Dash pad removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

flashed · 03-07-2010, 09:57 PM

Do you seasoned guys have any good tips for removing old worn out original dash pad ?Mine is in bad shape and needs to go ,I just dont know where to start. Any tips would be greatly appreciated .

Tx Firefighter · 03-07-2010, 10:01 PM

Screws across the face of it and nuts on the underside.

Remove the instrument cluster and glove box to access the nuts.

flashed · 03-08-2010, 08:38 AM

Tex,
Thanks for the reply ,that will help a lot . I had no idea how to get to the backside nuts.

tim21391 · 03-08-2010, 02:17 PM

the headlight switch can be tricky to take out too.. theres a button on the switch u gotta press

Beatcoaster · 03-08-2010, 05:44 PM

The dash pad can be a stubborn one to remove in my case even after removing all the nuts - hopefully yours will be easier. The trick is getting the studs on your new one into the holes without tweaking it, just take your time!

flashed · 03-08-2010, 09:51 PM

Thanks guys ,got the old one off ,just need to do some cleaning now and wait for the new one to arrive for installation.

culp7 · 03-08-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashed

Thanks guys ,got the old one off ,just need to do some cleaning now and wait for the new one to arrive for installation.

Was it easy or a PITA to get off?

Tx Firefighter · 03-08-2010, 09:58 PM

Please pay attention to what I am about to type !

When installing the new pad, use your fingers on the socket for the nuts on the bottom. Do not use a ratchet or nutdriver. Finger tight only. You will put divots in your new dash pad if you tighten them too tightly. I speak from personal experience. New aftermarket dash pads are nice, but not as substantial as the originals were. Nothing is more of a pisser than seeing a wavy edge on your new dash pad every time you drive the truck.

Jeffs70 · 03-08-2010, 10:08 PM

The simplest way I have found out to do this is mask off the windows and anything you dont want to mess up and then take and clean the area where the studs are on the top. then get a grinder to the metal strap that goes across and grind it away from the studs, then you may have to take a punch and hammer to tap the studs all the way out of the strap, then I would go about doing what Tx Firefighter has stated.

I have done a few of these and it can be a real pain in the butt if your having issues getting the little nuts off. but if they are not so bad then just use a wrench to the nuts.

*highperf4x4* · 03-09-2010, 01:13 AM

Mine was pretty easy to get off and put on. I used a 1/4" rachet with a short extension. I also pulled the stereo though as well as the center a/c vent and the instrument cluster and glovebox to get the center nuts off and back on.

flashed · 03-09-2010, 01:25 PM

Mine came off pretty easy but it was it such bad shape to start with that I just pulled the foam off and most of the nuts were easy. Putting the new one on will probably be a little harder. Tx Firefighter ,thanks for the warning about not overtightening the nuts on the new one.

68_chop_top · 03-09-2010, 01:46 PM

Here is another idea. I did away with mine, it looked like a after thought, an added on POS to satisfy some legal issue. A lot of little metal inserts and welding and grinding and welding and grinding and . . . I do like the simple, smooth look.

D-Rat · 03-09-2010, 02:26 PM

how bad was removing that headlight switch?

Tx Firefighter · 03-09-2010, 02:31 PM

You can pull a light switch in one minute or less.

Jeffs70 · 03-09-2010, 04:50 PM

get on your back under the dash and reach up. Put your hand on the light switch and at the top there is a button. Pull the light switch out about a quarter inch, then press the button and pull the knob all the way out. isnt to hard really then you can remove the hardware.

D-Rat · 03-09-2010, 05:13 PM

OK....the PO on my truck installed an aftermarket cruse control and he screwed it to my dash bezel. I have a new bezel, and that was the part that was confusing me on how to get it off. How do the guages mount?

/sorry for threadjack.

*highperf4x4* · 03-09-2010, 09:39 PM

The gauges are mounted to the bezel. They will come out with it. You will need to disconnect the speedo cable from underneath along with the harness connector to the circuit board, the oil line to the oil gauge (if you have one, or a vacum guage, etc) and the one bulb socket that has a wire going to your column (if you have one of those (it's usually white))

Don't forget to pull the 2 large chrome washers off the headlight switch and wiper switch. The switches themselvs should be bolted to the metal portion of the dash with a smaller nut behind the bezel so they will not come out with it.

Jeffs70 · 03-09-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68_chop_top

Here is another idea. I did away with mine, it looked like a after thought, an added on POS to satisfy some legal issue. A lot of little metal inserts and welding and grinding and welding and grinding and . . . I do like the simple, smooth look.

ohh I thought I was the only one that would have done this lol. to me it does look much better with out the pad and never have to worry about replacing it ever again.

Looks great 68_chop_top

coloradosean2009 · 03-09-2010, 10:17 PM

I replaced my dash pad last fall. Now the new one has hairline cracks developing. The sun here in Colorado is brutal. Good luck with the new one.

BTW - the old stamped nuts will not be the same thread size. The new pad will require metric threads. I used nylock nuts.

flashed · 03-11-2010, 10:33 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions on the removal and installation of my dash pad. Got the new one today from LMC and had it on in no time at all . It will be nice not having pieces of the old one flying off all over the cab .The new one looks great .Im replacing parts slowly but it will come togrther someday.

*highperf4x4* · 03-11-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradosean2009

I replaced my dash pad last fall. Now the new one has hairline cracks developing. The sun here in Colorado is brutal. Good luck with the new one.

BTW - the old stamped nuts will not be the same thread size. The new pad will require metric threads. I used nylock nuts.

Where did you get your dashpad? Mine still looks brand new and the old nuts worked fine.

robzilla · 03-20-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim21391

the headlight switch can be tricky to take out too.. theres a button on the switch u gotta press

should of read this first, as i just pull out the shaft on the switch

KY Colonel · 04-02-2012, 02:10 AM

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88fordf150 · 12-31-2015, 10:19 AM

Thank you so much for this little tip! I have a tendency to over tighten items that are hard to access later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Please pay attention to what I am about to type !

When installing the new pad, use your fingers on the socket for the nuts on the bottom. Do not use a ratchet or nutdriver. Finger tight only. You will put divots in your new dash pad if you tighten them too tightly. I speak from personal experience. New aftermarket dash pads are nice, but not as substantial as the originals were. Nothing is more of a pisser than seeing a wavy edge on your new dash pad every time you drive the truck.

73737373 · 12-31-2015, 11:06 AM

PITA, PITA, PITA!!!!! Am I clear? And as long as you're taking all that stuff out (see post #10), you may as well redo your guage cluster, replace the heater core, replace center vent, redo the air hoses, have your AM radio serviced (or install new one), pull AC controls and repair/lube as requ'd. Also clean up 45 years of dirt/dust and who knows what else you'll find in there. I have to replace a dash pad on one of mine and I'm not looking fwd to it.

03-07-2010, 10:01 PM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Dash pad removal Screws across the face of it and nuts on the underside. Remove the instrument cluster and glove box to access the nuts. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

03-08-2010, 08:38 AM	#3
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Dash pad removal Tex, Thanks for the reply ,that will help a lot . I had no idea how to get to the backside nuts.

03-08-2010, 02:17 PM	#4
tim21391 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Salina, Kansas Posts: 1,998	Re: Dash pad removal the headlight switch can be tricky to take out too.. theres a button on the switch u gotta press __________________ 1972 C-10...402/400..flowmaster 40 series 1967 Mustang 347 stroker/C-4 1966 Mustang 289/3-speed 2013 Mustang V6/6speed w/300 ponies I may be 23, but i sure do knows 67-72s are sexy! Its not MPG its smiles per gallon! build started 11/25/08 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2993796

03-08-2010, 05:44 PM	#5
Beatcoaster 69 Fleetside Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 333	Re: Dash pad removal The dash pad can be a stubborn one to remove in my case even after removing all the nuts - hopefully yours will be easier. The trick is getting the studs on your new one into the holes without tweaking it, just take your time!

03-08-2010, 09:51 PM	#6
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Dash pad removal Thanks guys ,got the old one off ,just need to do some cleaning now and wait for the new one to arrive for installation.

03-07-2010, 09:57 PM	#1
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Dash pad removal Do you seasoned guys have any good tips for removing old worn out original dash pad ?Mine is in bad shape and needs to go ,I just dont know where to start. Any tips would be greatly appreciated .

03-08-2010, 09:58 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Dash pad removal Please pay attention to what I am about to type ! When installing the new pad, use your fingers on the socket for the nuts on the bottom. Do not use a ratchet or nutdriver. Finger tight only. You will put divots in your new dash pad if you tighten them too tightly. I speak from personal experience. New aftermarket dash pads are nice, but not as substantial as the originals were. Nothing is more of a pisser than seeing a wavy edge on your new dash pad every time you drive the truck. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

03-08-2010, 10:08 PM	#9
Jeffs70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Valley Springs, Ca Posts: 857	Re: Dash pad removal The simplest way I have found out to do this is mask off the windows and anything you dont want to mess up and then take and clean the area where the studs are on the top. then get a grinder to the metal strap that goes across and grind it away from the studs, then you may have to take a punch and hammer to tap the studs all the way out of the strap, then I would go about doing what Tx Firefighter has stated. I have done a few of these and it can be a real pain in the butt if your having issues getting the little nuts off. but if they are not so bad then just use a wrench to the nuts.

03-09-2010, 01:13 AM	#10
highperf4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 4,709	Re: Dash pad removal Mine was pretty easy to get off and put on. I used a 1/4" rachet with a short extension. I also pulled the stereo though as well as the center a/c vent and the instrument cluster and glovebox to get the center nuts off and back on. Last edited by highperf4x4; 03-09-2010 at 01:16 AM.

03-09-2010, 01:25 PM	#11
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Dash pad removal Mine came off pretty easy but it was it such bad shape to start with that I just pulled the foam off and most of the nuts were easy. Putting the new one on will probably be a little harder. Tx Firefighter ,thanks for the warning about not overtightening the nuts on the new one.

03-09-2010, 01:46 PM	#12
68_chop_top Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Granbury, TEXAS Posts: 250	Re: Dash pad removal Here is another idea. I did away with mine, it looked like a after thought, an added on POS to satisfy some legal issue. A lot of little metal inserts and welding and grinding and welding and grinding and . . . I do like the simple, smooth look. __________________ Mine is chopped, has a clutch, and a big block.

03-09-2010, 02:26 PM	#13
D-Rat Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 226	Re: Dash pad removal how bad was removing that headlight switch? __________________ 1970 CST with a screaming 400 www.nissan4wheelers.com

03-09-2010, 02:31 PM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Dash pad removal You can pull a light switch in one minute or less. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

03-09-2010, 04:50 PM	#15
Jeffs70 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Valley Springs, Ca Posts: 857	Re: Dash pad removal get on your back under the dash and reach up. Put your hand on the light switch and at the top there is a button. Pull the light switch out about a quarter inch, then press the button and pull the knob all the way out. isnt to hard really then you can remove the hardware.

03-09-2010, 05:13 PM	#16
D-Rat Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 226	Re: Dash pad removal OK....the PO on my truck installed an aftermarket cruse control and he screwed it to my dash bezel. I have a new bezel, and that was the part that was confusing me on how to get it off. How do the guages mount? /sorry for threadjack. __________________ 1970 CST with a screaming 400 www.nissan4wheelers.com



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03-09-2010, 09:39 PM	#17
highperf4x4 Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 4,709	Re: Dash pad removal The gauges are mounted to the bezel. They will come out with it. You will need to disconnect the speedo cable from underneath along with the harness connector to the circuit board, the oil line to the oil gauge (if you have one, or a vacum guage, etc) and the one bulb socket that has a wire going to your column (if you have one of those (it's usually white)) Don't forget to pull the 2 large chrome washers off the headlight switch and wiper switch. The switches themselvs should be bolted to the metal portion of the dash with a smaller nut behind the bezel so they will not come out with it. Last edited by highperf4x4; 03-09-2010 at 09:42 PM.

03-09-2010, 10:17 PM	#19
coloradosean2009 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 291	Re: Dash pad removal I replaced my dash pad last fall. Now the new one has hairline cracks developing. The sun here in Colorado is brutal. Good luck with the new one. BTW - the old stamped nuts will not be the same thread size. The new pad will require metric threads. I used nylock nuts. __________________ __________________________________________ Sean 1972 C20 2005 4Runner

03-11-2010, 10:33 PM	#20
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,728	Re: Dash pad removal Thanks for all the suggestions on the removal and installation of my dash pad. Got the new one today from LMC and had it on in no time at all . It will be nice not having pieces of the old one flying off all over the cab .The new one looks great .Im replacing parts slowly but it will come togrther someday.

04-02-2012, 02:10 AM	#23
KY Colonel Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Georgetown, KY Posts: 45	Re: Dash pad removal Subscribed Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1970 K20 Custom 427/TH400/PS/PB and a dash of badass! I was made in America, my truck was too...4 years before me.

12-31-2015, 11:06 AM	#25
73737373 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 1,000	Re: Dash pad removal PITA, PITA, PITA!!!!! Am I clear? And as long as you're taking all that stuff out (see post #10), you may as well redo your guage cluster, replace the heater core, replace center vent, redo the air hoses, have your AM radio serviced (or install new one), pull AC controls and repair/lube as requ'd. Also clean up 45 years of dirt/dust and who knows what else you'll find in there. I have to replace a dash pad on one of mine and I'm not looking fwd to it.

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