How do you remove the metal dash panel

 

Unhook everything and then unbolt it? I haven't done it myself so can't tell you where every bolt is, but I can say that picking up a set of the factory service manuals is well worth it for these trucks - they are very thorough and helpful:

1977 ford truck service manual | eBay

 

The complete metal panel? Drop down or remove the steering column (unbolt from underneath it). Remove the dash bezel, instrument cluster, glove box, disconnect the electrical connections for the head light, w/s wiper, ignition switches.

Disconnect the plastic flex ducting for the defrost vent ducting and from the back side of the a/c vents if you have it. You can leave the dash pad on or remove it.

Separate the environmental control panel out the back of the mount panel, un plug the radio power and antenna, disconnect the brake pedal from the booster and what ever else I missed....

Unbolt it and remove it...You know you can paint it with it installed?

 

Here is what it looks like when its out.

 

If you do want to take the dash clear out, I believe there are two bolts behind it on the left and right side that screw into the inside of the cab. I thought I was home free once I had the bolts out off the steering column and everything stripped out of the dash. Couldn't figure out why it wasn't coming out. Got to looking in behind the dash and found these bolts. Once these are out, you're good to go.