replacing dash

[BBCamaro]

How big of a project is to remove the dash from a 72 truck?? I`ve never done this before and looking for some pointers before i start.... Thanks

[rocknss]

The easiest way to remove the dash with the windshield in is remove the dash pad then cut the dash were the dash pad would be. Then remove the three bolts on each side of the dash and remove dash.

Cut the section off the replacement dash that's still in the cab and weld the two pieces together after bolting in the dash.

Its easier this way because the dash is spot welding to the cab.

[Coley]

If you mean the gauge assembly....it is not difficult if you know what to do and what tools to use.
First things first tho', is this what you mean by removing the dash or are you referring to the metalwork portion?
Coley

[BBCamaro]

Im talking about the metal dash its cut and I would like to replace it and was wondering how it comes out.Thanks

[70c10-08]

I dont remember how many spotwelds are in the bottom part of the windeshield i wanna say 15 20ish i drilled em out and pryed it out and removed the bolts on the side on my junk 1970 non ac cab and my 1967 ac cab I converted my 67 small window ac cab to a 1970 small window non ac cab

[RenoKeene]

I see this is your 2nd post....welcome.
If your dash is cut at the radio the easiest way to fix it is to strip everything off and cut it at the guages, glovebox and across the slots where the dash pad mounts. You can pick up a uncut section on the parts board for cheap and have it welded in, thats what I did. You could also cut it all the way across the slots and unbolt it at each end. I'd stay away from the spot welds.
Here is a pic of mine.....can you tell where it was fixed?

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by rocknss

The easiest way to remove the dash with the windshield in is remove the dash pad then cut the dash were the dash pad would be. Then remove the three bolts on each side of the dash and remove dash.

Cut the section off the replacement dash that's still in the cab and weld the two pieces together after bolting in the dash.

Its easier this way because the dash is spot welding to the cab.

i've found that it is by far easier this way he explains it good

[Dingfodgy]

If you want to remove the entire dashboard assembly (up to the windshield) be prepared to do some work. Ask me how I know.

See all those spot welds that have to be cut out!?


Yeah, I did this so I could install this bad-boy! Dumb-huh?



As mentioned above, if you want to just fix a hacked up radio hole- just cut that section out and patch in a good piece.

[RenoKeene]

Originally Posted by Dingfodgy

If you want to remove the entire dashboard assembly (up to the windshield) be prepared to do some work. Ask me how I know.

See all those spot welds that have to be cut out!?
Attachment 893999

Yeah, I did this so I could install this bad-boy! Dumb-huh?
Attachment 894000


As mentioned above, if you want to just fix a hacked up radio hole- just cut that section out and patch in a good piece.

Very cool dash you have there...

[Dingfodgy]

Thank Reno- I was getting a tired of the stock dash configuration. I've seen so many nice rides on here with shaved this and that, layin' frame on rims that cost more than my beemer, exotic bed wood from some jungle in French Samoa and seats covered in Tibeten Yak hides, etc, etc, but the dash is the same old boring unit that came in the truck. Yawn, for sure! Being as I'll spend 95% of my time staring at the inside of my truck I thought I'd put some creativity into making it more appealling to my tastes-so I scoured around and found a unit from a '63 Nova...the instrument cluster is simple, elegant and compact and the lines are just sexy IMHO.

[67lowered]

Dingfodgy,,, do you have any pictures of the finished job? that is interesting

[rocknss]

Cool dash Dingfodgy!

[Dingfodgy]

Originally Posted by 67lowered

Dingfodgy,,, do you have any pictures of the finished job? that is interesting

Not completely finished...yet, but here is where it's at now. It's been sectioned 6" and the speaker grill filled in. I still have some finish welding to do and some bracing to put in- then it's time to fill all them spot welds back up! Sorry 'bout the hijack BBCAMARO!

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

..........You could also cut it all the way across the slots and unbolt it at each end. I'd stay away from the spot welds.
Here is a pic of mine.....can you tell where it was fixed?

Did you cut above the slotted holes or below or right down the middle?

[DaHos]

Replacement piece - cut high
Dash to repair - cut low

or swap, either way you then have plenty of metal to trim for proper fitment.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by DaHos

Replacement piece - cut high
Dash to repair - cut low

You then have plenty of metal to trim for proper fitment.

Good point, but I still want to know where others have cut. Is it better to cut above the slots or below or right down the middle?

[RenoKeene]

I used a sawsall...cut yours at the bottom of the slot, leaving as much "tab" as possible.
The patch should be cut at the top so it will have "tabs" also. Then trim the "tabs" to fit together. This keeps the margin for error down.
Posted via Mobile Device

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

I used a sawsall...cut yours at the bottom of the slot, leaving as much "tab" as possible. The patch should be cut at the top so it will have "tabs" also. Then trim the "tabs" to fit together. This keeps the margin for error down. Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks. One more question. I have both a cutoff tool and a sawzall. Could a person use a cutoff wheel or is it too hard to cut at the ends with one?

[RenoKeene]

That's why I cut mine at the guages and the glove box, ends looked tricky.
Posted via Mobile Device