65 Coronet 500 dash removal

[WmBaldwin57]

Ok, I'm in the beginning stages of restoring/modifying my 65 Coronet 500. The heater box had already been removed before I got it and I'm going to make a new guage pod to replace the factory one. As I was looking under the dash, there's really nothing there. How difficult is it to just remove the whole dash? Do I have to remove the windshield first? I'd like to sand it down and repaint it as well.

 

[moparmarks]

Removing the dash frame and building it on the bench is the best way, like the factory did. Pretty simple really. Just have a real good look and you'll see what all has to be diconnected, wiring and such. Remove the column. Can't remember for sure but think the windshield has to be out on the 62-5's. Paint the frame and install the cluster, switches, wiring, ect. Then stick it back in. Also you can install the heater box back in before the dash.

 

[funnycar65]

yes windshield has to be out to get to the bolts under the lower inner trim molding.

 

[5.7 hemi]

There are 7-8 bolts by the windshield (gotta beolt out), the a pillar trim, and then there 2 bs on either side (pull the kick panels). Column out, and then the misc. ign., wiper, e-brake, etc., instrument cluster then you should be good to go.

 

[bluefury]

65 dash restro

I did just that on my 65 500 last winter. I removed the steering column and then the entire dash, dissasembled, refinished everything and reassembled it on the bench. Mine is a factory A/C car too. I did it without removing the windshield.... It can be done but takes a lot of patience to get the top 6 screws back in place.

Rustoleum has a textured paint that looks about exact to the original textured finish on the top of the dash.

Take your time with it, it's worth it.

 

[WmBaldwin57]

I think I'll give it a try if it's possible without removing the windshield, I really hate to do that although I probably should. Thanks for the info.

 

[moparsteve636]

I removed the dash without taking the windshield out! It was a royal pain in the arse!I modified a wrench for the bolts on the top!Still took a lot of time!Its better to take the dash out IMO

 

[WmBaldwin57]

Well I was about to tell all of you no-windshield people that it was a pack of lies after trying a socket, open end, and box end wrench, then I remembered by brake wrench....worked perfect so I should be able to get this out without issue. But like someone said, I bet it's going to be a bitc... to get back in. thanks for the help.