I am 16 years old just getting into this and I need help removing and replacing the dashpad.I can't find any screws or clips please help thanks Alex
The pad has studs built into it. There are a number of nuts accessed from under the dash and through the instrument cluster opening. You can see them in the picture on this auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-1971-1972-1973-1974-1975-Ford-Maverick-Dash-Pad_W0QQitemZ280038595806QQihZ018QQcategoryZ40017QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Several years ago I wrote an article on how to remove a dashpad. It is a Microsoft WORD document complete with pictures. If you would like a copy, PM me your email and I'll gladly send it on to you.
I agree with Tom. Any original non cracked dash pad you find now is just going to crack a few years down the road like the rest of them already have. The dash cap is something that is going to last for many years (mine is 13 years old and still looks great), and easily replaceable. To get the original pad out, you are going to have to remove the package tray, intsurment cluster, heater controls and removeing the headlight switch and wiper switch makes life alot easier. It's still a pretty big PITA, but I can have one off in about 30 minutes.
I have to disagree with your statement Jamie. You can use a number of different sprays and dyes that will rejuvinate old vinyl and keep it soft and new looking for many years to come. I use SEM products and they contain chemicals that soften and restore the old vinyl and protect it from further damage. As long as the dashpad is not hard and ready to crack, they can be made like new again and last a long time. Dash caps are great for coving damaged dashpads. But for $10 you can save a decent pad and make it like new again.
Yea, I guess. But even Dan Hines has dash cap on his car now to protect the original one. I guess some may not mind, but personally I don't want the extra hassle of trying to keep an original pad in good shape when it has to sit out in the sun all day everyday on my daily driver. I can throw a cap on there, wipe the dust off every few weeks with a damp cloth and never have to worry about it. I gather that since he is 16, this is not going to be some garaged show car.
'Hate to tell you this, but covering it makes it even more likely to crack. I learned that the hard way. I now have an original '76 dash pad in there (and I got it 15 years ago), and not a single crack yet. Not bad for a 30 year-old dash pad...
Hate to tell you this, but you're barking up the wrong tree. The dash pads in all seven of my cars were dried out years ago and have huge gapeing cracks. All I'm saying is the cap works great for me and MANY others here and is a hell of alot easier to find and install then an originnal dash pad, not to mention practically ZERO maintainance.
I think you're misunderstanding me. I am not against the dash-cap at all. I bought one in the last group purchase for my buddy Larry. Yes, if your pad is already cracked, the cap is a great way to go. What I was saying is that covering a good dash pad will NOT preserve it, but rather cause it to absorb more heat and crack even sooner. It happened with my original dash pad. I don't recommend covering a good dash pad. What I do highly recommend is periodic use of Pledge furniture polish. Yes, you read that right. NOT Armor-All or any of that other silicone-based stuff. The Pledge keeps the dash pad moisturized, makes it nice & shiny & clean looking, and has a nice smell to it...
TL is right. Another product that might sound odd, is Kiwi shoe polish in the tin. (Paste, not liquid in a bottle). I was told this trick by a vinyl repair shop. Softens, protects and adds color all at the same time.
No, I'm not misunderstanding you at all. You seem to fail to see the point I am trying to make that putting an original dash pad on a car that will be driven every single day is pointless and just createing more work for yourself for a pad that will potentially crack anyways. Get back to me 15, 20 or 30 years from now after driving the car everyday and letting that original pad sit out in the sun all day everyday. You may make it last like it was brand new another 100 years on a car that is garaged 90% of the time, but on a daily driver it's a whole diffrent story. My feeling is no amount of chemicals is going to help a pad after it's sat out in the sun for 40-50+ years in the future. Time will tell.
Well all I wanted to know is how to take it off and replace it but thanks for the extra info it could be somthing to think about.
