it up a little but retain the ability to daily drive it.