Help installing a dash pad

[65-72 chevytoys]

Any ideas on installing a new dash pad on a 72. The new dash pad has the bolts installed on the back side of the pad, but along the top of the dash it looks like the old bolts are still in the dash and look like they need to be drilled out. THere is just a smooth head on the bolts that are still in the dashwith no nuts on the backside under the dash. Anyone run into this problem before? How did you do it?

[GMCPaul]

All the 67-72 dash pads used a metal inner frame covered in foam wrapped in vinyl, they all were installed with screws across front edge, and speed nuts on 7 studs that protrude from metal frame through dash to attach it. From the sounds of yours I'd say the foam & vinyl has come off yours and your left with just the metal frame on dash because this is the only way you could see the backside of the studs, so i'd examine the backside of the dash on each stud to be sure the hollow speed nuts are all removed and if so I then pry the frame off the dash being careful not to warp the dash metal when prying.
GMCPaul

[cdowns]

if i remember right to get to those speednuts you need the guts of the glovebox removed also the instrument cluster needs removed too

[LockDoc]

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If the speed nuts are already off behind the dash check to see if the screws have been removed from the bottom edge before you pry on it....

LockDoc

[65-72 chevytoys]

I will check tonight. There is no metal frame across the dash just the studs and the clip they go into. The glove box is just the door, the cardboard box is gone so access will be easy on that side. I will have to check under the dash if the speed nuts are still there. I will see if I can borrow a digi cam and get some photos of what I am talking about.

[71swb4x4]

One or two of those speednuts are behind the radio. With my skinny hands I can get back there, but it's tough. It would be a lot easier with the radio out.

[65-72 chevytoys]

There was no radio or glove box behind the door. so I got 5 out closest to the passenger side just 2 to go on drivers side behind the dash. I looks like I am going to need to order a new speed nut and machine screws that go across the bottom of the dash to get the new pad installed.

[PanelDeland]

Most dash pads come with the new speed nuts,look for a small plastic package with them in it.I use a 1/4 drive socket set with extra extensions and wiggle joints to get the speed nuts off and on.I think I could reach the ones above the inst.With this set-up but it's been a while.

[71swb4x4]

If you don't have the new nuts, you should be able to find them at a local hardware store.

[65-72 chevytoys]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

If you don't have the new nuts, you should be able to find them at a local hardware store.

I only have two. I need to find 5 more. Anyone know whats size to use? I have also been looking through the parts catalogs to get the 4 machine screws that goes along the bottom.

[71swb4x4]

At the local Ace Hardware they have both speed nuts and trim screws in pull-out bins. I have bought both there, hopefully you can find what you need at a similar store in your area.