Dash install question and 71 grill question

[grimmey71]

Does the windshield need to be out of the car for the dash to be installed and has anyone had difficulty installing the chrome trim to the 71 grill.  Thanks in advance guys

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes you can install the dash with the windshield in place , however after 2 hrs trying to get the bolts in by the defroster vents using a flex extension I simply could not get them started , the GF of the customer I was building the car for had to install the bolts & my hands were far to large to get in there while she was able to reach right in & start the bolts for me

[grimmey71]

Thanks Chryco, it's been 18 years since I took the car apart and wanted the windows in this year but the dash,a/c, and gauge stuff is pricey an will probably wait another year

[johns cuda shop]

 Yeah, a flex extension works good if you have the windshield in. I prefer to install the dash before the glass.I like to put the dash in as a assembly with the gauges ,harness and pad attached whenever possible.  Whats going on with the grille chrome? 

[grimmey71]

Yeah, a flex extension works good if you have the windshield in. I prefer to install the dash before the glass.I like to put the dash in as a assembly with the gauges ,harness and pad attached whenever possible.  Whats going on with the grille chrome?

I wanted to wait on the windshield but want to keep driving it and my tax returns are probably going to wheels and tires this year.

The chrome trim on the grill just doesn't seem to fit right. On a few or the grill "teeth" one corner will pop up and not go down. Even the bottom straight piece almost seems as if it's too long. This is the factory grill and the original trim that came with it so I am kind of at a loss here. Other than fresh paint(which is getting a few scratches now) nothing else has been done.

[dodj]

Yes you can install the dash with the windshield in place , however after 2 hrs trying to get the bolts in by the defroster vents using a flex extension I simply could not get them started , the GF of the customer I was building the car for had to install the bolts & my hands were far to large to get in there while she was able to reach right in & start the bolts for me

I find if you put the bolt into the socket and using a little electrical tape, tape the bolt head to the socket, then using some more electrical tape on the ratchet extension u-joint ( to limit flexibility), it is fairly easy to get the defroster bolts started. Careful 'swinging' the ratchet handle so you don't hit the glass.