strange thing today, 63 dash removal

[Greg W.]

I was removing the dash in my 63 today and got to the last two screws on the passenger side and could not get them out for the life of me. I finally had to use a knife and cut the fiberglass out and pulled the dash out. When I got it out and trying to figure out why I could not get them out, I noticed that they had a square nut on the back side. How in the world could they have gotten a nut on the back side?

On another note, I am removing the two dash pads from the dash and going to dye them. Any tips on removing them?

[Timothy B.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

Greg, the back clips slide over the fiberglass protrusions and there is a nut attached to them. The only difference is early 63 where there are sheet metal screws and the same part # back clip as wiper grill.

Check the archives for a pic of the clip, there may be one there.

[Greg W.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

Ah, so if the nut is spinning it has came loose from the clip and I will have to cut them off? I could barely reach in there with my finger to feel them spin no way to get a wrench in there, bummer.

[Timothy B.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

Greg, If you check in the archives there was a discussion about this a while back and I think a picture also so you may understand what this clip looks like.

[Richard M.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

Greg, I restored my cluster a few months ago and took these photos. Appears that the captive nut broke loose. I agonize your predicament, but maybe you can get a needlenose vice-grip in there somehow and have a helper at the screws. If you remove the radio side panel it may help.....Rich

[Greg W.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

I got it now, photos really make dumb people understand.

Some many more questions to ask before this interior is done.

[Bob R.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

As far as removing the dash pads goes. They are held in place with metal clips. If you insert a small straight screw driver in the center of the clip and turn it the clip will pry open. They are not that difficult to get out. You will have to have the radio out to reach the center dash section. You will most likely have to get replacement clips for your reinstallation. Once the clips are opened and closed a couple of times they just break in two.

[Bruce B.]

Re: strange thing today, 63 dash removal

Body shops use similar clips which do not have a nut welded on them but hold very well. Most auto supply stores sell them. There are various sizes to accomodate different screws.