Dash pad

Hey does anyone know how to get yhe dash pad off? and where do you get a new one?

 

It's been a while since I removed a dash pad but there are numerous studs formed in the pad and they stick down through your steel dash. Some will come out with a socket, long extension and maybe a swivel joint - some of the nuts you may have to reach way up with a small wrench. You may also have to take the radio or gauge cluster out to get to some of them. I took one out in a junk yard years ago and this is some of the things that I remember

Also no one makes a new Maverick/Comet dash pad. A perfect one will set you back a nice chunk of change - if you can find one. You could possibly get yours redone at an upholstery shop or go with one of the molded plastic caps - they actually look great when installed. That is the way I am going

 

Just Dashes will make yours look like new all for the low price of about $450. They do go high on ebay when they show up, and then you have a 40 year old dash pad that may split at anytime. For about $60 -75 you can find a dash pad on ebay that is very hard to tell from original. Many on here use them.

 

Pretty sure Don meant dash pad CAP.

 

Dash cap is the way to go, unless you have big dollars to spend. You can get one on ebay. They look great and should be delivered to your door for under $100.

 

The caps just fit over the existing dash pad? And would I need to remove the dash pad anyway if I want to paint the dash? Seems like I would...

 

Yes, the cap fits right over the existing pad. As far as painting is concerned, I have no idea. I guess either remove it or just mask it off really well before you paint.

 

Yep, I meant dash cap. Thanks for catching that Craig. Life is hard after the Medicaire birthday.

 

has anyone ever thought about making one? theres a mix tht when poured and mixed it quicky inflates and sets to a stiff foam, much like what the original is made of. why not make a mold of the original and fill it with the stuff, let it fill itself out, then shape to fit. of course u would have to put the screws in it before it hardens so tht it sets with them sticking out and in the correct place but i think it could be done. then u simply use an adhesive to apply a cover of ur choice and vioa la! the mixture comes in 2 liquids, a gallon a piece, and from what ive seen, it would only take a few ounces to make.

 

Sounds like a good project for a recent High School grad. Try it and let us know how it goes for ya!!!! Congrats on your Graduation!!!!!

 

thanks! i would definately like to experiment with it myself. maybe even set the standard for replacement dash pads and save u guys some money!