Do I absolutely have to pull the windshield to remove the dash?

I'm pulling out various parts of the dash, plan on removing the console tomorrow. I've been reading about pulling out the dash but the front window had to be pulled. But if I'm pulling the dash out, would I need to remove the glass still?

 

It can be done without removing the windshield, but it is very difficult. If your windshield gasket is old and hard, it will be very difficult to get to the screws across the top. If you are going to try, you will need a 1/4" universal joint for the socket to remove them. And a lot of patience. I'd link to an article on it but the site it's on is currently down.

 

You'll save a lot of bad words if you just go ahead and pull the glass. Get you a new gasket first though.

 

Well... I just pulled my windhshield and seen the screws they are speaking about, I actually laughed to myself at whoever has tried to take it out without removing the windshield.

 

On the last Maverick I built, I did a little trick that actually paid off later. I had everything stripped all the way down so it was pretty easy to do. I put the small screws in from the bottom side. They protruded up just slightly into the rubber gasket but unless you lift up the gasket you would never know. Sadly, due to Hurricane Katrina, I was forced to take the dash back out and I was able to do it easily without removing the windshield.

 

I forgot about that.. that's a great idea.

 

I did it on a 73, It sucked, but is doable.

I used a 1/4 socket driver that I cut down on a ratcheting wrench.

 

I'm into the dash again and I believe that I need to fine tune my question. I'm planning on removing the entire dash. Not just the dash cover, but everything. It looks like there are just a few bolts to remove and the dash will come out and I would guess the dash cover would come out with it. Am I correct? And by removing the entire dash I would not need to remove the windshield?

 

I did it once when I was about 17 and patient and flexible. (and dumb) Used small vice grips on the bottom of the screws to spin them up most of the way. Note it had cluster and dash pad removed.

 

The main dash has screws near the windshield base that have to come out to remove the entire dash. That's what we were all talking about earlier.

 

When I removed the dash from a parts car the dash pad stayed intact. I removed the windshield first.

 

I have taken several dashes out and it is best to remove the windshield. Them screws way down have to come out. With alot of patience and extra time you can get them out. Getting them back in will be fun. When you accidently click the glass with a tool the sweating increases lol

 

you probley need a new gasket anyway...

 

Like mentioned, it can be done. I removed mine the first time with a 1/4" phillips bit and a 1/4" open end wrench... a half turn at a time.

The dash pad (the foam top part) will come out with the metal dash assembly.

 

you don't...absolutely...have to, but will...absolutely...wish you had when you are through...