69 dash pad removal

[Mark B.]

I have removed the windshield and will be changing windshield and repairing the speedo and and oil psi gauge to the correct one. My question is I am removing from right to left on the dash board. Once I remove the dash pad in that order. Do I have to reinstall the dash pad first and then re installing the dash board from left to right. Can I Hook up all the wiring and positions the dash board back to it's spot and then install the dash pad back in since there is no windshield last?

Mark

[Mike F.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

This is what I do on my 70, remove passenger side dash, remove upper dash pad (this allows better access to the wiring), remove center gauge cluster, remove driver side dash last (if needed). Put it back together in reverse.

When I put it back together, I install the drivers side dash and the center gauge cluster with all wiring. I then wait till it's dark in the garage and turn on the headlight switch, I check to make sure all of the gauge lights in the speedo (turn signal, high beam), tach (turn signal, brake light), center gauge cluster, radio, all work as needed. This is the time to fix them, not after everything is buttoned up. Once I know all of the gauge lights are functioning correctly, I install the top dash pad and the passenger side dash pad.

On my 70, there is a bracket that attaches to the firewall with one bolt that attaches vertically to the upper dash pad. The only way to really see it is by removing the passenger side dash first.

[Mark B.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

MIke, so you can remove dash pad with the driver side panel and gauge cluster still in tact just screws loosened. Isn't there a screw on the drivers side panel that dash pad is held down on the support bar? I have the windshield out but i don't want to force things. Is there a lot slack in the wiring when you pull the gauge cluster?

Thanks

[Mark B.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

Do you have to loosen the tach and speedo cables first or can I do after I remove the dash pad?

[Mike F.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

MIke, so you can remove dash pad with the driver side panel and gauge cluster still in tact just screws loosened.

Yes, but you'll also need to remove the interior pads on the A-pillars.

Isn't there a screw on the drivers side panel that dash pad is held down on the support bar?

I'm not sure what you are referring to? I remove or loosen all screws as needed across the entire dash when removing dash.

I have the windshield out but i don't want to force things. Is there a lot slack in the wiring when you pull the gauge cluster?

Not a lot of slack. With top dash pad off, I start undoing and marking wires as I "peel" the center gauge cluster back.

[Mike F.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

Do you have to loosen the tach and speedo cables first or can I do after I remove the dash pad?

If you want to completely remove the drivers side dash, you'll need to pull out the steering column first.

If you just want to loosen the drivers side dash for some access, remove the couple of bolts under the steering column which will allow the steering column to hang down an inch or so. This will allow the drivers side dash to be pulled out a little bit more, which will give you just enough room to unclip the tach/speedo cables and undo the wiring if necessary.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

MIke, so you can remove dash pad with the driver side panel and gauge cluster still in tact just screws loosened. Isn't there a screw on the drivers side panel that dash pad is held down on the support bar? I have the windshield out but i don't want to force things. Is there a lot slack in the wiring when you pull the gauge cluster?

Thanks

There is a right angle bracket attached to the upper dash pad with a screw that must be removed in order to remove the upper dash pad, but it is on the passenger side. You will see it with the passenger side lower dash pad (with the pocket) out, or in the picture in the AIM (I don't have a 1969 AIM handy to give you a UPC & Sheet number).

[Mark B.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

You can't just lower the steering column to remove the dash pad on the drivers side?

[Mike F.]

Re: 69 dash pad removal

You can't just lower the steering column to remove the dash pad on the drivers side?

It may be possible, but it's certainly a lot easier with it removed.

It just depends on what you're working on and what you want to accomplish. I've had my driver side dash pad loose on multiple occasions with just loosening/lowering the steering column. When I wanted to totally remove the drivers side dash pad I removed the entire steering column.