dash pad removal
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
dash pad removal
Hello fellow Ford friends,
I have a 79 bronco that is getting ready for paint. I pulled the complete interior out of the truck less the dash pad. Just wondering if the dash pad can be removed without removing the dash? if so does anyone have any step by step instructions? If not I will also need some instructions on how to remove the whole dash.
Cheers
I have a 79 bronco that is getting ready for paint. I pulled the complete interior out of the truck less the dash pad. Just wondering if the dash pad can be removed without removing the dash? if so does anyone have any step by step instructions? If not I will also need some instructions on how to remove the whole dash.
Cheers
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
I don't know how different the 78/79 and the 80-86 are, but I've removed the dashpad on my '81 numerous times and it's incredibly simple.
There are a series of screws along the bottom up front. About 10 or so.
Then, about 10 along the back by the windshield. All of them are visible and right out in the open.
Once they're all out, you can simply lift the dashpad out and take it out of the vehicle.
There are a series of screws along the bottom up front. About 10 or so.
Then, about 10 along the back by the windshield. All of them are visible and right out in the open.
Once they're all out, you can simply lift the dashpad out and take it out of the vehicle.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 342
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From: Big Sky MT
There is studs & nuts holding the pad on. It can be removed without taking the whole dash out. You might need to remove the heater defrost tubes. There is one bolt where the pad dips down between the gauge cluster & the glove box. Make yourself comfortable laying on your back as it will take a while. I believe they are 5/16 nuts.
New User
Joined: Mar 2016
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Related question: Dash removal 86 bronco, there's a screw above the steering column that seems to face backward and and something holding it on each side, how do I get to them? Do I need to drop the column?
Last edited by gmatt2; Mar 11, 2016 at 01:52 PM. Reason: addition
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
The dash in my '81 is no different than your '86 and there are no screws that I know of that are like you describe. Everything's easy to get to.
However, there ARE other screws for other things that look like they're for the dash, but aren't. Just loosen what you can see, wiggle the dash to see if it's loser, and then keep going. Nothing should be difficult to get to, unless someone's modified it.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2016
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I've found 2 bolts on each side, 1 top/bottom. I think that should get it minus any wires that need disconnected. All this to replace the blend door. Glad I didn't take it to a mechanic.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
The blend door for the heater? You shouldn't have to remove the dash cap for that. Pull the glove box out and the passenger kick panel and then there should be about six long bolts coming in from the firewall. Take the nut off of those and the heater assembly should be removable from the engine bay. That will give you access to the blend door. Replace your heater core while you have it out for good measure.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Heya Encho. Are you talking about on your 93? If so, I have no idea how different it is than my 81. On mine, every screw was visible and accessible. Just a matter of taking them all out and then the cap just lifted out. I was surprised by how super easy it was. But, I don't know if yours is the same.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 10
From: Phoenix, AZ
Heya Encho. Are you talking about on your 93? If so, I have no idea how different it is than my 81. On mine, every screw was visible and accessible. Just a matter of taking them all out and then the cap just lifted out. I was surprised by how super easy it was. But, I don't know if yours is the same.
I did just find a writeup on how to remove the soft cushion pad though if that's what you (Encho) needed. It's from FSB forums though
! I like these forums much better but there's some helpful stuff there too! Here's the link if you need want to see this guy's writeup! Dash pad replacement, 92-96 - Ford Bronco ForumIf I find that link to the dash removal walkthrough I'll post it here as well. I'll want to look at it again when I remove my Bronco's dash to swap wiring. It made removing the donor F-250 dash I had super easy.
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Hey abandoned.. The cover for the heater core does give some access but I found it best to remove the pad and loosen the dash itself. That way the you can get the defrost and vents tubes out of the way any you have a clear view straight into the blend door chamber. Remove 2 screws, drill out 2 rivets, remove the plastic pin attaching the actuator to blend door, and the entire assembly drops out. It was a bit more difficult to find a replacement by broncograveyard.com has one for $45, part# 37282. Thanks for your help.
New User
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That's affirmative... A/C. I spent some time diagnosing the problem. Removed the blower motor looking for bird nest/some obstruction. Checked the heat/AC and defrost actuators, removed the box on the engine firewall covering the A/C unit, and finally realized it was the blend door.
Everything's torn apart, time to replace all the dash lights, cigarette lighter, foam insulation strips in the vent systems...... I did find a hose unhooked I have to trace. Straight behind the steering wheel, up against the firewall, about the size of the washer fluid hose.
Everything's torn apart, time to replace all the dash lights, cigarette lighter, foam insulation strips in the vent systems...... I did find a hose unhooked I have to trace. Straight behind the steering wheel, up against the firewall, about the size of the washer fluid hose.