'71 Dash pad removal

[webfoot]

Attempted to remove this thing to try and find an electrical bug. Took out the 5 or so screws and expected it to have little friction clips like my chevelle, but it looks like there is more to it than that.

I'll post in the electrical forum with my other problem on the off chance its something common, if anybody wants to check it out.

[powell72]

There are nuts that attach it to the dash from the underside also, about six(?) if I remember. It helps to have the cluster/radio/glovebox liner out of the way, but I've gotten there just removing the glovebox liner before.

[t&tkennels]

i dont think you have removed all the screws (pal nuts ) i think there is more than 5 or so, Maybe 8 cant remember . but once their all removed it comes right off, at least mine did.

[1970cstblazer]

It is MUCH easier to remove the dash pad if the glovebox and gauge cluster is removed, especially on A/C trucks.

[webfoot]

WOW you guys are fast. OK I'll go underneath it and see what I can find. This is a non-AC rig so hopefully I can get behind there. How hard is it to get the gauge cluster out, is it just the screws I can see from the seat holding it in?

[ashx2]

Take a deep breath and make sure there are no small children around when you start trying to get to all the nuts. In my opinion, it works best to have the seat out so you have room to flop your body around while standing on your head.

The PO of my other truck hacked the dash up to the extent that the studs would not fit into the metal dash properly anymore....and then to put it back on, they laid down two lines of silicone on the top/bottom edges of the dashpad! It took me over an hour and a half of pulling/tugging and priying to get it off!

But I finally got it. Now I'll have to put it on my daily driver when I get it all finished up.

Greg

[webfoot]

This dash pad is completely trashed anyway - is there any sort of "sacrificial" way I can get it out of there?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by webfoot

This dash pad is completely trashed anyway - is there any sort of "sacrificial" way I can get it out of there?

Not really. There is a metal insert the full length of the pad and the studs are welded to it. I won't say it can't be done but you may damage something else in the process...

LockDoc

[webfoot]

Boy, those little studs are WAAY up in there!! I don't see how you could even get those out without having the whole dash apart.

Then I tried to get the cluster to come forward, and couldn't figure out how to get the washer knob out of the switch.

With 3 pedals and 2 levers there really isn't a lot of room to squirm around under there, either.

[PanelDeland]

The light switch had a button on it.It's kinda hard to find but feel around and you will find it.Push it in and pull the knob the shaft and knob come out together.Unhook the battery since the lights will come on.The wiper knob has a small set screw.There is a plug on the dash guages and a compression style fitting on the oil pressure guage.Then the dash bezel will tip forward.Then you can usually get to the nuts on the drivers side.The glovebox has screwss you can find those.Then you can get to the pass side.The only tip I can give you is a 5/16(I think) socket 1/4 drive with wiggle joints and extensions may help.The dash pad may have "grown" in place but should sepperate with a little persuasion.

[spankrz]

i took mine off my 72 about a month ago. its pretty simple. you just have to get a end wrench [i forget what size] and reach up under there blindly and feel where the nuts are. then it should come right off since you already have the screws out. if you order a repro one, it has a little bit better mounting system.

[spankrz]

Originally Posted by webfoot

Boy, those little studs are WAAY up in there!! I don't see how you could even get those out without having the whole dash apart.

Then I tried to get the cluster to come forward, and couldn't figure out how to get the washer knob out of the switch.

With 3 pedals and 2 levers there really isn't a lot of room to squirm around under there, either.

you are working blind, that is for sure.

when i took mine off, i had the seat out. that helped A LOT. a stock bench seat only has 8 bolts, and i took mine out myself. i am only in highschool, so you can do it.

[spankrz]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Not really. There is a metal insert the full length of the pad and the studs are welded to it. I won't say it can't be done but you may damage something else in the process...

LockDoc

if you are planning on trashing the pad, just rip the pad off of the metal brackets. that way you can see what youre doing a little better. ive done that before too.

[Brandoneh]

I am stuck also... how do I get that damn reciever of the headlamp off? I got the knobs off the wiper and lights but the housings behing them wont move. any help? thanks.

[71meangreenc10]

Did you remove the Bezel rings on the front off first?

Smitty

[dan42]

I would take the instrument cluster out, the radio out, the headlight switch off, and the glovebox out. Once you do that, it's still a PITA, but it's a lot easier. I just did mine about a month ago.

[tim21391]

if your talking about the knob you pull out for your headlights.. in my 72 you pull it until it wont come out.. i dont remember which way but either if you move the lever right or left it should slide right out...

[cdowns]

taking the dashpad off wont help in any way to fix or find an electrical problem// theres nothing near it or under it

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by cdowns

taking the dashpad off wont help in any way to fix or find an electrical problem// theres nothing near it or under it

I looked over this whole post, and I was saying the exact same thing the whole way though.

[Brandoneh]

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

Did you remove the Bezel rings on the front off first?

Smitty

Thats the one! how do I get those Bezel Rings off there? they seem to be stuck and I dont want to force them! thanks for all the info guys!

[Sinister]

I put some needle nose pliers in the little holes and unscrew.

[eightbanger]

I spoke to mine very sternly and out it came.......

On a serious note I left the pal nuts off mine after I reinstalled for an easy life during future removal.

[Brandoneh]

Appreciate all the quickness and the help fella's.

[KY Colonel]

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[DorianB]

Originally Posted by ashx2

Take a deep breath and make sure there are no small children around when you start trying to get to all the nuts. In my opinion, it works best to have the seat out so you have room to flop your body around while standing on your head.

The PO of my other truck hacked the dash up to the extent that the studs would not fit into the metal dash properly anymore....and then to put it back on, they laid down two lines of silicone on the top/bottom edges of the dashpad! It took me over an hour and a half of pulling/tugging and priying to get it off!

But I finally got it. Now I'll have to put it on my daily driver when I get it all finished up.

Greg

I am so stealing that line about flopping around inside the cab. It describes my experiences with work in the cab so well