Dash installation problems

[Newbrunswicktod]

I am finally getting around to installing my recovered dash in my newly painted 85 3.2. Is anyone aware of any tricks it get everything to line up. I'm finding that if I first line up the threaded rods with the holes on the face of the dash that in can't get the dash to move into position such that the plastic nubs on the top will move into the holes. I've tried it the other way around and not having any more luck. Any suggestions would be more than welcomed. Thanks in advance. Todd

[4flyboy]

subscribed

[jhstealth]

I've had the best luck with sliding the front on and pushing until the top slides in. Regardless you need to us a little force to get them to wrap around n line up

[JQ911]

I am not sure if the mounting points on my 86 are the same on your 85. I had the same problem putting back the replacement dash I bought. If I recall, I did right going left principle which means I lined up the mounting studs on the holes at the glove box area, then center AC vent and last portion was the gauge cluster area where the holes are on top of the cluster housing. I had to exert some effort on the gauge cluster area as it had to be pushed towards the windshield a bit and it finally went through. Hope this helps.

[GeorgeK]

Which dash do you have? the one with the whole width defrost grille, or with the 2 separate clip-in defrost vents?

[Newbrunswicktod]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will try again tonight.

George: the dash type is the one with two separate clip in defrost vents.

Thanks again.

Todd

[GeorgeK]

Todd, in that case, here's a trick, provided the windshield's off:
Take lengths of string that you pass around the studs that go through the top of the steel dash, and use them to pull the studs in place. Start by placing the edge of the pad by the glovebox and clusterin place, then pull the top in place. Worked for me.

[Newbrunswicktod]

George - thanks very much. I will give that a try and let you know how I make out.

Todd

[Newbrunswicktod]

Hey all. I finally got the time to try George's trick of putting a cord around the studs that go around the top of the dash behind the cluster. I had to pull incredibly hard in order to get the dash to come forward far enough to slip into the holes. Once lined up the dash fell into place with just a little downward pressure. Without this tip I don't know how I would have got it to go into place. Thanks again George.

Todd

[ozracer]

Im doing this at the moment on an 1984 dash and cannot for the life of me get my dash back in. I have an 84 with 7 plastic clips at the front lining them all up and getting them to bike is a major pain in the arse and one of the studs at the cluster pulled out. Should be easy enough to glue back in.
my question is when you are pulling on the string are the studs on the front all located in their holes or do you push them back in or are the 7 press studs at the front pushed all the way in....

[GeorgeK]

OZ,
I had no issues with the clips, they were all aligned by the time the top studs were in place.
As for the fascia studs, I had no issues having them aligned.
It is a matter fo keeping an eye on all fasteners as you pull on each one.