Dash frame removal/installation

[Spook50]

Is it possible at all to remove and install the dash frame from my '74 Duster without removing the windshield? I'd like to pull it so I can repair the sheet metal, blast it and powdercoat it, but I don't want to pull the windshield until it's at the shop where they can do any necessary rust repair around it before installing a new one.

[rjsjea]

Possible..yes.  Cut the screws off from the underside of the dash to get it out.  About 1000 times easier with the glass out though.

Probably easier to wait til it's at whatever shop and do it all at once, so the shop doesnt scratch your freshly powdercoated/painted dash......

[Jim_Lusk]

I agree, if the windshield is coming out, wait. Otherwise it's really not that hard to cut the fasteners and reinstall, but it is easier with the glass out.

[Spook50]

I agree, if the windshield is coming out, wait. Otherwise it's really not that hard to cut the fasteners and reinstall, but it is easier with the glass out.

So the only way to get it out with the windshield installed is to cut the fasteners, eh? Dang. My original plan was to have the windshield replaced so they could do whatever repairs may (or may not) need to be done with the sheet metal around the gasket area, then afterwards to pull the frame, R&R it and reinstall it. Sounds like my best bet might be to pull and reinstall the windshield myself so I can do the dash frame. Sure sounds like I'm creating alot of work for myself though. Oh wait, I new that when I spent $1500 for a '74 Space Duster 

[68_Val_Sedan]

pull the window and leave it out ... the body shop wil more than likely want it removed so they can do the metal work in that area ... let them reinstall it when they are done

[moparchop]

My 74 has factory a/c,I took the windshield out.To much crap in the way.

[flyboy01]

I just looked at it, I can easily access all the screws from underneath, I can cut them with my Dremel, then you can reinstall them from underneath.

[Spook50]

I just looked at it, I can easily access all the screws from underneath, I can cut them with my Dremel, then you can reinstall them from underneath.

No kiddin, huh? Didn't realize you could install them from underneath. I'm sure it'll make sense once I get my head under there and look. One more month until I'm back home and can work on my car again!

[flyboy01]

Right now I have nothing under my dash, no gauges, on heater, no A/C, nothing, I could hide a midget in there. I looked and saw the screws from underneath, I am going to pull my Dash this week.

[bbscamp]

Right now I have nothing under my dash, no gauges, on heater, no A/C, nothing, I could hide a midget in there. I looked and saw the screws from underneath, I am going to pull my Dash this week.

not quite a midget....but its been done before   

[68dodge]

I would take the windshield out. Take the dash out the right way in one piece. Put in a new windshield in after you put your dash back in. I know you did not want to put new windshield, but you will be please how clear a new one is.

[Spook50]

I would take the windshield out. Take the dash out the right way in one piece. Put in a new windshield in after you put your dash back in. I know you did not want to put new windshield, but you will be please how clear a new one is.

I definitely want a new windshield. Mine is all scratched and pitted bad. I was just hoping to avoid installing a new one until I had the dash frame done and a new headliner installed.

[CudaSRT8]

Take the time to do the job in the proper sequence.   If you try to short cut, you probably won't be happy.   Putting the screws in from underneath?   You'll likely have pointed dimples in the weather strip, or even screw right through the thing...

[Jim_Lusk]

Putting the screws from underneath requires shorter screws and then there are no dimples.

[moparrr07]

yea i took hours of cutting with a dremel for me to cut all the speed clips apart from undernieth, then i bought new clips and put them in upsidown in case i ever need to pull the dash in the future,

[Jim_Lusk]

A high speed 3" cutoff tool works much faster.

[moparrr07]

yea late night and out of cutting disks

[Bluescrawler]

I've been following your posts with interest.. I am doing the exact same thing right now. My dash frame is in pretty sad shape especially the sheet metal along the top.  It's got waves along the top and seems to be a bit tweeked on the drivers side.  I am taking my windshield out this weekend so I can get to the dash. Of course I plan to replace the windshield due to a large crack in it anyway.  The next thing was trying to figure out how to release those molding clips. I found some info on another board related to this.

I hope it's OK to post that thread here:

 http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=33339

Someone posted a pic of the tool and how to use it. I found this very useful and thought you might find it useful as well, if you decide to remove the windshield yourself.

Joe

[Spook50]

I've been following your posts with interest.. I am doing the exact same thing right now. My dash frame is in pretty sad shape especially the sheet metal along the top.  It's got waves along the top and seems to be a bit tweeked on the drivers side.  I am taking my windshield out this weekend so I can get to the dash. Of course I plan to replace the windshield due to a large crack in it anyway.  The next thing was trying to figure out how to release those molding clips. I found some info on another board related to this.

I hope it's OK to post that thread here:

 http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=33339

Someone posted a pic of the tool and how to use it. I found this very useful and thought you might find it useful as well, if you decide to remove the windshield yourself.

Joe

Oooh good advice at that link. I've been on that forum not for too long, and it seems to be a good place to find bits of help. Though the best sources for the questions I've had about my car are and slantsix.org