74 Duster Dashboard Removal

KosmicKuda said

Defeating the "U" nuts with a die grinder may get it out but.....how would he "un-defeat" them when it's time to reinstall the dash?
The best way is to remove the windshield. I'm thinking this simple interior color change may lead into a major project that includes rust repair and other things.

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Use a pic to remove the bolt head and remaining portion of the 'U' nut. Install new 'U' nuts upside down, on the dash instead of on the cowl. Work it in under the gasket. Install new bolts from bottom up. This has been done a few times. One example is my 67.
The only issue is the length of the new bolts. Threaded neck of 'U' nut is about the same height as the bolt head was. More bolt could distort the gasket.
Rust repair? That issue is more commonly found at rear windows. Removing the dash does snowball. Consider heater case and vent box to cowl seals, wiper pivot seals, wiper linkage bushings, etc... These are much easier done with the dash removed.