Hi eveyone,
so I finally started rebuilding my interior after my heater corps ruined my carpet. It was good chance to get it all cleaned up coated and insulated. So while I was at it I decided to rip out the dash too. So to keep it short I have a new dash pad from mustangs unlimited and it seems to tight. It's all the way on and cliped into the the side holes, but the top is really snug and leaves about a 1/2 in of spaces between the pad and dash on the corners? Is this normal?

 

Is the gap in question covered by the dash to windshield moulding?

 

Here's the deal: I bought one from NPD for my 65 and had the same issues. I sent it back and they sent me another one - I paid shipping. Same thing. They said I should buy the 'original tooling' model, made by the same company, mind you. It fit perfectly (but was about $75 more). As I have asked before - why would a company sell a dash pad that doesn't fit at all AND one that fits perfectly? If you want one that fits, you'll have to buy an 'original tooling' model and send that one back.

 

Wow that's rediculous. So I spent 140 bucks on something that was never gonna fit in the first place?

2+2. The gap is between the dash and the gauges and the dash and the trim piece.

 

Yuk. Original tool is the only way to go. Not possible for you 67-68 readers, but there is a much more expensive repro, and that's the way to go there. Dash pads are a "you get what you pay for" item. Glazier Nolan won't even sell the cheaper pads. They won't use them in their restoration shop, so they figure why stick parts customers with them?

 

Mine from Mustangs unlimited was the same way....meow thats not actually a big deal.

I set mine in place and before installing the gauge pod and passenger trim I set clamps in place overnight between the A pillar and the corners of the dash pad speading them out. I hit it with the heat gun before installation to make it go even smoother.

Now once everything is in, its nice and tight, no gaps like you will see on "original tooling". It was more work, but I'd rather have it tight then loose...aheem

 

thanks tcrote. I'm gonna work on it today now that the weekend is here. I'm hoping I can get it tight enough to get the gauges and trim on. I was thinking heat gun, but clamps sounds good as well. That way i can pull it in slow and maybe stretch it a little. I will see.

 

Hello,

I have a 1973 Mustang MACH1, and need to replace the dash pad, but could not remove the old piece of the place.
How do I remove the dash pad on my car?
Thanks.

 

Is the gap under the pad? You might have to push and pull some. There won't be any real stretch but the pad might be bowed a little and pushing it down will increase the length. I go with the original Ford tooling whenever it is available. The extra bucks are worth it.