Easy Complete Dash Removal?

[Malicious]

So after spending another day stripping the car down for paint, I've decided the dash really needs to come out. I've seen people selling complete dashes and they are all together, not in parts, which would be perfect for what I want to do.

SO is there a way to pop the whole dash out in one go with out turning in to 1000 little pieces that will get lost? So frame, heater box, gauge cluster loom, the whole kit and caboodle?

Also can I leave the steering coloum and foot hand brake in place (or close enough so the car can still be steered, moved and stopped?

Thanks in advance!

 

[iraqivet01]

What car are you doing?
This is what I had to do to remove my dash and heater box assemble from my 68 Coronet, I'm sure it not much different, just take your time and put your bolts in a marked ziplock bag so that when you go to reinstall it, you'll have them.

It the best way to pull it as a unit instead of disassembling it in pieces.

Would suggest removing the front seats and center console if you haven't already. You'll be spending sometime on your back disconnecting the cables that operate the heater controls,and unpluging wiring harness at the fire wall, and wiring harness that goes to the rear light and head liner light.

You'll need to remove the windshield to get to the bolts that are hidden under the gasket. There are a few other bolts that are located on both ends that secure it. a few are located in by the steering wheel.

The heater box will be a separate piece and will come out as a unit also. just need to disconnect the heater hoses and vent hoses that goes to the defrost .

You don't have to remove the brake peddle assemble or the steering column. There are a few nuts that hold the steering column up, and removing them will give you the clearance to lower and maneuver it over the steering wheel.

hope this helps

 

[Malicious]

Thanks iraqivet01 thats what I was after! Its actually for a 68 Coronet as it happens!

I have to say, I didn't want to hear that the window needs to come out. I wanted to leave the window in until I'd moved the car to the painter (3 hour drive) and then rip it out. Is there any way to get to the bolts at the windshield gasket at all? or its completely covered? I don't mind cutting the gasket away in that area, but I'd rather leave the glass in place for the trip.

I have the brake pedal basically apart, no booster now, but its good to know it can stay as is at least. So apart from the window, just aim for the outter most bolts and it should be self explanatory? Good to know, thanks!

Nice 500 btw! Hoping to slowly turn mine into an RT clone as well, as I can find the pieces needed. Mainly that tail light and panel.

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

They are covered...you could take a very sharp knife and cut the inside of the gasket by the dash, but if my memory serves me, you still would need to at the least flex the windshield forward...again, I might have forgotten, but I thought they were all philips by the WS...

 

[Malicious]

Thanks man, had a look this weekend when I dropped the heater box and welded in the 4spd trans hump. I tried a pair of pliers from behind on one and it was a no go. I'm wondering if I can flip the bolts over some how when I re-install after paint as I'd like to swap in a Ralley dash in the not too distant future and I'd rather not pull the windscreen to do it!

 

[Meep-Meep]

It's not a hard job and in fact is how the factory put them together. The two lower bolts above the kick panel are very convenient to act as a support and pivot point. After you remove the under windshield screws and the rest of the brackets just let it swing back. Best with two people!