'71 Dash pad removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

webfoot · 02-04-2009, 11:31 PM

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 · 02-04-2009, 11:36 PM

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 · 02-04-2009, 11:36 PM

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** · 02-04-2009, 11:39 PM

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

webfoot · 02-04-2009, 11:42 PM

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 · 02-05-2009, 12:00 AM

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 · 02-05-2009, 12:05 AM

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

**LockDoc** · 02-05-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

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 · 02-05-2009, 09:06 PM

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 · 02-05-2009, 10:13 PM

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 · 02-05-2009, 10:21 PM

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 · 02-05-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 02-05-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-15-2009, 12:10 AM

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. Name: IMG00193.jpg
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71meangreenc10 · 04-15-2009, 12:16 AM

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

Smitty

dan42 · 04-15-2009, 12:20 AM

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 · 04-15-2009, 01:47 AM

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 · 04-15-2009, 05:34 AM

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 · 04-15-2009, 05:54 AM

Quote:

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 · 04-15-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

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 · 04-15-2009, 11:36 AM

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

eightbanger · 04-15-2009, 11:44 AM

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 · 04-15-2009, 12:15 PM

Appreciate all the quickness and the help fella's.

KY Colonel · 04-02-2012, 02:20 AM

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DorianB · 04-02-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

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

02-04-2009, 11:31 PM	#1
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	'71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-04-2009, 11:36 PM	#2
powell72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Loveland Co. Posts: 3,098	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ Chris 74 Custom Deluxe SWB 350/350/3.73’s 99 2wd Silverado RCSB 5.3/4L60/3.90’s http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...short_bed.html Last edited by powell72; 02-04-2009 at 11:37 PM.

02-04-2009, 11:36 PM	#3
t&tkennels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: creedmoor n.c. Posts: 188	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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.

02-04-2009, 11:39 PM	#4
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,551	Re: '71 Dash pad removal It is MUCH easier to remove the dash pad if the glovebox and gauge cluster is removed, especially on A/C trucks. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

02-04-2009, 11:42 PM	#5
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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? __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-05-2009, 12:00 AM	#6
ashx2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Graham, Texas Posts: 239	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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

02-05-2009, 12:05 AM	#7
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: '71 Dash pad removal This dash pad is completely trashed anyway - is there any sort of "sacrificial" way I can get it out of there? __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-05-2009, 09:06 PM	#9
webfoot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 947	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ *Running in place gets you nowhere fast.* -me 1968 GTO 4-spd covnvertible 1970 K-20 4-speed, factory AC.

02-05-2009, 10:13 PM	#10
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 02-05-2009 at 10:14 PM.

02-05-2009, 10:21 PM	#11
spankrz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: richmond, kentucky Posts: 30	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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.

04-15-2009, 12:10 AM	#14
Brandoneh Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 75	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ 71 K5 In progress!

04-15-2009, 12:16 AM	#15
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,159	Re: '71 Dash pad removal Did you remove the Bezel rings on the front off first? Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time

04-15-2009, 12:20 AM	#16
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

04-15-2009, 01:47 AM	#17
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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... __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

04-15-2009, 05:34 AM	#18
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: '71 Dash pad removal taking the dashpad off wont help in any way to fix or find an electrical problem// theres nothing near it or under it __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY



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04-15-2009, 11:36 AM	#21
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: '71 Dash pad removal I put some needle nose pliers in the little holes and unscrew. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

04-15-2009, 11:44 AM	#22
eightbanger 454 MAKES IT ROAR Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Essex, U.K Posts: 2,701	Re: '71 Dash pad removal 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. __________________ Nigel. An American living in a British body. 1971 Chevy Cheyenne 10 454 "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" - Thomas Jefferson No more pain. 03.12.60 -- 12.28.10 http://www.youtube.com/Eightbanger

04-15-2009, 12:15 PM	#23
Brandoneh Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 75	Re: '71 Dash pad removal Appreciate all the quickness and the help fella's. __________________ 71 K5 In progress!

04-02-2012, 02:20 AM	#24
KY Colonel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 45	Re: '71 Dash pad removal Subscribed Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1970 K20 Custom 427/TH400/PS/PB and a dash of badass! I was made in America, my truck was too...4 years before me.

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