I have two '63 Valiants with the padded dash option. Both are cracked and need refurbishment. I have looked for the attachment method, but am unable to find out how the padding is attached. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanx for your help.

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Carl Zeamer. an old guy, please be gentle.

The Dash Pad has 5 studs which attached with small nuts.
These are hard to remove just because the access is bad.
When I see a good dash pad at the wrecking yard, what I do is remove the donor car's windsheild and drop the entire dash assembly onto the front seat. Now all those little nuts are easy to get to!

For a "good car" that I need to swap dash pads on, I remove the glove box and instrument cluster in order to get access to these nuts, It is a time consuming process.

I have come to the point where I delete padded dashes from cars. I just do not want to "mess" with keeping them nice and besides, there is nice solid metal underneith. If you want to go this route, just rip the padding open and find the heads of the 5 studs. center punch and then drill them with a 5/16 bit and the head pops-off, the stud and nut falls out the back.
DD

I'm getting ready to do some work on my '64s dash. Since I'll be putting in a new windshield I'd like to learn more about "drop the entire dash assembly onto the front seat."
How is this done, aside from taking the steering column loose?

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aed
/6>V8

hey doc, do you just leave the dash open like that, or do you finish it off somehow without the pad? since my car is currently in frankenstein phase, i have no dash on for easy access, but i was thinking of cleaning it up later somehow, making it look clean without the dash... do you have pictures so i could get some ideas?

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70 Plymouth Valiant 4dr

So how does the dash come out?

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aed
/6>V8

Basically remove the windshield to access the 5 bolts hidden under the seal (must be done to access the bolts!).
Drop the steering column and E Brake handle, remove the bolts just under the dash on each end, remove the wiring at the firewall and the whole dash assembly should come out.

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65 Dart station wagon slant 6 - now under construction
47 Dodge Custom 4 Door sedan
87 D100 Short Bed slant 6

Retired USAF 1966-1986
Retired US Postal Service 2004-2014

As for "dropping down" the complete dash sheet metal assembly, remove the windshield and gasket. Under the gasket are 5 bolts, remove those. Also remove the steering column, E-brake handle and 2 side bolts, those are under the side panels ("kick panels") under the dash. Unplug any wires and the entire dash assembly can be removed.

For dash pad removal and no replacement... I have used push-in plugs to fill the dash pad mounting holes or filled the holes (weld & bondo) then repainted the area.
DD

Outstanding, Doc and 65 Dartman!
This looks really helpful!

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aed
/6>V8

I can't get the eHandle to come loose from the dash. I took out the only bolt I could see, but the bracket is still fast to the dash. Also, the steering column doesn't move much with the uBracket taken off. Is there something else holding it up?

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aed
/6>V8

E-Brake handle bracket has a stud with a nut on the back-side.
Steering column, take out the "floor plate" bolts (under the carpet) to allow the assembly to drop down more.
DD

<<<<bows to theDoc.

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aed
/6>V8