Dash Pad Installation

[norton]

Do I need to pull the dash cluster, radio and glove box, to install a new dash pad. Or can I get away without removing some and not others. I really don't like the thought of having to remove the cluster. Thanks Dan.

 

[Oaktree]

Funny you should ask, I just pulled the one in my car out today. I don't see how you could do this without removing all 3. Even then, the two end screws were a real joy to remove...they have a very shallow 5/16 hex head and are at a rather difficult angle, especially on the RH side. Needless to say, when I replace it, I'll use phillips-head screws instead of re-using the originals.

 

[B5BEE]

Same here, I just pulled my whole dash out to restore it and it looks like it was a good idea, I dont know how I would have gotten the dash pad off without removing everything. Probably alot of twisting turning cursing and knuckle busting lol take a day and make it easy for yourself. Goodluck.

 

[Bad Sport]

Do I need to pull the dash cluster, radio and glove box, to install a new dash pad. Or can I get away without removing some and not others. I really don't like the thought of having to remove the cluster. Thanks Dan.

When I pulled mine to redo it, I pulled the cluster and the glove box liner out. I was able to get to everything I needed to.

You will definitely want to pull the cluster out. There are several nuts across the top and a screw on each end where it curves down on each end of the dash.

 

[norton]

Thanks everyone, So what's involved in taking out the cluster ? Is this something anyone can do ? I've never tried it before so this is why I'm a little nervous about tackling it.

 

[cawley]

YES, you can do it I have done it. when I was younger lol

 

[norton]

Can anyone tell me what I need to disconnect, to remove the cluster ?

 

[Bad Sport]

Can anyone tell me what I need to disconnect, to remove the cluster ?

First, unhook your battery!!

In my car, 74 Dart Sport, I remove all of the screws obviously, then I take the two bolts off at the column where it's bolted to the dash and down at the floor/firewall where it goes through there is a plate with bolts in it. I remove those too, this allows you to drop the column down which makes it a ton easier to get the cluster out. As you pull the cluster back slowly, you unplug the harness from the headlight and wiper switch, you will have to remove the two wires from the ammeter as well. Then usually you can reach through there and unhook the speedo cable, IF you can't reach it from underneath (I have a hard time getting my big mitts up in from the bottom to remove it).

It's not that bad to do, just be patient, lol.

It's the only way I can get to all of the nuts/screws on the dash pad.


While you have the cluster out, I would suggest cleaning all of the contact areas where the dash bulbs go in, inspect all of the sockets that the bulbs go in, AND if you haven't done so, it might be advantageous for you to put all new bulbs in while it's out.

 

[norton]

Thank you very much Bad Sport.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Easier too, for us older guys, if you remove the drivers seat.Ahhhh.

 

[kt340sport]

What AJ/FORMS says, great first thing i do, is take the seat out .Because if you do not at first you will eventually , if you are going to change the pad ..

 

[Bad Sport]

Easier too, for us older guys, if you remove the drivers seat.Ahhhh.

What AJ/FORMS says, great first thing i do, is take the seat out .Because if you do not at first you will eventually , if you are going to change the pad ..

It indeed does, when your a larger person especially. It's hard for me to do under dash work with the seat in at 6'2" and 250!

 

[norton]

I guess I can kill 2 birds with one stone. I did buy a new carpet at Carlisle, this year that I, was going to install eventually anyways . So just pull the interior first, install new dash pad, replace carpet, put interior back in. Sounds like a plan. Now all I need is time.
Thanks All.

 

[Joeycurl]

is there any video or write up to pulling all those stuff out?