Ah but the early 5s had different rim panels on the sides and the panel can
not be pulled out toward you. It can only be removed by having the
windshield out or bent up in the center to make it shorter to fit around the
windshield posts. Been there done that!!!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Blackington" <cebuisle@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2003 9:50 PM
Subject: IML: dash pad removal
Hi Tim-
I've removed mine more times than I can to remember!. The vinyl keeps coming
loose, and I keep
trying to tighten it up. It's a losing battle. Anyway, remove the vertical
trim pieces on either side.
These are the chrome ones alongside your windshield. Then look under the
pad and you will see
another strip of chrome with a number of counter-sunk screws. Remove these
also. Hang onto your
chrome screws. The little rascals like to roll under the front seats.
Actually there are two strips joined
at the middle.
Now comes the HARD part. The pad is a VERY tight fit. You may find it
necessary as I have to remove
the steering column molding (under the dash and drop the column a few
inches, by loosening or removing
the bolts holding the column to the brace under the dash. This will lower
your steering wheel making it a
little easier to get the pad out. Now, pull one end of the pad forward and
up towards you. Once you have
an end out the rest will follow! To re-install reverse your steps. BUT I
warn you--
-getting it back in is difficult also, you have to "work" it in. Be careful
not to snag or otherwise tear
the vinyl pad cover. Under the cover is a foam pad that usually shrinks with
the years. This has a steel backing
and the cover is glued to the underside of the steel base. The glue also
works loose from sun and heat.
Be sure and fasten your steering column back in place, and re-install the
cover over it.
Hope it works out for you. 55' & '56 are the same, I have one of each .
Chrysler kept the dash design for
two years, except for the little shift lever which was replaced by push
buttons in '56. Fell free to contact
me personally if things go wrong- Good Luck!
cebuisle@xxxxxxx
Ted Blackington
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