How do I remove the dashboard from my '78 vette?

[keitheturner]

I've taken loose all the screws that I can find externally.

Are there brackets or screws underneath the dahsboard?

If there are, what are their approximate locations?

I can't see anything under there.


Thanks,

Keith

 

[matchframe]

Keith,

I just removed my dash from my '78 several weeks ago. When I get home from work, I will go look at it to remind myself of the details of how I removed it. I will let you know.

Bill

 

[Vettart]

Once you have removed the screws on the sides at the base of the windshield, removed the center gauge pod, dropped the steering column and removed the wheel (it makes it a lot easier) the dash is resting on two clips at the base of the windshield. Lift up and pull out. The reinstall the dash, those two clips are most important. It must rest tightly against the base if the windshield or the rest of the screws will give you a fit. While you are in there, you might want to check the heater/AC ducting to ensure that it is duct taped together.

 

[Thumper]

On my '76, there was also a bracket off center to the passenger side that attaches the cowl to the back of the dashpad in addition to the clips that slide into place.

 

[matchframe]

Once you are ready to pull the dash out after doing what Vettart and Thumper says, push down on the corners next to the windshield to fold the top under, the dash panel will lean out. That one tip made it easy for my dash to come out.

Bill

 

[keitheturner]

Thanks Guys!!!!

I really appreciate your tips. Gonna take another whack at this
tonight.

What a pain in the ass just to change out the heater core.

Keith

 

[keitheturner]

Do I need to remove all of the guages in the instrument panel?

This is getting very frustrating, but I'm committed!

Hope I can get this thing back together.

Keith

 

[matchframe]

Yes, but as as cluster, not individually. There are four screws, two above the A/C ducts, and two on each side: one to the left of the temp guage, and one to the right of the fuel guage. Make sure the radio is released at the knobs so you can pull the cluster forward. As you do, there is a multipin connector in the center of the cluster, it just pulls straight out. the center guage cluster should be free to pull out.

The speedo, and tach has a cable behind the speedo to release, and a multipin connector behind the tach. Then three screws along the top of the unit and one on each side and the speedo and tach should come out as one piece.

Then pull the dash forward after the screws are released.


Hope this helps!

Bill

 

[keitheturner]

Thanks Bill.
Gonna try again tonight.

Keith