Re: 1946 Clipper Dash Removal

Posted by HH56 On 2014/8/12 9:17:53

The dash proper is held by screws across the top at the lower windshield edge and a bolt on the bottom side edges into the door pillars. To access those the windshield finish molding and kick panels remove. To remove the windshield molding, IIRC the mirror and center molding also has to come off. There are many other things under dash that need to be removed or accounted for.

The hood releases, vent handle & steering column clamp and support rod all bolt to the bottom edge of dash & have to separate. Windshield wiper switch on the top and any switches or controls attached on the dash bottom have to be removed or disconnected. Ign switch needs to disconnect to come out of dash or else armored cable at coil disconnected. Radio is supported by rods which hook onto a mount on windshield flange so those come off and then radio would be removed to get rid of weight and bulk.

Depending on how you handle the instrument cluster, there is a speedo cable and the temp gauge has to be removed from cluster or sensor bulb disconnected at the engine and pulled back.

Once you are sure things are disconnected and wiring etc pulled thru, the screws holding the dash can be removed and dash will be free. It is bulky and hard to maneuver around steering column. The windlace on the door jambs is delicate so a helper is handy to help. You might want to consider removing the steering wheel for the extra room but not absolutely necessary.

Not sure if it would be of help but my dash is currently out and I can post photos of anything you might want info on.