Howard ~ olevet Has A Problem...

[YellowRose]

Howard just emailed me and I do not know the answer to his problem. I will post what he said and the pix he sent me. Hopefully, someone can help him fix this problem.

"I had the dash pad replaced and the windshield is out of the car
The trim pieces won't line up right any suggestions
Thanks"

Here are the two pix he sent.

[jopizz]

There wasn't enough padding removed. You can't just put the dash in as is. You need to remove a lot of the inside padding, especially around the radio and the portion where the brackets are above the instrument panel and glove box.

John

[partsetal]

In over 25 years I have only seen one dash pad that fit correctly. I asked how it was done, and the restorer told me that he spent a lot of time working with the dash pad manufacturer to get it right. They claim to use 'Original Ford Tooling', but you can see the results on every Squarebird that has a new dash pad. With my Show car I spent an awful lot of time trimming foam, heating, stretching and fitting but was only able to get the groove very close to the molding. Since your windshield is out you have another option to use in addition to trimming the foam-move the molding until it fits the groove, and if you are satisfied with the gap between the molding and the windshield gasket, drill new holes for the molding (flat black paint in the gap makes the gap less noticeable). When I'm working with a dash pad that someone else replaced, I've moved the molding as far rearward as I could and still be able to reach the holes with the screws, not perfect, but less noticeable. If I had the time, I would make moldings that were an inch wider to deal with this problem.
Carl

[olevet]

Will i have to take the dash back out to trim the foam out?

[jopizz]

Even when I get it to where the molding is in the groove at the center of the windshield by the time it gets to the curve it's way off again. As Carl mentioned don't expect it to fit like the original factory dash. Was the pad put on with the metal frame in the car or was the frame removed. I've found that you get a lot better results if you fit the dash to the frame with it out of the car. I've done it both ways though.

John

[olevet]

Even when I get it to where the molding is in the groove at the center of the windshield by the time it gets to the curve it's way off again. As Carl mentioned don't expect it to fit like the original factory dash. Was the pad put on with the metal frame in the car or was the frame removed. I've found that you get a lot better results if you fit the dash to the frame with it out of the car. I've done it both ways though.

John

Not sure , I had the guy that did some upholstery work for me replace it, Then the Paint guy guy took it completely out, Im positive NO trimming took place though,

Is it Glued in place ?

[jopizz]

Will i have to take the dash back out to trim the foam out?

Yes, the dash needs to be removed to trim the foam padding.

John

[olevet]

Yes, the dash needs to be removed to trim the foam padding.

John

Thanks, was afraid of that
The excess pad explains why my people who were helping had such a hard time getting things to line up and work,

[jopizz]

It pays to check the Technical Resource Library first. There are a couple of articles on replacing a dash pad. It would've saved you some grief.

John

[olevet]

It pays to check the Technical Resource Library first. There are a couple of articles on replacing a dash pad. It would've saved you some grief.

John

The dash was done quite a few years ago. Just now trying to get it all back together.

[Tbird1044]

I thought I was one of the only ones having a problem with the fit of the molding behind the windshield. Now I feel better about the fit I ended up with. Like Howard, my dashpad was installed years ago and now I've finally got it installed.
Nyles

[Tbird1044]

Show Car

Carl:
Do you have any pictures of your show car? I looked in our Rides and didn't find anything. Would love to see it.
Nyles

In over 25 years I have only seen one dash pad that fit correctly. I asked how it was done, and the restorer told me that he spent a lot of time working with the dash pad manufacturer to get it right. They claim to use 'Original Ford Tooling', but you can see the results on every Squarebird that has a new dash pad. With my Show car I spent an awful lot of time trimming foam, heating, stretching and fitting but was only able to get the groove very close to the molding. Since your windshield is out you have another option to use in addition to trimming the foam-move the molding until it fits the groove, and if you are satisfied with the gap between the molding and the windshield gasket, drill new holes for the molding (flat black paint in the gap makes the gap less noticeable). When I'm working with a dash pad that someone else replaced, I've moved the molding as far rearward as I could and still be able to reach the holes with the screws, not perfect, but less noticeable. If I had the time, I would make moldings that were an inch wider to deal with this problem.
Carl

[olevet]

I thought I was one of the only ones having a problem with the fit of the molding behind the windshield. Now I feel better about the fit I ended up with. Like Howard, my dashpad was installed years ago and now I've finally got it installed.
Nyles

The pad was replaced several years ago, I was just in the last year able to get back to trying to get the car on the road.After the Paint guy got done it was at my friends shop and they were putting the interior back together, Only when it Got here to My shop did I notice things not fitting correctly

[Randy]

Rnndy's taking notes

[olevet]

Rnndy's taking notes

LOL
Ive decided to just leave it alone since its already back in the car . Doesn't appear I would gain much by redoing it.