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Dashboard replacement - What I have learned

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GMCJimmy84

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I tried searching the forums for info on replacing the dashboard/pad and found some references but no real info. I figured I would start this thread for what I have learned.

My dash was cracked severly due to dozens of years of sitting in the sun. I considered a cover-up pad but I also wanted to check the wiring behind the dash due to rats making my truck home.

Removal was pretty easy, remove the screws around the dash and disconnect the A/C vent on the passenger side from the hose behind the dash. I found many rat droppings in the hoses, so I ran the shop-vac through as best as I could to get out as much as possible.

I bought a replacement dash, not from LMC as it would have been twice as expensive and the wrong color. I did buy the AC Vents and hose mounts from LMC. I intend to use the original chrome name plate/bar so I went to see about removing it. The plate is attached to the dash with metal caps that look a lot like a nut but aren't. They will screw off as I was told in the thread but some were hard to get off. I had to chip off some plastic to get a couple of them to back off.

Also my new dash does not include the metal clips that hold the dash in near the windshield, just a metal mount to attach the clips. I tore apart my old dash and it looks like I can use those. To get the clips out you have to lift up on the end furthest from the windshield edge, then slide the clip away from the edge and then turn 90 degrees and it will pop right out.
IMG_20120812_142722.jpg

IMG_20120812_143216.jpg


Another part to keep from your original dash is the defroster vents. The new dash did not include them.

That is as far as I have gotten so far, I will update my thread as I make progress on this part of my restoration project.
 
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Huh, well when you get to it. I know a guy who makes a killer dash set-up.



Shameless plug...
 
I bought one of those plastic skins that goes over the original and used vinyl dye to match the color. This worked well and has held up fine. After maybe 8 years, it is starting to crack. They come with a lifetime warranty, but I can't even remember where I got it, much less where the receipt might be. I think the warranty is why I went this way instead of the whole replacement dash.
 
Those metal caps for the chrome nameplate are like nuts. Get a pair of plyers or even a socket and GENTLY twist them off CCW. You might end up twisting off the stem from the chrome nameplate if you aren't careful.

Which dash did you get?
 
The dash was from JC Whitney. They have the color matched to OEM options. The quality vs the original is very different but it looks good and seems to fit right. The original dash was metal covered in spongy material then coated in plastic. The new dash is a softer plastic all the way to a thinner metal form.

I spent 20 minutes trying two different caps but neither backed off at all. I may try that again but I should be able to cut them off pretty quick without damaging the pegs and for under $15 I can get replacements. The only reason I havent cut them off already was the amount of sparks coming off vs the shorts and t-shirt I was wearing.

Ion, does your guy do LED light replacements? I was thinking about trying it but not until I get the truck through inspection.
 
What I do is full dash board replacements with auto meter gauges. Wiring harness and all. Ask around here. I make some awesome deals for CK5 members.
 
I got tired of lookin at mine and looked around for a replacement, but then I started messing with it, cleaned up all the cracks with a air grinder and sandpaper. I then coated it with fiber reinforced bondo "weird green stuff" and sanded it down sorta smooth like then painted it to match the factory red color. Since it wasn't perfect I used stickers from all the crap I ordered over the years and slowly covering it all up. Actually looks pretty good and cost about 15 bucks.
 
You can get those speed nuts at the hardware store (ACE). They will come off with a socket but have to be very careful not to brake the plastic pegs. They are very thin you will not get enough sparks to hurt anything using a dremel to cut them off. If you have any question or need help just let me know. Even the new GM dash I got didn't have the clips or the covers for the defroster, you have to reuse them or find new ones.
Where in Dallas are you?
 
Just North of 635 near Preston.

You may be right about the sparks but it was bad enough to make me nervous. Hopefully Saturday or Sunday I can get back to my project and I will try the socket method one more time.
 
Hoe much was it? And could you post a few pictures? JJ you make entire dash pads? I thought just the clusters...:dunno:
 
Cost for the Dashboard/pad - JC Whitley

Sub Total: $289.99
Shipping: $42.98 - Large item rate
Total: $332.97

Cost for the replacement vents and hose attachments - LMC

38-5259 ADAPTOR-AIR OUTLET-CENTER-RH 1 9.95 9.95
38-5262 VENT OUTLET-CTR/RH 2 REQ 2 19.95 39.90
38-5261 ADAPTOR-AIR OUTLET-RH 1 16.95 16.95

Pictures will be taken when I get back to the project. Probably not posted until late Sunday.
 
I put up a couple of photos for the clips, I also updated the steps to take them off. Same for removing the caps holding on the chrome name plate/bar. As mentioned in the thread, you can screw them off but I had to chip off some plastic from the pegs to get a couple to back off.
 
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