Help with dashboard removal?

[BuickLover]

Got a 73 Centurion I'm trying to clean up and make pretty :) and I need to remove and replace the dash top. If there's anyone out there who is versed in this procedure and would give me a thumbs up on how this is accomplished, i.e., where are the hidden clips and how do I unhook/rehook them I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks in Advance,
BL

[centurion 455 ragtop]

First: MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR TIME

Second: BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY FOR A DAY OR SO.:rant:

Third: DO NOT RUSH AND DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING...MURPHY'S LAW WILL APPLY AND THINGS WILL BREAK.:bawl:

Forth: ASPRIN...:Dou: THAT DARN HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS A PAIN

Fifth: COVER THE SEATS WITH A THICK BLANKET OR OLD QUILT SO THAT YOU DON'T RIP IT. BELIEVE ME YOU CAN.:xyxthumbs:

Sixth: ONCE APART DO EVERYTHING, YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS TWICE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.


Last year I took mine apart completely again. Here's a little "color" commentary. The Yellow squares are the screws hiding behind the plastic piece that goes under the steering wheel. The red squares are the ones you can reach above the glove box (easier to remove the glovebox). The left most one might be easier to reach from under the dash, or by removing the ashtray. The green squares are where those silly clips are supposed to attach. When the instrument cluster is installed (and it has to be) it makes getting these engaged much harder.

You can see how much wonderful access we have when the dash is out. Most cars have a metal shell blocking most of this off.

Patience and gentleness are the key words.

[Gum,beest]

Hi
It is very easy to remove the dashpad it is only two bolts and five nuts
First you have to unscrew the lower dash cover under the steering colom
That reveals the two bolts at the lower part on either side of the dashcluster after that comes the hard part
Behind the "centurion insert" are three speed nuts located one on either side and one in the middle
you can reach them trou the opening in the top of the glove box (sorry i do not know the size from memory and í am from the metric system but the size compares to approx 11 mm)
The last two nuts are normal nuts and they are located direct above the glove box door one on either side and they are the same size as the speed nuts
I could get them all loose just with a socket in my hand hope that you are just as Lucky because there is very little room for the wrench
Once the are all loose the dash pad is hold in place by two spring clips and you can pull the dash toward you for a inch or two
If you have airco there will be a temperature sensor you have to uncouple now one connector and one hose after that you can pull the dash further and then you can overturn the dash to unscrew the speaker if you have them

This if only to remove the dashtop and i think it is pretty easy but if you want to take out the dashcluster it self then step 1 to 6 that Rick mentioned apply
Hope this helps

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Before and after. Since that shot I added a litter basket and have the correct console colour along with a factory am/fm 8-track and defrogger switch.

[Gum,beest]

Looks great Rick
Are the parts that you put in after the shots added or replaced on your car?
I see that you where not so lucky as me when removing the dash :p

Second: BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY FOR A DAY OR SO.:rant:

[BuickLover]

First: MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR TIME

Second: BE PREPARED TO WALK AWAY FOR A DAY OR SO.:rant:

Third: DO NOT RUSH AND DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING...MURPHY'S LAW WILL APPLY AND THINGS WILL BREAK.:bawl:

Forth: ASPRIN...:Dou: THAT DARN HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS A PAIN

Fifth: COVER THE SEATS WITH A THICK BLANKET OR OLD QUILT SO THAT YOU DON'T RIP IT. BELIEVE ME YOU CAN.:xyxthumbs:

Sixth: ONCE APART DO EVERYTHING, YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS TWICE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.



Rick... the final looks fantastic!

I did get the dash out ok thanks.

I notice you removed your instrument cluster and speedometer. Was that part difficult. I really want to change my speedometer head since it seems to stick around 35-40 miles per hour and then when I get up to around 55 it kicks up there and works fine till I go slow again. Not sure if it's the head or something else.

Thanks and good work!
Mark

[BuickLover]

Hi
It is very easy to remove the dashpad it is only two bolts and five nuts


Thanks Erik, it was exactly like you said.

Mark

[73 Centurion]

You don't have to remove the speed nuts behind the Centurion insert. The pad will come out easily with that plate still attached.

I'd like to reinforce what was said earlier. When the pad is out you have marvelous access to everything. But it's a bit of a pain to get to that stage.

Think through everything you'd like to change or fix in the dashboard.
If you're considering adding or changing the front speaker
Check any wiring for options that don't work, or work intermittantly
If you have A/C check all of the rubber hoses and door flaps
Look over your heater box for rotted foam insulation you may want to replace.
Check the A/C hoses for rips and replace any that are crumbling
Replace every light bulb you see, it will never be easier to get at them.

John

[BuickLover]

Excellent advice John thanks for that.
Mark


You don't have to remove the speed nuts behind the Centurion insert. The pad will come out easily with that plate still attached.

I'd like to reinforce what was said earlier. When the pad is out you have marvelous access to everything. But it's a bit of a pain to get to that stage.

Think through everything you'd like to change or fix in the dashboard.
If you're considering adding or changing the front speaker
Check any wiring for options that don't work, or work intermittantly
If you have A/C check all of the rubber hoses and door flaps
Look over your heater box for rotted foam insulation you may want to replace.
Check the A/C hoses for rips and replace any that are crumbling
Replace every light bulb you see, it will never be easier to get at them.

John