87 dash question

[readymix]

First post here, Great forum and tons of info.

I just bought a 1987 Longbed with a 305 V8/SM465/NP208. Axles are D60 4.56 open and a 14 FF 4.56 Detroit.

The first thing i am trying to fix up is a hole in the dash that some PO cut. It is under the radio location and looks like crap. What i am going to do is weld the hole shut but i can't figure out how to get the dash out. The part that is giving me trouble is where the dash goes under the windshield gasket. Do i need to remove the windshield for this to come out, or should i use a little brute force and ignorance /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif

BTW there is no AC or power anything in it

 

[dyeager535]

Lets see, you probably have the gauges and stuff our right?

little rusty, haven't had a dash pad for oh, 5 years now lol.

Make sure to get the one screw in the PS of the dash, against the door. Once you've got all the screws out, I believe you just pull it towards you, and up a bit. There are metal spring clips that fit into the metal of the dash that sometimes bind up.

I'd hate to have you rip your dash up though, perhaps someone that has messed around with one lately has better guidance.

 

[readymix]

I already have the dash pad off. I am talking about the metal piece under it.

 

[Muddytazz]

[ QUOTE ]
The part that is giving me trouble is where the dash goes under the windshield gasket.

[/ QUOTE ]
The only way to remove this part is to cut it....its spot welded in many places clear across the vehicle along the lower lip of the windshield.

 

[readymix]

Great!!! Should i cut it and re spot weld it or what. If i am going to go through all that trouble I should just make a custom dash

 

[ugly_blazer]

Buy a big "CK5" sticker to cover the hole! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/rotfl.gif

 

[Muddytazz]

[ QUOTE ]
If i am going to go through all that trouble I should just make a custom dash

[/ QUOTE ]

Of just weld in the patch in place while the dash is still in there /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[k20]

i had a hole cut in my dask by previous owner, i just welded it up in the truck? Am I missing something? Heck when I did mine the whole dash was still assembled and carpet was still in truck, though fireextinguisher was close at hand.....

 

[readymix]

My plan was to remove the piece and weld over the hole and then paint the whole thing. It would also be a good oppertunity to chase down a few wires. The fan switch has no power going to it. Among other electrical faults.

 

[diesel4me]

My 82 GMC has the same problem--butcher that owned it chopped out the radio hole so he could put a slide in radio in--and he kept the radio! /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif.I am going to just weld in a peice of another trucks dash from the boneyard,I've got my eye on a am/fm/cb factory delco one I can get for 30 bucks.It is a LOT of work to remove the whole dash(the steel part under the padding)as already stated,you have to drill out spot welds,and its a lot easier if the windsheild is out--I've watched 2 friends crack theirs while trying to get the dash out,and welding it back isnt easy either.You can get a lot better veiw of those wires if you open the glove box and pull the box down and swing the door all the way down,then you can get your head in there to see the heater resistor,and many other wires,also easier to change some of the dash bulbs thru the glove box hole,I've also had to remove my ashtray for better access to the back of the dash.I'd just weld in a patch for the radio if I were you--its alot easier.Maybe I should just get a slide in radio,then I wont have to do anything! /forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif

 

[ugly_blazer]

[ QUOTE ]
My 82 GMC has the same problem--butcher that owned it chopped out the radio hole so he could put a slide in radio in--and he kept the radio! /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif.I am going to just weld in a peice of another trucks dash from the boneyard,I've got my eye on a am/fm/cb factory delco one I can get for 30 bucks.It is a LOT of work to remove the whole dash(the steel part under the padding)as already stated,you have to drill out spot welds,and its a lot easier if the windsheild is out--I've watched 2 friends crack theirs while trying to get the dash out,and welding it back isnt easy either.You can get a lot better veiw of those wires if you open the glove box and pull the box down and swing the door all the way down,then you can get your head in there to see the heater resistor,and many other wires,also easier to change some of the dash bulbs thru the glove box hole,I've also had to remove my ashtray for better access to the back of the dash.I'd just weld in a patch for the radio if I were you--its alot easier.Maybe I should just get a slide in radio,then I wont have to do anything! /forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

If I was you I would get a slide-in radio. You can get a cheap cd player for about 60 bucks or a nice one for around 100 to 130.