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E Body Dash Pad Replacement.

Posted By: TimS

E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/18/12 11:44 AM

I need to replace the black dashpad in my 72 Barracuda. Was wondering how big of a job this is. Anyone have any removal/install tips. Looks to me like it's going to be a bear to do. Thanks.
Posted By: mrob

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/18/12 02:04 PM

Here's a brief overview of the steps. Found it here at Moparts years ago:

They installed these at the factory as on piece, dash
pad, dash, instruments, et all. I've found it easier
just to remove the whole thing and then strip it down
on my work bench. Along the top of the dash are four
screws usually in the vent openings. You can see them
from outside the car looking in. Drop the steering
column, remove all the trim around the dash including
kick panels. There are two bolts one on each side of
the dash, loosen these and the dash will tilt forward.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the bulkhead
connector, miscellaneous connections at the heater,
headlights, dimmer switch, door switches, and the
whole thing can be removed. It's a heck of a job, but
then you can check, clean, rebuild , repaint anything
on the dash. Good luck.
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/18/12 02:46 PM

Quote:

Here's a brief overview of the steps. Found it here at Moparts years ago:

They installed these at the factory as on piece, dash
pad, dash, instruments, et all. I've found it easier
just to remove the whole thing and then strip it down
on my work bench. Along the top of the dash are four
screws usually in the vent openings. You can see them
from outside the car looking in. Drop the steering
column, remove all the trim around the dash including
kick panels. There are two bolts one on each side of
the dash, loosen these and the dash will tilt forward.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the bulkhead
connector, miscellaneous connections at the heater,
headlights, dimmer switch, door switches, and the
whole thing can be removed. It's a heck of a job, but
then you can check, clean, rebuild , repaint anything
on the dash. Good luck.





Don't forget the speedo cable
Posted By: rss

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/18/12 04:35 PM

So this can all be done with the windshield in place, or is it significantly easier with windshield removed?
Posted By: TimS

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/19/12 01:23 AM

Quote:

Here's a brief overview of the steps. Found it here at Moparts years ago:

They installed these at the factory as on piece, dash
pad, dash, instruments, et all. I've found it easier
just to remove the whole thing and then strip it down
on my work bench. Along the top of the dash are four
screws usually in the vent openings. You can see them
from outside the car looking in. Drop the steering
column, remove all the trim around the dash including
kick panels. There are two bolts one on each side of
the dash, loosen these and the dash will tilt forward.
Disconnect the wiring harness from the bulkhead
connector, miscellaneous connections at the heater,
headlights, dimmer switch, door switches, and the
whole thing can be removed. It's a heck of a job, but
then you can check, clean, rebuild , repaint anything
on the dash. Good luck.



Thanks for the info. Sounds like at least a 2 man job.
Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/19/12 01:49 AM

Quote:

So this can all be done with the windshield in place, or is it significantly easier with windshield removed?









Yes, and Yes...
Posted By: plumcuda

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/19/12 04:31 PM

I replaced the dash in my '73...I thought it was easy.I was also replacing the carpet so I had the seats and console out.When you have the dash out,it's a good time to overhaul the heater box.
Posted By: TimS

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/19/12 05:19 PM

Quote:

I replaced the dash in my '73...I thought it was easy.I was also replacing the carpet so I had the seats and console out.When you have the dash out,it's a good time to overhaul the heater box.




I was going to do that also, remove the front seats. Did you remove the steering column as well? Sounds like it's also best to remove that whole dash assembly.
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/19/12 06:28 PM

The first one I did was with the dash frame in place in the car. It was pretty hard to get to all the stamped nuts to get it off. I don't think I got them all back on because it is so tight.

The second one I did was out of the caR AND IS THE ONLY WAY i WOULD DO IT AGAIN.
Windsheild does not have to come out to remove the dash assembly.

I clamped mine to a homemade T support that I use for my miter saw to support wood when cutting. Used a visegrip to clamp it on.

Where's there's a will there is a way. I built and assembled this whole car by myself, everything you see in my pictures, everything by myself!




Posted By: AARCONV

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/20/12 03:07 AM

using the new pad as a guide to find the nuts and screws will help, did mine in a day..most of the day was used to clean up what you dont see under the pad...windshield stayed in..column dropped down to the seats..1/4 inch socket set with a swivel...
Posted By: 808CUDA

Re: E Body Dash Pad Replacement. - 09/20/12 08:21 AM

I agree with Al, not that complicated to do it in the car with the windshield. Try doing a late model car with a ton of wiring...
Lower the column, pull the glovebox liner out, pull out the gauges and switch panel and have at it with swivel sockets. If it takes you more than 4 hours consider another hobby :P
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