Changing the dash
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 11
From: freeland, mi
Changing the dash
Looking at a 99 ccsb that's is from out west and rust free here in Michigan. They are getting harder to find with lower miles and this one only has 140k. One of the things holding me back is the ugly blue interior. How hard is it to pull the existing dash and install a grey dash? What about the air bags? Do they need to be disabled some how before pulling or just disconnect the battery for a bit first? The truck is really nice just having a hard time getting past the blue interior. Thanks for the input.
Beer Fridge Finder
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 1,151
From: Savannah, GA
I don't think it would be all that difficult. A lot of tinkering. Air bags can be scary, but if you disconnect power and are very careful they can be maneuvered. It seems like a bunch of work. A couple of guys in the Michigan chapter have done it though! TheBigBee for one!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ading-412.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ading-412.html
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
When I pulled the air bags on my 99 ram donor vehicle (for 69 dart swinger) I simply disconnected the battery and pulled the dash cover (a lot of work) and unplugged them and pulled them out.
Just make sure to keep them pointed away from you while moving them and don't throw them around, also set them face up in a safe place when setting them down and you should be fine.
Just make sure to keep them pointed away from you while moving them and don't throw them around, also set them face up in a safe place when setting them down and you should be fine.
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
Dammit sorry, no YouTube video now!
Seriously though, pulling your dash apart is a LOT of work, and I mean a LOT.
It sounds simple in theory and it seems straight forward, but it's not.
For example;
In the case of the 99 Ram I gutted, I had to actually unbolt the entire dash frame and "roll-it" forward to get to the mounting bolts on the passenger side airbag.
(Which didn't matter since I was pulling every last, little, thing out if it.)
But just be aware it's not a 10-15min job.
Seriously though, pulling your dash apart is a LOT of work, and I mean a LOT.
It sounds simple in theory and it seems straight forward, but it's not.
For example;
In the case of the 99 Ram I gutted, I had to actually unbolt the entire dash frame and "roll-it" forward to get to the mounting bolts on the passenger side airbag.
(Which didn't matter since I was pulling every last, little, thing out if it.)
But just be aware it's not a 10-15min job.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: NV
Hey there guys,
Same question: I just purchased a F350 with brown interior which is all good But door panels have no wood trim and has a couple of scuffs on them so I purchased a set of grey interior (whole set from back panels to door panels pillars etc)...
Pulling me back on installing is the Dash,Looks KINDA HARD to replace the whole thing...
Not to mention if I swap Dash to grey it would be Better to also replace seat belts,carpet,headliner,back panels etc...
Now thingking if its worth the trouble???
Or just replace Tan Door panels with wood trims to look bit Better...
AND a GOOD DETAILING JOB (",)
Same question: I just purchased a F350 with brown interior which is all good But door panels have no wood trim and has a couple of scuffs on them so I purchased a set of grey interior (whole set from back panels to door panels pillars etc)...
Pulling me back on installing is the Dash,Looks KINDA HARD to replace the whole thing...
Not to mention if I swap Dash to grey it would be Better to also replace seat belts,carpet,headliner,back panels etc...
Now thingking if its worth the trouble???
Or just replace Tan Door panels with wood trims to look bit Better...
AND a GOOD DETAILING JOB (",)
Beer Fridge Finder
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 1,151
From: Savannah, GA
Dang that's a lot of work! I'd just do the door panels... but if the tan bugs you THAT much I guess you could do it. Mix matching the colors would look bad, so if you're going to do some, you'd have to do it all. Man that sounds like a lot of freakin work!
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
If it were me guys,
I'd offer for advice 1 word;
Dye.
If you just simply can't live with the color, or if you've got mismatched pieces, (door panels etc) there are plenty of good quality dye kits out there as well as companies that will do it for you.
It takes some work/time to do it correctly,
But less than gutting the interior in your rigs, plus,
No matter how careful you are things break when you're gutting your interior, (UV rays and interior plastic don't get along)
I'd offer for advice 1 word;
Dye.
If you just simply can't live with the color, or if you've got mismatched pieces, (door panels etc) there are plenty of good quality dye kits out there as well as companies that will do it for you.
It takes some work/time to do it correctly,
But less than gutting the interior in your rigs, plus,
No matter how careful you are things break when you're gutting your interior, (UV rays and interior plastic don't get along)
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
True,
But sometimes it's not an option,
For example on parts and pieces, after you've looked for a replacement part for awhile you'll take any color you can get especially if it's a good price.
In the case of my SD,
It met all my criteria, except 1, interior color.
I wanted ex cab, 7.3psd, 4x4, green, long bed, receiver hitch, fifth wheel, tinted glass, power options, etc
So my SD hit all the check marks except 1, interior color, but I can live with tan, I don't hate it, but I don't love it, I'm "ok" with it.
But sometimes it's not an option,
For example on parts and pieces, after you've looked for a replacement part for awhile you'll take any color you can get especially if it's a good price.
In the case of my SD,
It met all my criteria, except 1, interior color.
I wanted ex cab, 7.3psd, 4x4, green, long bed, receiver hitch, fifth wheel, tinted glass, power options, etc
So my SD hit all the check marks except 1, interior color, but I can live with tan, I don't hate it, but I don't love it, I'm "ok" with it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
scottddove
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 26, 2008 12:34 PM