65 dash pads

[ken magrene #44841]

im about to replace my dash pads with my new al knocks - my question is would it be easier to pull entire dash or just replace pads - im not even sure how they come out - ive read in the past about retainer clips that always break??

thanks

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 65 dash pads

-----Ken,,,While its possible to change the pads without removing the dash it is very difficult. Personally I have never tried and I have had many, many dashes out of mid-years. It is, at least to me, infinetly easier to take the whole dash out. Do a search of the many posts having to do with this job and Im sure you will find much good info on how to make the job easier. If not come back to this thread and Im sure that more than one of us will be willing to walk you thru it. The bonus is that you will probably find other stuff that should be attended to at the same time. Also you will learn a bit more about the car you have.

[ken magrene #44841]

Re: 65 dash pads

thanks for the response bill - i actually need to pull the whole dash anyway - so i can paint center section - is there anything i need to be carefull of when remove cluster and column - i have all w/s trim off - i see the top bolts - i would assume that there are more bolts behind instument panel

[Stephen L.]

Re: 65 dash pads

There aren't any bolts behind the instrument panel. The rivets on the ears need to be drilled out. The center section below the radio is glued in place. You may be lucky and the glue is loose. If not, use a putty knife from behind the panel and pry the glue loose.

When painting the dash, pay close attention to cleanliness. If someone used ARMOR-ALL or similiar material on the dash the paint will "fish-eye". I had luck overcoming this by multiple cleanings with laquer thinner and then a coat of "BULLDOG" adhesion promoter (rattle can) before paint.

[ken magrene #44841]

Re: 65 dash pads

steve ,

i was going to clean with prepsol and the paint and adhesion promoter from lics - after i pry the glue under radio ,pull the instrument panel,column and upper bolts - it should come out fairly easy

[ken magrene #44841]

Re: 65 dash pads *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 dash pads

Ken,

Can you give us one more closeup pic of the area at the outer end of the dash panel where the panel rivets to the fiberglass? There's been a bit of confusion about how the panel tab and door jamb were painted when the interior and exterior colors of 65-67's match. Your pic clearly shows the black rivet heads and slightly different shades of blue. Thanks.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 65 dash pads

Also take a photo of the rivet area after removal of the dash to see the finish underneath......
How about the backside of the dash rivet "tabs" to see the paint there also....

[ken magrene #44841]

Re: 65 dash pads

mike,

i will get a close up on monday when i go to shop

[Michael H.]

Re: 65 dash pads

Thanks Ken. That would be excellent.