FJ40 Dash Pad Removal ?

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IndyCruiser

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Dec 14, 2006
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I'm new here and I can't find the search area for How to remove the dash pad on an 82 FJ40. mine seams to be caught on something by the defroster vents. Does anyone have the shop manuals for the FJ40 here on line or a link to them.

Thanks for any help.
Craig
 
There are 'prongs' behind the dashpad, on the metal extension plate of the dashboard that the pad sits on. You need to pry up on them to release the pad. To do this, the windshield frame needs to be folded down.:frown:

Sure you still want to do it?

Best

Mark A.
 
65swb45 said:
There are 'prongs' behind the dashpad, on the metal extension plate of the dashboard that the pad sits on. You need to pry up on them to release the pad. To do this, the windshield frame needs to be folded down.:frown:
Click to expand...

Is that specific to an 82 or would that also apply to my 78? I'll be removing mine soon to put in a dashbox.
 
Same on either one. with the w/shield folded down, you can insert a long heavy screwdriver from the side and pop it..it'll come right off.
 
I was trying to do the same thing 2 days ago and just gave up, and then put all the screws back in? After all that I figured that the winshield would have to go forward but that seems like a huge pain since I have the hardtop? Pain in the ***
 
Wow that sounds like alot of work, I can't put my windshield down my top is on for the winter, which is why I bought this one. For a Snow mobile. My windshield wiper doesn't work it needs grounded and that is why I needed to remove the dash pad to put in a ground wire. Any sugestipons for puting in a ground would be helpfull.
Craig
GO COLTS :beer:
 
A nice black carpet DashMat for $40 is a decent solution until you get a chance take the top off and want to replace your Dash Pad with the $400 OEM part. - The cheaper hard plastic "dash cover" is OK but seems like they never lie down flat. I've heard if you heat em up with a hot air gun or blow dryer you can get an acceptable result.
 
I have pulled the padded dash several times on my 1970 with out messing with the windshield. So are later models different?
 
4x4veteran said:
I have pulled the padded dash several times on my 1970 with out messing with the windshield. So are later models different?
Click to expand...

After they have been removed a few times they come off pretty easy. The tabs are not really spring steel, so they don't necessarily 'spring' back their original shape.
 
reddingcruiser said:
After they have been removed a few times they come off pretty easy. The tabs are not really spring steel, so they don't necessarily 'spring' back their original shape.
Click to expand...

So you are saying the 70 dash is the same as later models? Last time I took mine off wasn't real easy but it did come off and went back on with out messing with the windshield.

Careful using pry bars as the plastic covering on those old dashes is brittle.

NicksFJ40 said:
Any suggestion on re-attaching the prong end to the pad? Is there a good glue or epoxy?
Click to expand...
Prong end?
 
Sorry, I was referring to the pad bellow the pocket door. I assumed they were secured in the same way.
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I have done similar things like this on other projects so you might give this a try.
flange2.webp
Clear away a small area around the hole and then bur out a couple slots on either side of the hole. You will not need much. 1/16 - 1/8 each side. Be careful not to go to deep into the foam. Then take small bolt, 1/4-20? and grind the head to fit into the slot you made. You may have to tack weld a larger head on if you can't find a bolt with a large enough head. You will have to grind the head down thin so it will not push the foam out making a bump on the front side. Once you have everything ground and shaped fit the end of the bolt into the slot and turn about a quarter turn. Make sure everything lines up and when you are satisfied apply some JB weld or other glue of your choice to hold it in place. Make sure that what ever you use will not melt the foam part. The threaded bolt should hold reasonably snug.
 
Has anyone successfully removed a dashpad w/o lowering the windshield? If so, care to share any details. Open to any and all ideas here.

‘78 FJ40, replacing an original cracked pad w/ a new OEM pad, so if destroying the original pad helps (cutting it up to remove etc) then so be it. Thanks in advance.

-Tom
 
DuxTom said:
Has anyone successfully removed a dashpad w/o lowering the windshield? If so, care to share any details. Open to any and all ideas here.

‘78 FJ40, replacing an original cracked pad w/ a new OEM pad, so if destroying the original pad helps (cutting it up to remove etc) then so be it. Thanks in advance.

-Tom
Click to expand...
Going through exactly this with my 1968FJ 40. The old dash pad is in bad shape and has been cheaply repaired a couple of times and I would have no regrets cutting it up if I can install the new pad without dropping the windshield. Thanks for asking the question.
 
The PO had removed the dash pad yrs b4 I bought the 40. B4 I started working on other things, i sprayed the hinges with rust penetrant. I knew I'll evetually have to lower the windshield to replace the dash pad and the doors. You'll have to scroll to the beginning of the thread.

pb4ugo

Post in thread 'Dash pad replacement on my 78 FJ40'

I removed all the bolts holding the top on along with looseneing the set bolts in the B pillar, then raised the top enuff to slide a 2x4's between the top and tub. From there you can tilt the w/s down. There's no guarantee the windshield will fold down, the hinges maybe rusted and may not want to move. I would be soaking them with PB Blaster or something now. You can destroy the old dash, but there is still a few screws that need to be removed and installed between the w/s frame and dash.
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