1957 Brougham - Removal of Dash Pad

[Boss429]

The restoration of #58 is going well. However, the dash pad needs to be removed and recovered. I have followed the manual and removed the moldings and bolts near the windshield permitting that portion of the pad to lift up. I also removed all of the dash screws running from door to door (instrument cluster to glove box).

I then removed the heavy adhesive putty/filler between the bottom of the pad and its mounting to the body and inserted a putty knife the length of the dash pad from the passenger door to the instrument cluster to remove any attaching adhesive. One of the issues preventing removal of the dash pad is the metal AC duct/vents that appear to be attached to the bottom of the dash pad preventing it from being separately lifted up and out. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Roger Mialocq

[Roger Zimmermann]

When I removed the dash pad from my #230, there was no adhesive. I'm wondering if this was added during the life of the car. There are 3 vent outlets for A/C on the pad, those outlets are attached to the pad with two screws each.
I removed the dash pad three times: during the restoration in 1984, later when I sent the dash to Just Dashes to recover it (expensive, but very nice job) and finally when I replaced the engine and dash wiring. Each time it was an adventure and not an easy one. Later this morning, I had a look at old pictures from the car. The ones below, done in 1984 are the sole ones I have from the dash's underside. You are right, there is a box for the A/C which is attached to the dash, but, obviously thereis a method to disengage the surrounding tubes/hoses. If I found out almost 40 years ago without the help of Internet, you will find the solution too!

[David King (kz78hy)]

I removed the dash pad from 494 and sold to Dale Armstrong 13 years ago...I just remember that it was difficult to get out.   Seems there were a couple of hidden bolts that were hard to access.

When removing the cluster (has to be done first)  the service manual does not list removing the A/C & Heat control unit fasteners (2 each), those four screws go up into the cluster.  It took me a long time to figure that out and almost causing damage due to prying on the cluster.

David

[Boss429]

Thanks guys. Your comments are very helpful. I will loosen the instrument cluster, remove the screws securing the a/c vents, and continue the extraction process. I appreciate your suggestions from past experiences.

I have spoken with both of you in the past and successfully replaced the front door lower hinge spring and the hood spring. Once this dash is removed and recovered all the new leather interior, redyed carpets, and repainted panels can go back in. I still need to pick up a new fuel pump and sending unit kit from David in the near future. Thanks again.

Roger Mialocq

[David King (kz78hy)]

Roger,

Another tip, be very careful when extracting the cluster and the copper temp. gauge tube.  The other end of the tube screws into the RH engine head.  The gas in the tube is an aircraft type and if you break it is almost impossible to repair.  Don't flex it anymore that necessary when fooling around with it.  Getting it through the front of dash is a chore.

[Roger Zimmermann]

I'm almost sure that I removed the dash without removing first the instrument cluster. Have a look at the picture when I did the wiring.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Based on Roger Z's photo, then you don't have to remove it.  The parts car I removed the dash pad from did not have a cluster and it seemed I reached through there to access fasteners, maybe easier, but not mandatory.