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Post by roofgunner on Mar 4, 2016 11:04:22 GMT -5
I am about to replace the dash pad on my 65 Cutlass. I have a service manual, the steering column is out, the car has a console but before I start removing parts, I thought I should ask someone who has done it, so I can do this with minimal problems. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated!
The dashpad that I am removing is black and only has a very minor crack in it so it would be available to someone. I am replacing it with a light blue one from OPIG as the interior is light blue. Thanks!
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Post by oldstata on Mar 4, 2016 20:58:47 GMT -5
It's not to bad. I did it last year, I pulled front seat out and left the speedo and heater control in , I didn't want to tug on that harness. I left all other parts in place.
I would keep the old pad intell you install the new one and get it fitted. repop pads for these early year are fairly new and only a few have reported on the fit. What I have read it hasn't been good feed back as of yet.
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Post by familyrides1965 on Mar 4, 2016 21:13:36 GMT -5
Everyone has different methods. The key is take your time. I normally pull the complete dash with all instrumentation and switches as a complete assembly minus the radio and light switch. I make sure I've removed all the clamps, wire ties, brackets etc so I can get a clear shot at all the mounting studs. Some of them can be a challenge. I tend to work from pass side toward drivers side...just out of habit I guess. Hope the repop pad works for you. As oldstata mentioned, not too many good reviews yet.
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Post by sascha on Mar 5, 2016 1:01:53 GMT -5
Did it 3 weeks ago, took me a weekend to finish completely
You need to get access to the little screws that hold the complete dash unit. I think it where 8 or 10. some are tricky.
To change the dash the whole unit has to come out.
My advice is, take the old one out and put the new one in the same day or weekend, so you remember how you disconnected the parts.
I took the console and AC parts out, just to be able to get access
Sascha
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Post by roofgunner on Mar 5, 2016 9:29:13 GMT -5
Thank you all for the advice and I shall heed it. I did find, on page 2C-11, in the 65 Body service manual the directions for removing that pad. It says "Loosen or remove necessary chassis parts. Working from under instrument panel remove attaching nuts and remove cover. To install reverse removal procedure."
This part of the manual was obviously done on a Friday afternoon.
My OCA advisor (for the 65 442/Cutlass) said he spoke to another owner who installed one from OPIG and that it fit well. I shall report.
Also, while I'm at it, I got one of those 18X24 laminated wiring diagrams from Classic car wiring. It is very good.
Again, thank-you for your help!!!!
T. Hile, Harris, MO.
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Post by Big Mike on Mar 5, 2016 10:20:52 GMT -5
My OCA advisor (for the 65 442/Cutlass) said he spoke to another owner who installed one from OPIG and that it fit well. I shall report. Just do you know, the owner/moderator of this forum is also an OCA model year advisor |
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Xtremejr
Member
Hold my beer and watch this shit.
Posts: 493
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Post by Xtremejr on Mar 5, 2016 12:49:31 GMT -5
Roofgunner post some pics of your car in members rides section.
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Post by RIP OLDS on Mar 5, 2016 19:05:36 GMT -5
I removed the whole dash, seemed easier. Here is a photo of the speed nuts you need to remove to pull it. Once it is out replacing the pad should be easy.  |
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Post by 64b09 on Mar 5, 2016 22:09:00 GMT -5
That's what I did as well^
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Post by roofgunner on Mar 13, 2016 11:08:29 GMT -5
I ended up removing the whole panel and I am glad it did. The previous owner wasn't detail oriented. I found a screw missing from the speedo cluster so it was not seated properly in the panel. I am going to detail and check the wiring and do some painting in there.
As far the the dash panel from OPIG/Dash Direct is concerned: I ordered the one, along with the glove box lid in blue for the 1965 model. The glove box matches the interior light blue. The dashpad is slightly darker. Before I install the glove box I am going to call OPIG and/or Dash Direct as I thought they would match. This is one of those things that I can go both ways one ie. either way it looks good. I guess I would like to find out, since they offer ones for the 64 in blue, did I get one for a 64? I will find out. But I ordered both for a 65.
The only thing I had to do was to enlarge the upper attachment slots (for the studs in the dash pad to go through)in the framework so the studs would easily go through. It was not much and I just used my Dremel. Then I tightened them bit by bit so the parts were pulled together.
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Post by 64b09 on Mar 13, 2016 22:08:55 GMT -5
Check the grain. 64 and 65 have different grain vinyl.
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