C1 dash pad

[Pat #25912]

Can it be changed without removing the windshield? Thanks. Pat

[Ed Jennings]

No *NM*

[Don H.]

Re: C1 dash pad

I have heard people claim to have done it (without removing windshield). I did mine without windshield and would not recomend trying it with windshield in place. Don H.

[Dennis C.]

Ed Jennings has got it right... No way...

It's hard enough with the windshield removed, impossible with it in place.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Ed Jennings has got it right... No way...

You MIGHT get away with not taking the ws all the way off, but you would sure have to loosen it enouge to get the pad under it. If you've gone that far, you may as well take it off and do the job right. I sure wouldn't attempt it with the ws on. Recipe for disaster with a $400 part.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 dash pad

Pat,

Removing the windshield is no big deal at all. The only real thing to watch out for is to ensure you removed all nuts (also the 4 on each side!!!) Carefully lift the window (always using at least one helper) and store it in a secure spot. No big deal at all, can be done within half an hour easely!!!

greetings,
Rob.




Weblog '59 restoration J59S109573

[Peter K.]

Re: C1 dash pad

How much of the pad lip is supposed to be under the WS frame, unfortunately after F'ing with my WS for hours I put it on prior to the pad, I was planning on tucking the lip of the pad under the weatherstrip and down in to the fiberglass channel as I have about and 1/8" gap to the actual WS frame.

[Donald Morfield]

Re: C1 dash pad

Pat & Peter

If you have access to back issues of the Restorer there are two good articles; in Vol. 14, No 4 by Bill Nichols and Vol. 16, No. 2 by Joe Calcagno, that you may find useful.

Donald

[Ray C.]

Re: C1 dash pad

Hope this helps!
Ray #36314Hi! Peter

I replaced my twice on the 61. Expensive lesson, but I like to restore as much as possible and in the long run I have saved some money and gained a great knowledge on restoration processes. I had to replace the first one because the right corner lifted or pulled and I had pucker at that point. This happened at a car show where the dash pad was exposed to a hot sun for an extended period of time. I did not extend the vinyl completely under the windshield, just over the round edge. I believe I used too much glue. I tried to save the pad, but ended up with a slight tear and decided to replace. The second time I only glued in a few areas, speaker under bottom edge after everything was installed and the windshield groove. I insured that the vinyl went past the windshield mounting holes on the second attempt and I believe the pad looks great. We had very few hot sunny days last year in WNY, but the few hot days we did have the pad stayed in place.

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 dash pad

Installing a new dash pad on a '61 is best done with the windshield off. Dash Pad is only glued in the windshield channel and under the dash. After positioning the pad, make cuts about ever (2) two inches into the pad over-hang around the channel. Apply the adhesive on the channel side about 6-9 inch lenghts at a time, use a heat gun to fold the pad trim over into the channel side. Take care not to over heat the trim. Don't forget to cutout the "Keyhole" for the power top switch directly behinh the couresty light. Best to install the left (facing the engine) grab bar end mounting bracket before installing the dash pad also.