Dash Pad Removel

[RottenDog]

Can someone describe the best procedure (steps) for removing the dash pad from my 77 J10? Thanks!

[Ralph]

Step 1: Remove windshield.

[J4GRAND]

Here we go with this again! I removed the dash pad from my 73 J4000 WITHOUT removing the windshield. It makes it 1000% easier, but it is not necessary. There are a series of threaded shafts embedded into the dash pad that go through the metal dash frame and are held on by 5/16 (I believe) nuts. These nuts/bolts are along the edge of the pad, so it gets a little dicey around the instrument cluster; I was lucky, mine was out when I removed the dash pad.
Under the lower windshield seal, is where the dash frame attaches to the cab. On my 73, there were about 8 torx bolts (#20s). The dash pad, in particular the vinyl, has tabs that go under these bolts, so that's why they have to be removed. I bought a torx screwdriver, soaked the heck out of the bolts with penetrating oil, and removed the bolts. You can pry the lower seal up enough to see the bolts and get the screwdriver in there. On a couple of the bolts, I had to use a torx socket on a 12" extension to break the bolt free.
Reassembly is the BE-YITCH!! It's tough to get those bolts started being under the w/s seal. I had help when I put it back together-six or eight hands would have been nicer. This job is not for the feint of heart. It can be done with the w/s in or out- next time I will remove it. I didn't this time because I had bad luck in the past trying to get a w/s out- can anyone say crrrrackkkk! Hope this helps you out.