dash pads

[kaptnkaos]

How does one remove the padded dash cover on a '68 & '71 F series.? Are differant years interchangeable ? I have a '68 that has a bad one and '71 that has a decent one... can I remove one so it can be used on the other ?

[jor]

Yea, they are all the same, 67-72. The pad is held on by nuts secured to bolts that are integrated into the dash unit. If you're lucky, when you get your old cracked dash off you'll behold a beautiful factory finished metal dash. When I took my 67 off and got all the crap cleaned off, the paint was like new. On my 68, however, it wasn't so nice. Good luck. Here's three photos showing the bolts. If you need more or better photos, PM me and I'll email them to you.
jor

[dcbullet]

Depending on the amount of corrosion in your truck, this might not be too difficult. When I removed mine, I did not have to use a ratchet handle. I just held the socket in my hand, reached up under the dash, and could undo them with finger strength.

I recommend you remove the glove box and the instrument panel. I did not need to remove my radio.

[jor]

I just held the socket in my hand, reached up under the dash, and could undo them with finger strength.

A 1/4" drive or a nut driver also works well on them.
jor

[hmills]

Do you have to remove the front part of the dash (a/c unit, glovebox, instrument panel, etc. to get to the bolts? if so what all must be removed?

[jor]

In a word, yes. I don't have air but I took out my instrument panel and glove box to get good access. The instrument panel comes off with 8 or 10 screws. You just have to reach behind it, snake your hand through the wires and unscrew the speedometer cable. Then the panel will come out far enough for you to unplug it from the harness. Be careful when you take out your glovey. If it's the original, it will be brittle. You can get a pretty good replacement from Dennis Carpenter and others. Tqke photos when you do it.
jor

[alvinator]

while on the subject of Dash pads, has anyone used the Dash covers that goes right over your original pad? Do they look any good or what?

[hmills]

speaking of dashpads. check out the ebay item Item number: 8041084553
Starting bid: US $599.00

not mine!

[460 crew]

while on the subject of Dash pads, has anyone used the Dash covers that goes right over your original pad? Do they look any good or what?

From the feedback I have heard from others they were not too impressed with them. Save your money up for a new one or an ebay used one, or the growing rapidly trend of just leaving it bare painted metal after you remove it.

[fordman]

i personally seen one installed it is hard plastic. and this one was loose where it met the winshield. i don't care for the one i saw.

[jor]

One more tip on removing your dash pad: Remove your negative battery cable before you start screwing around under there.
jor

[binder56jd]

it can get real ugly-real quick jd