Dash Pad removal

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    Author Topic: Dash Pad removal  (Read 2880 times)

    Offline MDMoparDude

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    Dash Pad removal
    « on: April 25, 2009 - 07:11:04 PM »
    Going to doo this tomorrow in my 70 Chally.  Any hints, tips or advice would be appreciated
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    Offline Slotts

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #1 on: April 25, 2009 - 08:23:36 PM »
    This is definitely a two person job to lift from both sides at the mounting points, not from weight, but the awkwardness.

    Start with disconnecting the + battery cable.

    The heater box cables, fresh air driver’s side intake cable, kick panels, speedometer cable, antennae and all electrical connections should be disconnected.

    The steering column mount should be unbolted to leave the column dropped down. Leave the two lowest bolts loose but not removed at the bottom left and right dash mounts and lift the dash off from there.

    Removing the front seats first can always be a bonus on your back.

    If you are unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask here.

    Good luck! Hope that helps.  :2thumbs:

    Slotts
    « Last Edit: April 25, 2009 - 08:25:10 PM by Slotts »
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    Offline MDMoparDude

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #2 on: April 25, 2009 - 08:33:42 PM »
    I have already suckered a buddy into helping me, so I have that part covered.  We do have internet access and a camera, so you guys will be the first place I ask.  Also, what should I use to attach the emblem?
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    Offline RaptorF229

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #3 on: April 26, 2009 - 07:05:53 AM »
    I put a new dash in my challenger a few weeks ago by myself. I also put one in my cuda myself. I started by removing the screws on the left and right side of the dash trim and pad. I then removed the sill plates pillar post and kick panel trim. I then lowered the steering column and removed the screws to take out the instrument cluster. Don't forget to disconnect the speedoMeter cable. I then removed the ash tray,radio,  and glove box so I can get to the speed nuts. I then used a long extension with a universal knuckle with a short socket on the end to remove the four bolts in vents.  The next thing to do is lossen the two bolts on both bottom sides of the dash frame. This allows you to tilt the dash forward just enough you you can get to all eleven speed nuts.  Once you get the pad out compare it with the new one. You will probably need to do some extra trimming to the new pad so it will install properly. The two main things are the mounting tabs for the cluster. You need to trim the area then take the tabs off the old pad and put them on the news one. Also remove any excess foam on the bottom and back of the pad. Once again compare the old with the new. The last thing is to remove the VIN tag and reinstall it on the new pad. I use a dremel tool on the back side of the rivets. Be careful not to loose the little ends of the rivers because you can just glue the tag and the river ends to the new pad for an original look. If you have new rivets even better. Then reinstall in re erse order. I think that's about it. If I missed something soMeone please add.
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    Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #4 on: April 26, 2009 - 08:31:36 AM »
    Quote from: RaptorF229 on April 26, 2009 - 07:05:53 AM
    I put a new dash in my challenger a few weeks ago by myself. I also put one in my cuda myself. I started by removing the screws on the left and right side of the dash trim and pad. I then removed the sill plates pillar post and kick panel trim. I then lowered the steering column and removed the screws to take out the instrument cluster. Don't forget to disconnect the speedoMeter cable. I then removed the ash tray,radio,  and glove box so I can get to the speed nuts. I then used a long extension with a universal knuckle with a short socket on the end to remove the four bolts in vents.  The next thing to do is lossen the two bolts on both bottom sides of the dash frame. This allows you to tilt the dash forward just enough you you can get to all eleven speed nuts.  Once you get the pad out compare it with the new one. You will probably need to do some extra trimming to the new pad so it will install properly. The two main things are the mounting tabs for the cluster. You need to trim the area then take the tabs off the old pad and put them on the news one. Also remove any excess foam on the bottom and back of the pad. Once again compare the old with the new. The last thing is to remove the VIN tag and reinstall it on the new pad. I use a dremel tool on the back side of the rivets. Be careful not to loose the little ends of the rivers because you can just glue the tag and the river ends to the new pad for an original look. If you have new rivets even better. Then reinstall in re erse order. I think that's about it. If I missed something soMeone please add.

    That's pretty much how I did it. Others have taken out the whole dash frame though. I'm not sure what method is easier.
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    Mike

    1970 Challenger - SOLD
    2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

    Offline bb71challenger

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #5 on: April 26, 2009 - 10:07:41 AM »
    I took my dash out by myself but I also had already removed the windshield. Not hard to do just time consuming. I think there are 11 speed nuts holding the pad on. No advice on putting one on, I have done that yet. Good luck, I hope it goes smoothly for you.
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    1971 Challenger (OO==== ====OO) getting close!
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    *Brett*

    Offline Moparal

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #6 on: April 26, 2009 - 10:14:19 AM »
    Keep in mind that when you remove the whole dash frame , re installing it is critical for how the column and steering wheel will be in height. The bolts on the sides. If you dont keep the dash up high, the steering wheel will set low and clsoe to your lap. I found this out having a 6 way seat. They set a little higher. So 1/4 inch at the dash multiplys quickly at the wheel and column height.
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    Alaskan_TA

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #7 on: April 27, 2009 - 12:01:24 AM »
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    Offline MDMoparDude

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #8 on: April 27, 2009 - 07:39:27 AM »
    Thanks for the tips guys, it all went great.  New dash looks great, just need to find the correct trim pieces for the lower part.  Thank you for all the help.  One other question, how to I attach the emblem?  I just have it shoved into the holes now.
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    Offline mrbill426

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #9 on: June 22, 2009 - 10:35:24 AM »
    :feedback:

    I am about to do the same thing with our '72, do I have to remove the cluster in order to remove the whole dash assembly or can take it out in one piece?  The steering column and A/C / heater box (a "pain") are already out.  The windshield in still in.

     :working:
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    MOPAR or NO car!

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    Offline hiway star

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #10 on: June 23, 2009 - 04:55:19 PM »
    Nope, just unhook the bulkhead connector from the firewall, unhook the speedo cable, and any other wires connected to/going through the firewall.
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    Offline Katfish

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #11 on: June 23, 2009 - 05:29:47 PM »
    I too would suggest taking the whole frame out.  I have done it both ways (with windshield in).  Once you have the frame out you can get to everything.  Otherwise you need to be a contortionist.
    « Last Edit: June 23, 2009 - 05:33:13 PM by Katfish »
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    Offline mrbill426

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    Re: Dash Pad removal
    « Reply #12 on: June 24, 2009 - 11:04:42 AM »
    That is an awesome scetch, thanks!  :2thumbs:


    Quote from: Katfish on June 23, 2009 - 05:29:47 PM
    I too would suggest taking the whole frame out.  I have done it both ways (with windshield in).  Once you have the frame out you can get to everything.  Otherwise you need to be a contortionist.
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    MOPAR or NO car!

    '72 'Cuda 340, white on white
    '72 Sebring; bracket project
    '64 Imperial Crown black on black
    '66 Imperial Crown; parts car
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