DASH & DASH PAD Removal tips PLEASE

[bobbybuick]

next on list to remove and any tips or ideas on what to do?

[dsags]

Besides the obvious screws into the dash pad from the dash cluster surround the dash pad is held on with five (?) clips into the dash and two small threaded rods through the dash above and on either side of the glove box door. Best bet is to remove the glove box liner screws and loosen the glove box door screws - or remove the screws and the door. Above on the right and left there should be the threaded rods with small nuts and washers on them. After removing those and the screws in from the surround  you should be able to lift up the rear of the dash pad and gently pull it off the dash. Remember not to squeeze to hard on the pad - if its any good - as the foam and plastic covering will crack. Good luck.

Dan

[wildcat65]

   I was wondering this myself! 

[Chris]

One tip that might help with possible cracking is to rub the vinyl down with a good moisturizer a couple days in advance just to get a little flexibility back into the material.  My convertible had a really nice and original dash pad until I took it to the audio shop to have the new stereo put in.  At some point the installer pushed on the dash just a little and cracked it (it doesn't take much).  Prior to all the fancy interior products, my grandpa swore by treating any plastic trim parts with Vaseline.

Chris

[Brian]

Baby oil works really good for softening up a dash pad.

[mdkd]

All

The dash pad in my 65 GS Convert on the passanger side above the glove box has a number of cracks. I have a dash I salvaged years ago with one 1" crack but the color is coming off the leading edge and showing black. Both dash pads are red which match my interior. Both dash pads are stiff to the touch. The car is kept inside out of the sun unless I am occasionally using it. It is kept in a heated garage in the winter and not driven.

My question is, If I soften the dash with baby oil, vaseline or other such things will I limit my ability to get the dash fixed and or painted in the future? When they fix the dash do they recover it or patch the original dash material? The surface looks to be the only damage at this point.

I realize there are no guarantees in this process I am just looking for experienced insight.

Thanks

Milton

[bobbybuick]

Anytime you want to clean it to dye anything use whestleys bleach white a scrub brush hot water and rinse.it takes it down to the raw material
anyone have any cuts or drawings of clip and bolt loations?

[wildcat65]

Basically the nuts are above each corner of the glove box door.  11/32 on mine.  Once they were out my dash just needed to be lifted @ front and pulled out.