I got my radio back from https://www.randbvintageautoradio.com and installed along with the new kick panels from Rhino Fabrication with speaker cutouts. I am in the process of reinstalling the Deluxe padded dash and I cant't seem to get the pad to compress enough when pushing it straight back towards the windshield to get the clips to lock into the dash. I have looked in the service manual and on line and all say to start on pass side push in and lock in each clip one at a time. I think this pad was replace once already but not sure . My question : Is the pad supposed to have some compression characteristics to aid in installation? Also instructions say using a second person will aid in installation, but I just have the wife and it will lead to some issues ( if you know what I mean). Any offers or suggestion will be appreciated. TX
Sorry, it's been 12 years since I did mine, and memory ain't what it used to be. I don't friggin remember.
On my 69... It helps to rotate the pad up slightly... so that the clips are facing down at an slight angle... then push down and forward. It would be helpful with two people... wife's attempts to help greatly appreciated... but if you position yourself in the center, it can be done... with practice.
Yea that's easy for you to say I think the pad has lost some of its flexibility ( just like a lot of us old people) Instructions state several attempts may be needed I know the thing about rotating it up slightly , starting on the pass. side I was able to get about 4 clips in and then the those clips popped out of the channel on the pad I going to try again in a few days when it is warm enough laying the pad out in the sun and see what happens. May have to have the wife help.
So now back to my dash pad. I am going to order a new pad and was wondering if anybody has any insight on who order from? So far there is Scott Drake through JEGS Dashes Direct through Summit Racing Dennis Carpenter https://restorationpartssource.com/...65_Interior_and_Soft_Trim_Parts_Dash_Pads.htm https://www.ecklers.com/1964-65-falcon-ranchero-comet-black-dash-pad-41-37517-1.html They may be all made from the same mfg. but IDK
Instrument Specialties refurbished mine... looks like new. might be an option depending on the cost of an aftermarket.
OK just ordered dash pad and clips etc. from https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/cgc...oice=65&searchtextdesc=dash+pad&searchnumber= We'll see what turns up rancherorandy Any insight on installing the pad?
last one I did one it didn't go on easy. I think the problem is the clips dont quite reach the slots without putting a lot of pressure on the front face of the pad. , I started in the middle , reached under the dash and manipulated the pad until I could feel the clip in the slot. (if your hand will fit through the radio opening it may help to remove the radio to feel for the clips, I seem to remember mine didnt so I reached under the dash ). then it took a lot of hand pressure to seat the clip. it was winter time , I started by heating the back of the pad with a heat gun. mark the top of the pad with the locations of the clips with masking tape so you know where to focus pressure to seat the clips. hope this helps
That's where I'm at, last time I tried it was by myself with a older replacement pad that someone else installed previously. It was not very hot out and the foam didn't flex much. I am waiting on a new pad, will paint it and let it cure and then set it out in full sun to bake and possibly soften the pad and hopefully a second person to help. I like the suggestion of marking it up for clip position. More to follow!
