Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi, does anyone familiar with a 1939 Super 8 convertible sedan know if the metal part of the dash can be removed (either unbolting or popping rivets) or is it welded in? If welded in then it's for me impossible to remove. I'd like to send it to Grain It Technologies in Florida because I earlier purchased the (new) 3 piece plastic parts as my originals was old and cracked.

Thanks,

Steve

Bolted in at ends

In addition to side bolts, later models also have some screws across the top located under the windshield finish molding. If it still doesn't seem free after removing side bolts and any mechanical comonents connected to the bottom edge check for upper screws.

You'll be looking for like 3/8" nuts. The, I think, 4 small bolt heads, two at each end, one high, one low, are attached to the dash. (Click on photo to see the violet arrow pointing to one.) The real issue is disconnecting everything along the bottom and all the wires behind.

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I did this on a friend's 1950 4-door sedan. I carefully tagged each wire as I removed it because the cloth insulation was disintegrating. That was the only way to identify all the wiring terminals so that I could reattach them properly.

This is probably a good time to replace the dash associated wiring.

Yes, I'm changing the wiring also, it's a safety thing - and thanks for the photos and info everyone, very helpful indeed!

I did this job on a 1941 model a few years back. A very uncomfortable job but very pleasing when done.
And yes, highly recommend replacing the wiring harness! I replaced the entire harness from headlamps to tail lamps.
We don't need the smoke being let out of those old wires!