Installing new dash pad - Help!!!

[BruthaMan]

Hey Guys,

We're installing the interior right now, specifically the new NOS GM dash pad.

I ordered some dash pad retaining/retainer clips from LMC.

Cannot figure out how those little buggers go on!

We can see where they go, from the metal part of the cab/dash where the pad goes on. We can see the spot on the underside of the dash where they are supposed to "clip" but cannot figure out which way they go.

Sure could use some help!

[3r!c84]

put it up in there lift up the back and push down to the window and it should pop in them push the side closest to u down and srew every thing back in

kinda hard to explain

[asphaltburner]

Yo! I had to use a very small screwdriver to open a "pocket" in each of the openings in the metal backing in the dashpad. Then the clips will slide into the "pockets" and snap in place. Each clip has a tang that locks into a hole in the metal backing of the dashpad.
Once all are in place, set the dashpad on top of the steel part of the dash and slide it into place while checking underneath to be sure that all the clips have "captured" the steel part of the dash. It's easy once you get the clips in place.
Todd.

[BruthaMan]

Thanks guys. Those little buggers are odd!

We ended up taking a drive out to the parts yard and found a truck where it was gutted, except for the dash pad.

Thinking we had conquered this trivial little task, apparently our luck continued southward, as three of "tangs" on the clips busted when we put it in. So, out comes the welder to tack clip into place (carefully, might I add!).

Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug.

[babyJay]

BruthaMan, be careful when doing the lifting up/pressing down and in. I put my thumb right through the speaker area on my 87, and it now has a big hunk of missing stuff there.

[Keith Seymore]

My original dash pad is laying in the garage floor with the clips intact.

When I get home tonight I can take some detailed pictures of that area if you would like.

K

[Keith Seymore]

Better late than never...

I'll post these here in case we need them in the future.

K

[nlped]

I JUST did this on my truck. The trick on removing and reinstalling these clips is to turn them 90 degrees. They slide right out and go back in the same way. I did almost tear up the 1st one but figured it out before damage was done.

I do wish I had gone with a NOS one rather than the Ebay urethane one as it doesn't fit well. I have had to do some "modifications" to get it to fit good enough to not just piss me off. Stay away from them unless fitment isn't an issue!

Just my .02

[babyJay]

Originally Posted by nlped

...The trick on removing and reinstalling these clips is to turn them 90 degrees. They slide right out and go back in the same way. I did almost tear up the 1st one but figured it out before damage was done...

Now that you mention that, you are right. I ruined one of mine before I figured the trick out, and THEN I put my thumb through the new pad at the speaker opening.