Dash pad removal?

[summitflier]

Any secret words of wisdom on how to remove the dash pad?
I think mine is rusted to the dash. Secret fasteners?

[WarMonger]

subscribed

[Ironhorse]

On the back side of the dash pad, the forward leading curved edge. Several studs with nuts holding the pad in place. Don't recall exact nut size, believe it is maybe 3/8", not sure. Been several years since I replaced mine, if I recall "think" it is a total of 6 or 7 fasteners. A case of needing to stand on your head with a flashlight and look up under the dash to see where they are. MUCH easier to remove if the glove box cardboard is out of the way and also the radio if you have to remove it for any reason. If those items are still in place, becomes a real pain in the **s job, Hope that helps.

[sboris]

What he said. I believe there should be 10 studs. I think

[celcius232]

Just did mine. It was easier since the glove box, heater controls and box were out. I also backed the instrument cluster off to get to the studs on the drivers side. Remember there are also 4-5 black screws on the front side.

[michael bustamante]

you will best of removing the cluster, radio and glovebox cardboard for easiest access to the nuts

[KEL]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

you will best of removing the cluster, radio and glovebox cardboard for easiest access to the nuts

. . . and centr dash a/c vent if you have one.

[cdowns]

I have found it is easier to remove if you have 1/4" drive ratchet and for the delux way if you have a palm ratchet you can breexe right thru if with a minimum of lost blood

[MikeyMan]

Originally Posted by KEL

. . . and centr dash a/c vent if you have one.

...and possibly the speaker if it's still there. Best to get everything out of your way.

You should be able to slide your hand up behind the dash and feel for the 6 or 7 studs. If I recall correctly, you'll need a 3/8" deep well socket for the nuts. Not a lot of room, so flex shafts, universal joints, and/or palm ratchet will help in tight quarters.
If you're putting in a replacement dash pad, don't over-tighten the nuts. The first pad I ever did I cranked down the nuts and it may have led to some minor warping.

[Ironangel]

+1 on the over tightening! Snug is plenty tight and as mentioned, there are screws in front as well as the nuts inside the dash. The dash pad could very well be THE number one most difficult R&R component on these trucks! Good Luck!

[57larry]

use a torch followed by a hammer and chisel. just kidding. what the above guys say

[slikside]

sub'd.

[54blackhornet]

I just removed mine, did not remove cluster or radio but did destroy the glove box liner trying to remove it ? The nuts are 3/8. You can access most thru the rectangle shaped cut outs in face of dash with a small open end wrench. The one at drivers side end is able to be reached with a long skinny arm, like mine ! Also you can gain access by removing defroster vents to get at a couple in the center portion. Good luck and be patient, it's worth it. While at it repainted top of dash with flatt non glare paint.......

[summitflier]

Got it off. Had 8 nuts, I've heard these things are called cymbal nuts. Very thin. Took a 1/2 inch socket. Maybe not factory, but that's how it was.