Dash removal ?'s

[Randy73]

The service manual is not so great, so can someone give me a step by step procedure to remove the dash out of a 73 charger rallye?

 

[RRGTX72]

If it is anything like my 72 Road Runner you have 4 bolts across the top right beneath the windshield. Then you have one bolt on each side under the dash above the kick panels near the door jamb. Then you have your 3 bolts that hold your steering column up. Only the 2 in the front actually go around your dash. I have attached a couple of pics with annotations when I had mine out. I hope this helps.

 

[Randy73]

Thanks, did you have to take the window out?

And how about the gauge removal, was that hard?

 

[RRGTX72]

Thanks, did you have to take the window out?

And how about the gauge removal, was that hard?

Randy,
I did have the window out, but I am not sure if it is a requirement. It did make it extremely easy to get to the bolts though. As far as the gauges, the biggest trouble I had was getting to the light switch and wiper plugs. As well as unhooking all of the power cables on the gauges. It just takes a lot of patience and contortionist act to get it done. I will say, if you can, have your steering column unbolted and dropped down out of the way. That way you can work the cluster out by pulling the top out and down and work the rest of it out as you get things unplugged. I hope this helps.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Just pulled my dash this weekend and put back in. Did not have window out. Took screws out of dash speaker plate and revealed top 4 bolts. First though I dropped steering column to floor or on seat. Unplugged all steering column wiring (disconnect batttery first!!) and brake light, door switch wiring too. Disconnected vacuum lines from dash controls too. Pulled all inner window trim and A pillar trim along with kick panels. Loosened two side bottom bolts about half way out and then using a long extension and swivel removed top 4 bolts from dash. This will allow dash to come forward and you can disconnect speedometer cable. Ohhh...be sure to disconnect bulkhead wiring harness by taking off 2 nuts on firewall to release and disconnect heater wiring from right side front of box. This now will allow complete dash to rotate forward and with a little muscle you can take out. Two people work better but can be done with one. Expect cuts and scratches and it is heavy.

 

[Sputnik]

I did two a few months back (swap), very do-able by yourself, it helps to have a bucket or milk crate about the right size that will allow you to pivot the dash downwards (leave the two bolts on either side above kickpanels loose, no need to remove them at all as you'll see) set the bucket (or whatever will work for you) on the tranny hump or center console and let the dash ease back and rest on it, then you can get in behind and "play" with loose ends, remove asst do-dads and (important) make notes and tag wires, etc. If your like me and it will be more than a day or two before reassembly - I'm already losing recall !

 

[mopar_buddie]

no need to have the window out did it on my 72 sat about a monthago and just need to have a extender on your socket or a wrench with a swivel hinge my recommendation would be to have someone help you hold up one end so you can maneuver it over the steering column can get a little awkward trying to do it your self