Dash Removal ??

Ok how do you remove the dash? And are all dashes interchangable for each year? Thanks in advance.

[JP Noonan]

On the 72 on (I think) the dashes are the same. Before that the vents are different. Actually I think it's one of those 1/2 year things, the 72 I had came with the adjustable pass seat and dash similar to later cars. The trip odo reset on older cars is nurled metal, later ones are plastic. The basket weave material is also different, like the door panels. The climate controls are slightly different, and there is more chrome. Look at Doc Johnsons book (guide to authenticity ((I need a guide to spelling, but anyway)) to see what the apperence differences are.

For removal... Easiest way is to remove the knee pad (some #3 Phillips screws), then there are two #2 screws on either side. Then a bolt or two underneath the radio. A couple more maybe I forgot. All the climate control cables. Oh, and disconnect the battery and drop the fuse panel. Pull all the gauges. Remove the four Allen head bolts holding the steering column on. Remove the wheel. Remove the 13mm Ny-Loc bolt and nut that holds the steering column to the U-joint...

Easy, right?

If all you need to remove is the dash pad, I've done it, but I'm double-jointed, and have crazy little tools like surgical clamps and metric ignition wrenches. The pad is held on by 10 +/- white nylon nuts, about 10mm or so. If you pull out the gauges,climate controls, and the glove box you can get to them. I remember something about some nuts behind the gas tank, but who knows what it was for.

Interesting thing: My 72 was original white but had a red dash. My 74 was originally red but had a green dash. My 75 was orange...blue dash. My guess is that the dashes were painted at a different factory/time then the chassis, not that it matters, just interesting.

[rich]

It's been awhile but I seem to remember the top pad is easier to get off than the knee pad. The plastic nuts were a great idea. I think the radio or heater control has a bracket with a goofy fastener that goes through from behind the blower motor.(I said It's been awhile)

Sorry guys, I was was referring to the upper dash only.

[halbl]

Bubba, if you are calling the dash pad the "upper" dash ( the part the surrounds the instruments and is usually cracked) then JP Noonan has you headed in the right direction. If you keep digging the metal "skeleton" will come out but I can't think of a good reason to remove it. The plastic nuts are 13mm and most are hard to reach. My thought is that getting these too tight (more than just finger tight) on installation or reinstallation contributes to the cracks, which are common. If the part doesn't come out easy you have probably missed on of the plastic nuts.

[7391417]

Slightly off topic but I too have noticed the color difference in the metal part of the dash, as my 73 is original Milk chocolate brown in color but the metal part of the dash is blue, HUH!