need help with mid year dash pad removal

[Edward S.]

I am about to remove both dash pads from my'66 roadster (split on passenger side).

I have checked the archive for articles, the Assembly manual, Chassis Service Manual and shop manual without success.

I am reluctant to begin such a job without detailed instructions (pictures would also help). I do not want to get into the job only to find out too late I'm in over my head.

Jack Layton was kind enough to provide me with an outline some months ago.

I would feel much more comfortable with a more detailed roadmap. If anyone knows of the right publication or other source, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Ed Sullivan

[Ed Jennings]

Re: need help with mid year dash pad removal

There are some little clips that hold the pads on. I think I remember they rotate 90 deg to loosen. Other than that, it's pretty simple as I remember. Been a long time since I took one off though.

[Brandon K.]

Clips

The clips dont rotate to remove, you need to pry the closed end open so the opposite end will loosen up. There are a bunch of those suckers-- It is possible to remove without removing the entire dash (fiberglass shell) but it might be easier to actually remove the whole piece first. That way you can detail it before replacing.

[Grant M.]

Re: Clips

Ed,

Brandon's right...there's about 28 of the clips if memory serves. To release them, use a very thin-bladed screwdriver, inserting the blade in the 'slit' between the clip halves and twisting (slowly and gently). When the clip halves are about 1/4-3/8 inches apart, you should be able to pull the clip from the pad through the hole in the fibreglas dash frame. I removed just my passenger side some years ago (to repair some cracks) and, after removing the glove box assembly, radio, speaker and defroster ducting, had no difficulty getting the pad out. Installation is simply the reverse (I was able to re-use my clips, but had new ones anyway). To 'tighten' the clips on re-installation, use pliers (I used a pair with about 1/2 inch flat blades) to push them through the holes in the dash support and into the pad (holding the pad in place from the other side might help). When the clip is fully in the hole, simply squeeze the pliers closed, bringing the two halves of the clip stem together.

BTW, when I had my pad repaired I used a service called 'Dr. Vinyl' or the 'Vinyl Doctor' (something like those names...it's been 14 years). It was a franchised service and the technician came to my house and performed the repair in my driveway. Excellent results (of course, wouldn't pass NCRS/Bloomington) but it only cost $40 (Cdn)including re-dyeing the pad (black) and the pad still looks great.Good luck with your repair.

grant