71 RR Dash Frame Install

[SgtSuperbird]

Well, this is becoming common, asking for assistance... what is the issue with the dash frame installation? Picture 1 shows the windshield frame and dash frame. Picture 2 and 3 show when the dash frame is rotated forward, the "bent" downward flaps cut into the paint in all five locations, and no way do the mounting holes line up. I've already gouged the paint several times installing this easy item.

I don't know the history of the vehicle, although this dash frame DEFINITELY came out of this vehicle. The lower pivot bolts (upper kick panel) are in place and the frame is on the brake frame studs.

1) Is it possible, through the pictures, if the upper cowl/windshield area has been reworked or replaced?

2) Are the mounting screws correct?

3) What am I doing wrong?

Again, I didn't disassemble this RR.

 

[70chall440]

Remove the lower side pivots (the bolts) lift the dash frame slightly and push forward on to the cowl lip, the bottom of the dash will then rotate down and you can put in the side bolts.

Bottom line is that if the frame is pivoting on the lower side bolts it will not rotate into the upper position, it has to go the other way, at least this was my experience with my 71 Charger.

 

[72 Satellite]

Remove the lower side pivots (the bolts) lift the dash frame slightly and push forward on to the cowl lip, the bottom of the dash will then rotate down and you can put in the side bolts.

Bottom line is that if the frame is pivoting on the lower side bolts it will not rotate into the upper position, it has to go the other way, at least this was my experience with my 71 Charger.

I had my dash frame out 3 times on my 72 Satellite, and never experienced any alignment issues. It's definitely designed to be installed without removing the "pivot" bolts. Have you tried moving it left to right while it's swung up into place? If there is no way to get the holes lined up, I'd say it is possible the cowl area was re-worked. Just my 2 cents.

Rob

 

[SgtSuperbird]

Well, I discovered the firewall/cowl assembly was replaced with a repop piece. It's a horrible fit, holes aren't drilled, recesses are different than original AND the windshield lips are not even close - so nothing lines up.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[HEMIB]

May not have been lifted up far enough on the Firewall before welding had that problem myself now if i fit a new plenum i bolt the dash frame in before welding also check the glass fits OK

 

[YY1]

Late to the party, but can second- it should line up and pivot up into place with the side bolts installed.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Having a problem with the dash frame have you checked to see if the windshield fits?

 

[SgtSuperbird]

The windshield does not fit. Not even close. Whatever repro firewall/cowl was used was awful. It's out at the bodyman to rework the mess.

 

[QuickBpBp]

The windshield does not fit. Not even close. Whatever repro firewall/cowl was used was awful. It's out at the bodyman to rework the mess.

That sucks. Is he cutting out that cowl?

 

[RSMS]

The windshield does not fit. Not even close. Whatever repro firewall/cowl was used was awful. It's out at the bodyman to rework the mess.

Dang, that’s no fun. Hopefully it’s salvageable without too much waste. Re-doing someone else’s work is no fun. Good luck and if possible post some pictures

 

[SgtSuperbird]

To all who have posted: the car is supposed to be back later this week. I will post pictures. I'm really concerned about everything aligning. Looking forward (kind of) to the return.

 

[chargervert]

I have done them with the windshield still in the car and the fit with no issues. Check to see it maybe your dash frame is bent or was damaged when it was removed from the car.

 

[ct71rr]

I used an AMD firewall for my ‘71 RR. I had to cut off the entire top lip (it’s correct for E Bodies) and replace with the lip from my original firewall. I wonder if that has something to do with it? This is a screenshot from my build showing what I had to do. I also test-fitted my windshield after making the modification.