Can anyone give me some pointers on the installation of the 65 Dash Pad. This is an aftermarket pad and it doesnt fit worth a DAMN. Should I just fork over the money for Ford tooling pad or can I tweek this one. Also should I wait to install the pad after the windshield or before?
Thanks
Johnny

 

I feel your pain - been there, done that. The 'repro' pad NPD sells didn't come close to fitting. It was too short to draw up tight. I even had them send me a second one (and I paid return shipping on the first). That one didn't fit either so they suggested buying the 'original' model (which is now over $200 I believe) since they fit better. That one fit very well. The irony (or stupidity) is that both pads are made by the same company. Why would a company make one pad that doesn't fit at all (and actually sell it) and one that fits perfectly? Anyway, I bought the 'original' pad from NPD and it went on very easily and fits very well.

I installed mine after the windshield.

 

I feel your pain. I would wait until after your windshield is in also.

I had to do a lot of test fitting with mine but it finally worked and looks great. I had to take a knife and cut out material padding inside on a few places stopping it from fitting well.

Everyone has to do the same thing. I wouldn't waste the money on more expensive one either.

 

They sell two because some people are too cheap to pony up for the good one, which costs more to make.

You can put the pad on before or after the windshield, but you have to have the moulding off, of course. It helps to do the pad on a hot, sunny day, when you are uncomfortably warm.

At least the "original tool" is available. The tool for the 67-68 was destroyed. There are still two choices, not right and really not right.