Infamous reversing dash frame screw

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4spdragtop

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After dealing with having to remove the windshield to remove dash, I've read a few times now how that by simply reversing clips and grinding the excess off the screw, that you can now secure dash by attaching from underneath.
I removed clip, but the clip will now be visible through the windshield. Maybe less bulky of clips?
Pics for reference

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I believe the windshield gasket has a flap that covers that area. Like when bolts go in from the top as original the rubber gasket flap covers the bolts.
 
I believe the windshield gasket has a flap that covers that area. Like when bolts go in from the top as original the rubber gasket flap covers the bolts.
Exactly. If the bolt heads didn't show then why would the clips? Just clean them, hit them with some black paint, and install. All will be good.
 
Nice to see continued progress my friend !Had me worried for a minute. Great dash.
 
I have wondered about this a billion times. Now I know it's possible!!

Next question: is it possible to cut, grind, or otherwise remove those screws so the dash can be pulled without pulling the windshield?
 
I have wondered about this a billion times. Now I know it's possible!!

Next question: is it possible to cut, grind, or otherwise remove those screws so the dash can be pulled without pulling the windshield?
Yes. I pulled one out of a 67, although the under-dash had been pretty gutted. No heater or radio, no glove box. I used a cheap HF angle cut off air grinder, small one like a die grinder, as well as a small conventional air die grinder. Small 2"? cutoff wheels.

Not very difficult
 
I flipped mine around and will just use shorter bolts. Maybe it never has to come out, but with a new build, I cant see me getting everything correct the first go round so I like the idea of getting access.
 
Have you done it yet? Would like to see pics?
I flipped mine around and will just use shorter bolts. Maybe it never has to come out, but with a new build, I cant see me getting everything correct the first go round so I like the idea of getting access.
 
Well i don't have the glass in. But you get the idea? A couple may need an extension and a swivel to get to from underneath. I haven't had the whole thing in with the glass to be witness to how much of a pain it will really be in the end. I find its worth the risk as under dash work can be low on my list of 'fun things ' to do:(

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Very similar to my gongshow. Are u upgrading to ss trim? What's the bungee wrapped around?
Well i don't have the glass in. But you get the idea? A couple may need an extension and a swivel to get to from underneath. I haven't had the whole thing in with the glass to be witness to how much of a pain it will really be in the end. I find its worth the risk as under dash work can be low on my list of 'fun things ' to do:(

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Ahem-

Murphy's Law clearly dictates that if the OP assumes he will never need to remove the dash again and installs the bolts per OEM....

Some unforeseen catastrophe will occur necessitating the need to remove the dash the day after the windshield is installed.
 
Only down side is you won't be able to install a fully assembled dash into the car because that would prevent access to the bolts coming up from the bottom. So its a trade off.
 
Honestly, if I had to remove the dash again, pulling the window wouldn’t bother me that much. Removing glass might be tedious, but trying to reach up under the dash, after you have removed the multiple items required to access the screws, would be a far greater annoyance to me!

2 pennys for free.
 
Only down side is you won't be able to install a fully assembled dash into the car because that would prevent access to the bolts coming up from the bottom. So its a trade off.

1/4" drive with a circus of wobblies/extensions should do it.

What is going to be in the way? heater hoses? seems like most of it is just a jungle of movable objects. Maybe the windshield wiper assemblies? Not trying to be smart here, I am really wondering if its worth it. I can still turn back.
 
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Very similar to my gongshow. Are u upgrading to ss trim? What's the bungee wrapped around?
I am going with the SStrim. the bungee is there to support the completed dash (mostly) while I figure out why my gutted ameter guage isnt "volting" with its new guts. I think Im missing a ground. And to ask myself if I should do the IvR hack with a solid state jobby.
 
Ok, another question here. If you cut the bolts from underneath then you also cut the clips for them too, is that correct? If so, is there a place that supplies them? Thanks much.
 
Those speed nuts look like the common ones found on fenders, exhaust, etc.
 
Ok, another question here. If you cut the bolts from underneath then you also cut the clips for them too, is that correct? If so, is there a place that supplies them? Thanks much.
I took the clips off the body and put them on the dash. No cutting. Dash metal now has the clipped nut and lays on top of the lower windshield metal. bolts come up from the bottom (proper length). The clipped nut (or whatever its called, 'U nut'?) is proud of the metal but not much more than if a bolt were in a stock position pointing down. Does that make sense? As previously noted the bolts will have their challenges to get to if needed to drop dash. I personally think its better than taking out windshield, but to each their own. Admittedly the bolt above the steering column will be the one that is the hardest. dropping the column would be necessary to get the dash to swing down so that would have to be pulled anyway.

$0.02

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Steve, I am thinking you could tack weld a nut on the bottom of the frame. That way when you installed the dash, the bolt will go right in.
 
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