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

G'day,

Need some help and assistance please. Currently taking out the old wiring harness from my '41 120 Coupe as it needs to be replaced. Having a new harness made by an Aussie company but he needs the old one as a pattern.

All went well until we came to the dash board and now we're stuck. The instrument panel needs to be removed to access and release the wires there BUT we cannot get the instrument panel out! The radio has been removed but this didn't help much. As well the 4 small screws holding the bottom of the panel in place are out. However can't see or feel from the back what is still holding it there.

Do you need to remove the plastic from around the guages to access other screws? I didn't want to do this as it's probably very brittle given it's age and unless I was advised to do so. Or is there another solution? The books I have are not at all helpful so it's now up to you guys.

HELP!

BFH.

You may need to remove the moulding around bottom of the windshield to see if there are any screws hiding under there.

Eric and Kevin,

I can only guess what Eric's answer means, and all I can come up with doesn't fit with this family friendly forum! While for Kev's I don't think so, because in the '41 the windscreen is a fair way from the instrument panel, but we'll look at that option anyway.

B.F.H., Bolts Formerly Hidden. Get yer mind out of the gutter!

48 thru 54 has screws at leading edge of dash, but are hidden by windshield trim. Remove trim and look for screws along top edge. I'd be surprised if there weren't at least seven screws with some anti-squeak between the dash and cowl.

I always thought B.F.H. was Big F'ing Hammer

Mal,

I think I may have misread your question. I guess what you are asking is about removing just the instrument cluster?

I thought you were reffering to the entire dash board.

I know of the later models the cluster is held in by clips/screws on the back side. Also, as the wiring may be very stiff, it also can act to hold the cluster in place even with the retaining screws removed.

I am not sure if there is a bezel on the front of your cluster that may need to me removed first also. The pre-war dashes are a different beast compared to the simple 51-54 dashes.

Update - Wade took off the moulding around the drivers side windscreen but couldn't find any screws securing the instrument panel in place. He also climbed under the dash again and emerged frustrated once again.

Just to clarify, I'm looking to take out the instrument panel only without taking out the whole dash, if this is possible.

Any advice, hints, etc will be most welcome.

Attached - I hope is a pic of a '41 dash. Note - pic is NOT of my '41, wish it was!

Attach file:

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On 39 and 40 Super dash there are two studs on the back side of the cluster about half way between the top and bottom (mid-way) one on the left, and one on the right. small nuts must be undone. On the bottom, there are two screws on the left and two screws on the right. speedo cable probably needs to be disconnected before attempting to remove. I bet this 41 is a similar setup.

Best of luck!