Removing Entire Dash

[440sixpack]

When my 78 J10 gets back from the paint shop I'm debating whether I should repaint my dash and install the new pad in the rig or pull it. on cars I normally restore the dash out of the vehicle because it's so easy to pull them. on these Jeeps it doesn't look quite as simple.

anyone done it ? how tough was it? my windshield is out by the way.

[SJTD]

I didn't think it was difficult but I was pulling everything including pedals, column, AC, heater, wiring...and I was swapping in a pre '74 dash and aftermarket AC/heat.

If you want to leave everything else in place it might be a hassle.

You're removing the kick panel vents for cleaning, right? Probably want to remove the heater from the engine compartment for the same reason.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

Must pull windshield. Best to do any/all removal before painting so they can spray everything. Sounds like it's past that point.?.


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[440sixpack]

Yes it's getting painted . the windshield is out and I can paint anything they missed if need be. but there is zero rust in the whole rig so it really wouldn't matter .

I like to strip the dash and paint it out of the rig, but when I looked under there it it didn't look as user friendly as most to R&R . all I need to do is shoot the dash structure, put in the rebuilt cluster and install the new dash pad. I just don't know if it's worth pulling it since I've never pulled one from a jeep. I can have one out of a B or E body Mopar in an hour. this looks tougher.

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

An hour sounds about right. I just removed mine last weekend. The toughest part is removing the cables for the fresh air vents. Then you just disconnect all wiring, drop the steering column a couple inches then it's just one bolt on each side, one bolt under the steering column, and the row of bolts across the windshield frame.

[440sixpack]

Okay good to know. I'm pulling the steering column out anyway. sounds like pulling it is the way to go.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

As mentioned, the fresh air vents are a lil difficult. With the heater (and/or AC) removed, the passenger side isn't hard. The drivers side is a lil challenging due to the intake though.


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[candymancan]

Do you habe,to pull the windsheild.. or can you just use a tiny socket wrench with a philips screw adapter inside w socket ?

you know what i mean.. That way you dont need a long screw driver

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

The windshield has to come out. The torx head bolts are under the gasket.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

The swap going on in our shop is a 79 Cherokee dash going into a 72 j4000.
The J4000 dash used hex head bolts to hold the dash to the cowl. The Cherokee used torx.
Either way, the windshield has to come out.


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[HowardT64]

I had once thought of this...totally redo the entire dash and make it out of wood. Digital gauges the works. Do all the door panels to match and put new carpet in it Would take a great deal...but I bet it could be done

[candymancan]

The windshield has to come out. The torx head bolts are under the gasket.

wow thats kinda BEEPY lol.. So there is no way to fix a warped dash other then taking out the darn windshield lol

[SJTD]

You can get it out. Difficult to get the screws with the big square washers out from under the gasket but it's doable. Like if you wanted to do some work on the dash but keep the thing outside in the rain before pulling the windshield for paint.

But I wouldn't even think of trying to get them back in.

[candymancan]

Anyone got a pic of these screws ? You positive its under the gasket.. When i look at my dash i csn see screws that are in the open up top..

[tedlovesjeeps71]

Anyone got a pic of these screws ? You positive its under the gasket.. When i look at my dash i csn see screws that are in the open up top..

I'll try and grab some picks from the J4k tomorrow if I have time (and remember).


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[candymancan]

Couldnt one just fix the warps in the dash.. By say screwing the warps down directly into the metal dash underneeth.

Then removing the wood trim ect and apply a contact cement like weldwood over the existing vinyl and gluing new vinyl directly over top ? then replace the wood trim..

Am i making sense here ? I dont see how this wouldnt work and still look good ? It would eliminate the warps and be recovered at the same time no ?

Like this video.. Why wouldnt this work ? Ive used plenty of vinyl and weldwood for my headliner and other project and it looks great. So i dont see how covering the dash with new vinyl while its in the Jeep wouldnt work ?

https://youtu.be/ANE0dueAXSI

[babywag]

Yes it's getting painted . the windshield is out and I can paint anything they missed if need be. but there is zero rust in the whole rig so it really wouldn't matter .

I like to strip the dash and paint it out of the rig, but when I looked under there it it didn't look as user friendly as most to R&R . all I need to do is shoot the dash structure, put in the rebuilt cluster and install the new dash pad. I just don't know if it's worth pulling it since I've never pulled one from a jeep. I can have one out of a B or E body Mopar in an hour. this looks tougher.

If windshield is out/or will be it is pretty easy to yank whole dash, and sooo much easier to work on.
Sanding and painting it while installed not easy, and messy.
As mentioned it can be removed w/ windshield in place, but it is a HUGE PITA!!!
Almost impossible to get the square washers/screws out, and you will NEVER get them back in without scratching the hell/damaging the dashpad.

[tedlovesjeeps71]

Finally remembered to snap a couple pics. Hopefully these give you an indication of their location and why they are such a pita.



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