dashboard removal/installation

[Rexford75]

Hi,

 

I am relatively new to the web site.  I am in the process of restoring a 1976 2002. I recently purchased a parts car that was in a barn for the past 20 years.  Among other things it has a mint, crack free dashboard that I want to remove and put in my car.

 

Does anyone have any helpful tips, instructions, what not to do, etc. on how to remove the dashboard.  I have everything around it removed - cluster, glove box, center column (radio, ash tray, hazard switch) and steering wheel & cover as well as all the screws I can see from under the dash.  Thoughts on next steps?  Does the windshield need to be removed?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Doug

[halboyles]

10 minutes ago, Rexford75 said:

Does the windshield need to be removed?

 

Unfortunately for this type of dash removing the windshield is all but necessary.  The dash is held in place by 2 (?) screws underneath the windshield gasket.  If you don't mind destroying the windshield gasket and risking damaging the dash it can be done without removing the windshield but not easily.

[esty]

or it can be done without ruining the dash or rubber if you'll use a short, right angle phillips screwdriver

 

Edited January 15, 2018 by esty

[Rexford75]

Thanks, this is really helpful.  Are these the only two screws that are inside the dash that need to be removed?

[d.hitchcock]

Bingo!

Thanks from the dood who is going to install a dash on a '76 soon, and was wondering whether to do it before or after windshield install ...

[scoyote]

windshield has to come out period--imho---Done a dozen or so and tired with a bent philips---there just wasn't any clearance. You can leave the screws out on the re-instal--but i will stand by the fact that the glass has to come out on a 74-76 dash removal

[Tommy]

2 hours ago, scoyote said:

windshield has to come out period--imho---Done a dozen or so and tired with a bent philips---there just wasn't any clearance. You can leave the screws out on the re-instal--but i will stand by the fact that the glass has to come out on a 74-76 dash removal

Me too. I have seen referrals to the bent screwdrivers so I guess someone must have succeeded that way. Not gonna try that myself after seeing how the screws are located.

[esty]

fwiw, i've removed my 76 dash several times with the windshield in...remove the steering wheel and column padding

[chargin]

On ‎1‎/‎15‎/‎2018 at 9:39 AM, esty said:

or it can be done without ruining the dash or rubber if you'll use a short, right angle phillips screwdriver

 

 

WOW!

I didn't think of that, the last gasket I had installed I pulled those 2 screws just in case for the future 

[02Les]

You might get lucky.........during the stripdown/rebuild of my Touring I noticed that there never were any screws there (no holes in the dash, only the metal support).

[esty]

Les...hows your touring resto coming along ?

[landon]

No need to remove the dash if you have a short screw driver you can angle in there.  And no need to replace the screws. The dash is not going anywhere without them and I feel they add additional restraint that may be causing the common cracks you see in that area. 

[02Les]

8 hours ago, esty said:

Les...hows your touring resto coming along ?

Hi Esty,

It's pretty much done; I really need to send you some pics of the carpet; looks great. As soon as I can get it out of the garage (snow-cold).

 

Regards,

 

Les

[dksucharda]

I have a 1971 1600 and dash is cracked. is there any known suppliers where this can be purchased as a replacement. I have not seen any through my search on the internet. Also wondering if a replacement can not be purchased, what is the best way to fix? link to articles or videos would be nice.  also open to possible taking it to a professional who does this regularly but this seems it would be very difficult. I live close to Seattle and Spokane Washington if that helps. Thank you. 

[Pablo M]

10 hours ago, dksucharda said:

I have a 1971 1600 and dash is cracked. is there any known suppliers where this can be purchased as a replacement. I have not seen any through my search on the internet. Also wondering if a replacement can not be purchased, what is the best way to fix? link to articles or videos would be nice.  also open to possible taking it to a professional who does this regularly but this seems it would be very difficult. I live close to Seattle and Spokane Washington if that helps. Thank you. 

Check @vintagedashes on instagram. they're reproducing the 2002 dash and may have 1600 dash too.