How hard it is to remove a dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 10-25-2002, 03:32 PM

I was wondering how much is involved with removing the dash panel from a 72. Someone mentioned to me there are lots of welds, but I'd like to get some first hand info.

Thanks.

XXL · 10-25-2002, 03:35 PM

There are a couple of bolts on the sides and a zillion blind welds in the lip under the windshield rubber. You'll need to drill those out to get the dash out.

I hope this helps,

Kenneth

**ScottH** · 10-25-2002, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the info. With the glass out, everything out of the dash, bolts removed, nose off.....basically stripped is what I'm trying to say, where do I get at the welds?

Thanks again.

johnnyp · 10-25-2002, 04:09 PM

Why are you wanting to take the dash out? If you're going to replace it, there's a better and easier way than drilling out all of the spot welds.

**1971Stepside** · 10-25-2002, 04:24 PM

I am interested in this as well. I want to put a real AC dash in mine. The original is been converted and I have a donor.

crazy longhorn · 10-25-2002, 04:33 PM

A lot of guys are opting to splice under the dash pad. There are a bazzillion spot welds on the lower pinchweld holding the front of the dash in place!

**1971Stepside** · 10-25-2002, 04:38 PM

That would work and be a lot easier.

**John Fabris** · 10-25-2002, 04:39 PM

There are two ways that this can be done.

To remove the whole dash, you will need to have the windshield out. There are 2 or 3 bolts at both ends of the dash that need to come out. You will need a spot weld cutter which is a very small metal hole saw, that you can get at any body and paint supply shop for about $20-30. This will go onto any drill.

Locate each spot weld on the front egde of the dash where it meets the flange that the windshield gasket holds onto. Once you know where these are, using the spot weld cutter, cut through only one layer of metal. Using a flat screwdriver inserted between the two layers of metal will help indicate when you have cut through the first layer (you will see movement and a sound "pop")

Once you have all of the welds cut, remove bolts and you have a loose dash!!

the other way to remove dash is to take the dash pad off, and cut the whole front of the dash off, cutting along the slots that you will see with the pad off.

I replaced my non-air dash with an air dash, then I also cut out the firewall and replace with an air firewall. There are some pictures on my webpage...

bobs409 · 10-26-2002, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by John Fabris
You will need a spot weld cutter which is a very small metal hole saw, that you can get at any body and paint supply shop for about $20-30. This will go onto any drill.

I just wanted to mention that I found these at a cheapy tool store in my area for $5.99 each! They were Taiwan jobs but work great. These are 2 sided ones so when one side breaks, flip it over and use the new side.

If you can find someone that sells these cheapy tools, check with them.

10-25-2002, 03:32 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	How hard it is to remove a dash I was wondering how much is involved with removing the dash panel from a 72. Someone mentioned to me there are lots of welds, but I'd like to get some first hand info. Thanks.

10-25-2002, 03:35 PM	#2
XXL Señor Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edge of the world Posts: 5,367	There are a couple of bolts on the sides and a zillion blind welds in the lip under the windshield rubber. You'll need to drill those out to get the dash out. I hope this helps, Kenneth __________________ Craigslist \| ebay \| Engrishtees \| www.myattitudesucks.com \| Follow me on Twitter

10-25-2002, 04:09 PM	#4
johnnyp Keepin' It Stock Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Grand Island, Nebraska, USA Posts: 554	Why are you wanting to take the dash out? If you're going to replace it, there's a better and easier way than drilling out all of the spot welds. __________________ 72 Sierra Grande - Maych Forget about "do it right the first time". Do it wrong the first time to learn how, then do it right the second time.

10-25-2002, 04:24 PM	#5
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	I am interested in this as well. I want to put a real AC dash in mine. The original is been converted and I have a donor. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

10-25-2002, 04:38 PM	#7
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	That would work and be a lot easier. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

10-25-2002, 03:54 PM	#3
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,190	Thanks for the info. With the glass out, everything out of the dash, bolts removed, nose off.....basically stripped is what I'm trying to say, where do I get at the welds? Thanks again.

10-25-2002, 04:33 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	A lot of guys are opting to splice under the dash pad. There are a bazzillion spot welds on the lower pinchweld holding the front of the dash in place!

10-25-2002, 04:39 PM	#8
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	There are two ways that this can be done. To remove the whole dash, you will need to have the windshield out. There are 2 or 3 bolts at both ends of the dash that need to come out. You will need a spot weld cutter which is a very small metal hole saw, that you can get at any body and paint supply shop for about $20-30. This will go onto any drill. Locate each spot weld on the front egde of the dash where it meets the flange that the windshield gasket holds onto. Once you know where these are, using the spot weld cutter, cut through only one layer of metal. Using a flat screwdriver inserted between the two layers of metal will help indicate when you have cut through the first layer (you will see movement and a sound "pop") Once you have all of the welds cut, remove bolts and you have a loose dash!! the other way to remove dash is to take the dash pad off, and cut the whole front of the dash off, cutting along the slots that you will see with the pad off. I replaced my non-air dash with an air dash, then I also cut out the firewall and replace with an air firewall. There are some pictures on my webpage... __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB

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