Dash Repair Panel

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

The PO cut the dash to have a CD player installed. I have an original AM in dash radio that I want to put back in, but will require metal work..I know LMC has a repair dash panel. I can't tell if it's made of plastic or metal.

Has anyone used LMC's dash repair panel or any others?

[1rippen6]

I have a couple of dashes I removed I will sell you a whole dash or cut the section you need. I can get pictures if you are interested let me know. A couple of ways to to replace the dash

1. remove the windshield and cut the spotwelds and remove the three bolts at both ends. (Second best option but time consuming and you have to remove the windshield)

2.remove dash pad cut the whole way across under there remove the three bolts at both ends (Probably the easiest no body work the weld is under the dash)

3. cut the dash section out and weld back in ( Probably the hardest because of all the extra body work)

Might be best to remove the windshield or tape it up good to keep grinding and weld spalls off of it

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Pics would be nice. I'm completely gutting the interior of my truck and removing from the frame so the body shop can paint it. I'll have them repair the dash.

With that being said, what is my best option?

[1rippen6]

The body shop would be the best to ask that being said I am changing my blazer from non A/C to A/C so I am replacing the whole dash. I am drilling out the spot welds under the windshield seal with the windshield in no one will ever know. I will get you pictures of the dash tomorrow.

[1rippen6]

Just scrolled through your build thread looks good just an FYI with the newer style engine you will need a different flywheel. I noticed it had the long water pump also don't remember what you original had but if it is short you will have to replace that also if you want your accessories to line up. Just realized after typing all of this I should have added it to your build thread. LOL

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

The new engine came with the correct fly wheel. My old engine had a long style water pump so I had the same put on the new engine so it should line up. (hopefully) Thanks for the heads up, though.

I think if I can send those pics to the guy at the body shop, then he can suggest the best way to approach it.

Thanks again

[1rippen6]

The dash is an a/c dash which I am assuming your is also since you had the a/c compressor on your engine. The orange arrow shows the pinch seam under the windshield seal. I cut the dash out on the outside of the pinch seam so the extra metal would need to be removed to get to the dash side if that makes sense. On yours you would drill the spot weld out to remove the dash when you install the new dash use the hole that you drill to remove your dash to fill in with weld(spot weld) and the a little bit of grinding to clean up welds and you are done. Forgot 3 bolts on both side, steering column, ebrake where it bolts to the dash. Everything else will need to be removed heater controls, dash, and everything else. If this does not make sense please ask questions.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks for the pics.. I'm going to have my guy at the body shop take a look and see what he thinks we should do. I'll keep you posted