Cutting out the dash

[ashman]

I'm going to finish cutting out the dash tomorrow and I'm looking for pointers from guys that have done it before.
I was under the impression that I just needed to cut along the slots under the dash pad, then remove the 3 bolts on either side that go int the A-pillars.

However, it appears that there is a reinforcement plate that is spot welded further under the dash. I was able to break the welds since that area will be cut out for my cage down bars anyway, but it looks like the dash sheet metal is connected further down as well.




I'd love to see images of where you guys cut it, or more explanation of how it fits together if possible.
@Greg72 @bigblock72 @NorCal69

 

[Greg72]

You will need to cut that bracket to separate the dash top from the a-pillar area... not sure I have a great photo of that but I'll take a look.

-G

 

[Greg72]

You can see that most of that flange can stay connected to the edge of the dash but you have to cut across the top to separate it....


-G

 

[ashman]

Thanks Greg. I think I can see where it can separate now.

 

[sponsoredbydad]

I'm glad somebody took pictures

 

[ashman]

I'm glad somebody took pictures

I'll have pics and video soon. Mine is a '72 and it was harder than I thought it would be. I think mine had more bracing than what I see from Greg's pics.

I'd like you guys to take a look and tell me what you think.

I'll try to get the pics up tonight.

 

[sponsoredbydad]

No,
I believe you mine was a bitch

 

[ashman]

Here are the pics of mine cut out.




As you can see, the side brackets that bolt into the A-pillar also wrap around and are spot welded to the top of the dash as well. With the windshield in place, that was a bitch to cut out. As you can see, I basically ripped the spot welds, then I used a rotary tool to cut through the last of the sheet metal that was holding on.

That was the only thing I could find that would fit up in the tight space. There was no way to get a grinder in there.

So, was my dash different than some of yours? Or did you guys just use a grinder with the windshield out?

 

[Greg72]

Now it's coming back to me.

If you look closely, I cut out the TOP of the dash above that area leaving a small perimeter flange so I could weld a patch back in later. This allowed me to get rid of all of that metal that connected between them (including that one "web" looking piece). My resulting dash only has the flat side mount on each side... all that other structure was cut off and separated prior to it's removal from the A-pillars.

To be fair, this WAS about 11 years (and one major concussion) ago... so it's easy to forget the subtleties.

-G

 

[ashman]

Now it's coming back to me.

If you look closely, I cut out the TOP of the dash above that area leaving a small perimeter flange so I could weld a patch back in later. This allowed me to get rid of all of that metal that connected between them (including that one "web" looking piece). My resulting dash only has the flat side mount on each side... all that other structure was cut off and separated prior to it's removal from the A-pillars.

To be fair, this WAS about 11 years (and one major concussion) ago... so it's easy to forget the subtleties.

-G

No worries Greg, I realize it has been a long time for a lot of you guys.

Luckily for me, since I'm putting the cage in there, cutting the holes to get it out really wasn't an issue. The dash pad should hide most of hole anyway unless you specifically look down there through the windshield. 9" of lift should keep most people from doing that anyway.

 

[6872xtc]

May I ask why you didn't pull the windshield? These aren't difficult in my opinion. I have done several. I would guess that it it would be a little bit of a challenge working it back in with the cage because of pulling the rope past the bars, but I would still rather get it out of the way personally.

 

[sponsoredbydad]

I just happen to have mine off right now. I drilled into the cage and tapped it for 1/4" bolts and it attaches directly to the cage only


That is how much I had to remove. Ya it looks like I kinda ripped it out too


You can see the gap between the A-Pillar and cage. Those holes are how it attaches now



This is all I have left on the sides. The reason mine is rounded is because I did not have my dash with me when I built the cage and messed up with guessing where the dash sat. The hole at the top is where the cage goes thru and that is why it is out now. Never was happy with that cut so going to fix it.