Removing the dashpad

Thomas Dennis · Sep 26, 2020

I'm trying to remove the dash pad from the metal frame on my 75 Duster but I see no studs or nuts Does it just pull off? When I removed the dash pad on my 72 Coronet there were nuts and a couple of brackets to remove. I just don't see any on this dash pad

toolmanmike · Sep 26, 2020

Here's a picture of a 71 pad. The 75 is probably similar.

Johnny Dart · Sep 26, 2020

There should be nuts up in the dash. Picture the pad with studs on it pushing into the metal dash. Its a game of finger hockey, but they are in there.

Fair warning, the sheet metal area is sharp. Where some kind of light hand protection when doing this.

James Camp · Sep 26, 2020

if you are removing pad and frame from dash i think there is 3 screws spaced down the middle and a small threaded bolt on each end that takes a 3/8 or 1/4 socket to remove the nut

dartfreak75 · Sep 26, 2020

On my 75 there is 1 hex self tapping screw on each side of the pad like down low on the edge of the dash (I will make a picture) and then 5 of the lock nuts that go onto the studs. They are easy to see with the heater box removed but you can feel them if it's not! I will post a picture let me find one

Bad Sport · Sep 26, 2020

Thomas Dennis said:
I'm trying to remove the dash pad from the metal frame on my 75 Duster but I see no studs or nuts Does it just pull off? When I removed the dash pad on my 72 Coronet there were nuts and a couple of brackets to remove. I just don't see any on this dash pad

They are there as mentioned, across the middle and one on each end where it curves down.

**Move your hand around slowly** as also mentioned that sheet metal is sharp and will cut you without hesitation.

dartfreak75 · Sep 26, 2020

Here you go here is a good pic with the pad off

Thomas Dennis · Sep 26, 2020

I noticed that the radio hole was hacked. I didn't think it was too bad until I removed an old radio insert

cudamark · Sep 26, 2020

If you need to do anything else in the dash, now's the time. If you need a new windshield, I'd pull the whole dash innerstructure out once the windshield is out. Lot's easier to work on. If not, I'd pull the glove box insert, the radio (and sometimes the speaker), and the instrument cluster to get better access rather than standing on my head under the dash. Just make sure you disconnect the battery first before doing anything with the dash. I found that a deep 1/4" drive socket on a nut driver handle worked the best for me.