Dash Pad replacement

[loflite]

Found a '73 centurion that I'm considering but it needs a dash. How hard is it to change? thanks.

[73 Centurion]

It's certainly do-able but a bit fiddly. The good news is that the dashboard is the same for all full size Buicks even the Riviera. In 71,72 the Riv dashboard is unique.

There are screws above the instruments, inside the glove box and behind the yoke under the steering column. It's easier to remove the glovebox so you have room for hands and tools. There are clips that hold the back of the dashboard at the base of the windsheild. When you get all the screws out a tug straight back releases these. They are a royal pain to re-engage when you're putting the dashboard back. Expect to bend them a little, fiddle a little, swear a lot and it will eventually go back in place.

You'll learn where all the screws are when you remove the old one. If it's not wiggling, you've missed one or more.

Some things to consider when you have the dash off. You have great access to all of the behind the dash systems. It's a good time to check vacuum hoses, replace some light bulbs or just check on how things work. Expect to find some A/C hoses crumbling or loose. Now is the time to replace them. Vacuuming some of the dust and dirt is probably going overboard, but you wouldn't be the only one who's done it. :laugh:

The dash speakers are attached to the dash pad itself. A couple of new 3.5" speakers on the sides or a center channel speaker would be nice. You don't have to remove the dash pad to replace the radio, but if you've got it off it's much easier. There are still some reasonably high end shaft style radios available on eBay if you don't want to cut up the dash. It's also a good time to check the connection to the antennae if you've got one in the windshield. They often come loose or weren't reattached if the windshield was replaced.

Check along the base of the windshield for rust. An improperly replaced windshield can lead to rust that can hide in this area.

One last hint. It's a bit easier to manipulate and manuever that huge peice if the windows are open, and the roof lowered (if you've got a convertible). Thank your lucky stars if you have a tilt wheel and set it at it's lowest point.

Others maybe able to tell you exactly how many screws and where they are hiding. I think there are 6 above the instruments, 2 behind the yoke and 2 or 4 above the glovebox.

John

[centurion 455 ragtop]

John you get a Gold Star for that advise:xyxthumbs: I have taken my dash apart a few times already as I was adding different options such as a trip odometer, converted the factory clock to electronic, new ac/heat control unit (mine was faded), wiring for the power door lock option, also changed the dash bulbs and cleaned out vents. And in the spring it will come apart again to install new speakers along with a factory in dash am/fm 8-track. Currently have the factory am/fm radio. Not to scare anyone off. Here is a shot that one look and you say, "Oh sh1t!!!"

[centurion 455 ragtop]

Only advise I can add off the top of my head is:

DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING!!! Otherwise it will break for sure.

DON'T RUSH!! Learn to walk away from it for a day or so if you find yourself rushing or getting frustrated.

DON'T GUESS!!! Come back on this board and ask questions, do it right the first time around.

Best of luck and be patient. Below is after I was done. :xyxthumbs: And everything works too:laugh: Since this shot was taken I added the passenger side kick panel litter basket, replaced the disc brake peddle pad with a nearly new one, and color matched the mini console.

[73 Centurion]

What a great shot! Here's a little "color" commentary. The Yellow squares are the screws hiding behind the yoke that goes under the steering wheel. The red squares are the ones you can reach above the glove box. 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.

[loflite]

Thanks a lot for the pictures and words.

[Robroy]

John and Rick,
Great stuff, threads like this are really valuable for anyone on the board that needs to replace/ take out the dash.
Thanks for sharing :beers: