1971 removal of dash pad
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
1971 removal of dash pad
Hi, can anyone tell me the proper way to remove my dash pad. I would think remove the screws on the top of each dash panel left and right then top of the wiper bezel. I dont want to break anything. thanks
#2
Race Director
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The entire car was built around the dash pad.
Do a search, this just came up a week or so ago, Willcox has a paper available that gives a pretty good description on how to remove/install (later model I think but the general idea)
The biggest tip is to make sure it's nice and warm, it needs to be flexed some. I've even heard of hair-dryers and hot towels
Mooser
Do a search, this just came up a week or so ago, Willcox has a paper available that gives a pretty good description on how to remove/install (later model I think but the general idea)
The biggest tip is to make sure it's nice and warm, it needs to be flexed some. I've even heard of hair-dryers and hot towels
Mooser
Last edited by Mooser; 03-03-2012 at 11:02 PM. Reason: Spelt Willcox wrong
#3
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found the link
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Seems to me they added to drop the column helps a lot
Mooser
http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=105
Seems to me they added to drop the column helps a lot
Mooser
#4
Burning Brakes
Aint that the truth! Pretty much if you take off the sunvisors, top windshield header panel, side windshield panels, and then remove the screws that attach to the driver instrument pad, center instrument cluster, and pass side pad, then you can reach under the pass side, and remove the one retaining screw, and then wiggle the clips loose. Then it becomes a delicate game of bringing one side up, pulling the other one back, and eventually you will get it out....
...Its kind of like getting a couch through a doorway
...Its kind of like getting a couch through a doorway
#5
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Mooser is correct... If you are going to remove the left lower pad it is imperative to remove the steering column. It's not all that hard and it makes the installation and removal of the dash pad so much easier.
Pay special attention to the notes at the bottom of the first page... One thing people fuss about when doing the left pad is getting to the tach and speedo cable behind the dash pad. Removing them from the distributor (68-74) and the tranny will allow you to pull the pad toward the car for easy removal.
We need to just combine the two pages, it's just a time issue for me.
You'll find this page will help you if you are removing the left dash pad
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
If you are just doing the right pad and/or upper pad then go to this page.
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Pay special attention to the notes at the bottom of the first page... One thing people fuss about when doing the left pad is getting to the tach and speedo cable behind the dash pad. Removing them from the distributor (68-74) and the tranny will allow you to pull the pad toward the car for easy removal.
We need to just combine the two pages, it's just a time issue for me.
You'll find this page will help you if you are removing the left dash pad
Corvette Left Hand Dash Pad Removal Made Easy 1968-1977
If you are just doing the right pad and/or upper pad then go to this page.
Corvette Dash Pad Remove and Install Instructions 68-77
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; 03-04-2012 at 08:47 AM.
#6
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Hi, I hope I explained myself correctly. I would like to remove the top pad that runs along the windshield. I would like to remove the instrument panel pad later to install the new vent and eliminate some old alarm wiring later. thanks for the help so far. Anthony
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#8
Burning Brakes
Yes, the prior posters understood and provided your answer. Not an easy job. Many other parts need to be removed first. Plus remove other parts to access hidden screws. You will also likely crack your dash so be prepared.
#9
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Hi 2001,
What's misleading is that all the screws you see are for mounting the lower pads and center gauge bezel to the upper dash pad. They really have little to do with getting the upper pad out.
I agree with Mike, I wouldn't even attempt to start taking the dash apart without having the 1971 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, and having looked very carefully at it. MANY EXPENSIVE parts to break in a 41 year old dash and interior!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
What's misleading is that all the screws you see are for mounting the lower pads and center gauge bezel to the upper dash pad. They really have little to do with getting the upper pad out.
I agree with Mike, I wouldn't even attempt to start taking the dash apart without having the 1971 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, and having looked very carefully at it. MANY EXPENSIVE parts to break in a 41 year old dash and interior!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
#10
Burning Brakes
Best part was that I left the interior unassembled for about 8 months before I started to put it back together. It was kind of like the episode of Happy Days when Fonzie went blind, and had to reassemble his motorcycle after Ralph and Potsie took it apart.
At least my car is back together, and the Fonz got his site back by the end of the episode
#11
Burning Brakes
Just realized...hey Mr 2001 convertible...I live one town away from you, and I did this job last summer. Would you like a hand with this surgery?
#12
Burning Brakes
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Hi, I hope I explained myself correctly. I would like to remove the top pad that runs along the windshield. I would like to remove the instrument panel pad later to install the new vent and eliminate some old alarm wiring later. thanks for the help so far. Anthony
#14
Melting Slicks
I have removed my upper dash three times on my 71 using Wilcox's instruction without any problems. I would say that warmer weather is probably your friend when doing it.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
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#18
Le Mans Master
Sorta like trying to put a worm on a hook....truthfully, i was more intimidated and had more trouble with the consoles...getting all the holes lined up and getting things where they need to be is tricky. Taking it apart was the "easy" part.
#20
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Hi, I think Iam going to have Dave help me with this. Iam almost done with the interior. Waiting on Willcox for my console parts. They were great the interior. The only things I need to do is the seat covers with foam and install the new console parts I ordered. I wanted the dash pad out to change the speakers....thanks again guys