How to replace your 71-73 dash pad

How to replace your 71-73 Dash Pad.

1. First, obtain your new dash pad from your favorite Mustang parts vendor.

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2. Start by removing the original dashboard from the top. Unscrew the six screws aligned across the front of the top and also taking out the three screws above the instrument panel.

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3. Continue by taking out three additional screws laid across the top of the passenger side. These are the ones that keep the top of the dashboard in place.

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4. Lift the top of the dashboard and pull out the entire assembly being careful not to scratch the a pillar trim.

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5. Remove the five tinnerman nuts on the back of the dashboard panel assembly. Use an 11/32-inch socket.

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6. Now, separate the dashpad and crown as shown in the photo. You will be installing the new dashpad in the same fashion.

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7. There are two locations for nut clips on each side of the dashpad. Drill these locations with a 3/8-inch bit to make way for the nut clip. Remove the material in the middle of each side to make room for the nut clips to be attached to the dashboard.

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8. Be sure to drill pilot holes in the two locations on each side first. Then, drill them with the 3/8-inch bit as shown—again, this is for the nut clips. The new 3/8-inch hole will allow room for adjustment.

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9. Transfer the nut clips from the old dashpad to the new Just Dashes dashpad.

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10. Be sure to remove that material from the middle of each side to make room for the dashboard nut clips. If you need a reference, look at your original dashpad to see where you need to remove the material. To do this, you can use a jigsaw.

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11. The dashboard crown is retained with screws and three retainer clips that slip into three square openings in the top of the dashboard. Be careful with these clips! If they break, you’ll be forced to look around for a parts car.

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12. Now, to complete the install of the new dashpad and crown, simply slip the clips into the square openings, pushing the assembly in place. Keep in mind, this part of the install requires you to temporarily remove your vehicle identification number (VIN), as it is attached to this assembly. Check your state’s vehicle laws for VIN removal and transfer, as you may have to have a law enforcement officer or motor vehicle administrator witness the removal to keep this thing legal.

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13. Reinstall the screws that keep the dashboard crown and dashpad fastened. Now, just enjoy your new dash! Hopefully, it took you less than an hour…

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[Hscott]

Hi. I have a Ford tooling dash pad that rattles even though I have added cushioning. I think I am going to replace it with a urethane dash pad I also have but didn't use because I couldn't find suitable u clips for the 4 screws that attach the dash pad to the front of the dash. The standard u clips won't spread enough to go over the really thick lip on the underside of the urethane dashpad. The mounting strip on the pad is much thicker than the oem or ford tooling version (which is fairly thin metal) Can anyone recommend a suitable workaround and/or a specific u-clip that is wide enough or flexible enough to work with the urethane dash pad? Many thanks, as always,

 

[swisstoni]

Hi,
thanks so much for the guide, appreciate it much. Was trying to follow it as I'd like to install a center dash speaker.
However am a bit unsure on how many screws need to be undone - is it 12 (6+3+3) or 6? Have been able to find the 6 screws located above instrument panel / glove compartment.
Are there additional ones towards the windshield requiring undoing? And if so, where are they and how can they be undone?

Thanks a bunch!