Reattaching Dash Frame

[Mopar Virgin]

I disassembled my '68 Barracuda Convertible in a mad rush wit the oversight of my friend. I recall getting the dash frame out in prep for sandblasting that it was a horrendous process that involved 4 bolt heads that were all accessed from underneath, and one from on top, which was easy with the windshield out.

Just watch a YouTube video of a guy taking out a '67 dash and appeared that all 5 bolt heads were access from on top. That's fine when the windshield is out but ...

SOoooo, looking for what is the correct way to do this from one of you experienced pros out there. And if the do bolt from above, what do you use to pull it back out, would one ever have to do that, without removing the windshield (e.g. is there enough space to get a sock in there)?

 

[dmopar74]

They all went in from the top from the factory, alot of guys reinstall them from the bottom in case they want to take the dash out without removing the windshield

 

[Dana67Dart]

Pulling the dash frame out SHOULD be a once in a life time thing.

 

[67Dart273]

I've taken them out with the windshield in place, no fun, but can be done. I put the screws back in from the bottom. I had to "play" a little bit. I had to "start" the thing with some longer screws, and then carefully selected screws that would not penetrate the gasket. Sorry, I have no idea, anymore what length.

I doubt you want to try this with the dash "loaded" or with the heater/ AC in place

 

[67Dart273]

Pulling the dash frame out SHOULD be a once in a life time thing.

Disagree. I dislike the old Dart design, and have toyed with using a newer frame so I can get a custom cluster Even as big and heavy as the new RAM/ Dakota stuff is with the dash "complete," you can remove and replace them--which you must--to access the heater/ AC box.

 

[Oldmanmopar]

The five 10/32 bolts go in from the top before the windshield is installed. Putting them in from the bottom up is nearly impossible. The clips would have to go on the dash frame. Since the car has thicker metal they are to wide and would be tough to keep in place. I saw one done like that in a race car and the screws were long and the windshield crack from one of the screws up. I wouldn't do it that way . The windshield is easily removed and reinstalled. Reusing the new rubber over due it being soft.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Just a thought...

What would happen if studs were welded to the dash frame. Would there be enough room between the windshield and car body to get the studs in place?

The studs would not need to be very long.

 

[67Dart273]

The five 10/32 bolts go in from the top before the windshield is installed. Putting them in from the bottom up is nearly impossible. The clips would have to go on the dash frame. Since the car has thicker metal they are to wide and would be tough to keep in place. I saw one done like that in a race car and the screws were long and the windshield crack from one of the screws up. I wouldn't do it that way . The windshield is easily removed and reinstalled. Reusing the new rubber over due it being soft.

As I said Steve you do have to watch the screw lengths. Several of us on here have done it that way.

 

[RustyRatRod]

It takes literally 10 minutes to remove the windshield and not much more to reinstall. What's the problem?

 

[Mopar Virgin]

@RustyRatRod @67Dart273 @Dana67Dart @Oldmanmopar @dmopar74

Thanks everyone for the replies ... Sounds like I started with a nonstandard install, which doesn't surprise me after dealing with this car for 3years. If it's that easy to remove and reinstall the windshield, then we'll go with the factory approach. I'm not blessed with good luck, so you can beet I'll be removing the dasher some unforeseen reason down the road -- it's just my general plight in life