This is for future reference at this point.
Seeing as how I have 2 Mustang II dashes in the garage, was just thinking that if I get another Pinto, maybe I would try the swap on whichever ended up being the PP(Project Pinto). I realise that it isn't exactly a bolt in, but would be interesting.
So my questions are is the dash sheet metal welded on( I think so) and if I cut it out would that hurt the structural strength of the Pinto?
I obviously have way too much time on my hands. ::)
Thanks,
Russ
Russ:
It is not. The dash is bolted in at the ends, and across the cowl beneath the windshields, but in itself provides no strength to the car structure.
Chris
The dashes are not welded to the car. You have to take the windshield out to get 4 little bolts out of the top, and then there are bolts in misc. places under the dash and on the sides! Not all that hard to get them out!!
Boy, that was quick!
Thanks.
Russ
I,ve removed several dashs, and never did I have to remove the windshield. All you need is a very long screw driver or a very long nut driver. I,ve seen both types of screws. Their easy to get out, and a b***h to put back in.
I would love to see the tools you speak of dick, I've wanted to swap the dashes on my 78 for awhile, just didn't get the chance to while the windshield was out. :(
Quote from: dick1172762 on April 19, 2010, 10:07:26 PM
I,ve removed several dashs, and never did I have to remove the windshield. All you need is a very long screw driver or a very long nut driver. I,ve seen both types of screws. Their easy to get out, and a b***h to put back in.
I figured the rubber for the windshield would be in the way. At least with the cars that have the rubber gaskets! I have never removed one while windshield was still in the car though.
If you pry up the rubber gasket about 1/4" or so, you can reach the screws with a long screw driver or a socket on the end of a long extention. Thats the easy part. Putting them back end is the fun part. I've glued the screws to the tool when all else fails. By the way, all the 71/78 dashs will interchange. I've put a 72 dash into a 76 before, and a 78 dash into a 71. No difference at all. I've also cut a 1/4" off the bottom of the gasket just so I could see the screws (race car only). After I installed the dash, you could not tell the difference. If the gasket is really old, they can break, so be carefull when you pry on it. Use something wide.
Thank you so much!
Now maybe I can swap out the nice shape black dash I pulled last year for my faded scratched up one in the car right now! :)
Ack, my windshield gasket was so aged, leaking and deteriorating I opted to pull the winshield and THEN the dash - which made it quite easy to remove. Glad I did, the rust damage was well into the window frame, and required some good effort to fix. I can't imagine getting the dash out with the gasket in the way!
Chris
The proper answer this question should be YES the dash is structural.
while it is not integrated "welded" in, when they designed this car the dash assembly was braced and leveraged to increase the structural rigidity of the unibody. that is why it is tied into the transmission tunnel in the middle and has several braces behind it. as the m2 was based on the design i suspect it will be constructed in a similar manner. if i am reading you right you intend to try and use one of the m2 dashes in your project which should be fine just keep in mind you may have to make up a brace here and there to maintain the original stiffness of the assembly
Happy hot rodding
OhSix'
While not my original post, curiosity is getting to me. So, back to the original question. Now that it has been determined that the Pinto dash can be removed, will the Mustang II dash bolt in without modifications (less electrical)?
Thanks, Tom
Thanks, Ohsix. That fits what I was thinking.
Tom, if I am considering doing something, I can almost guarantee that it can't be that easy. :-) I know my II feels wider than the Pinto, but I need to break out the measuring tape. If this works at all I am anticipating some cutting and reworking. One of the II dashes I have is basically a parts dash, so I don't mind hacking on it. If I can get it to fit, then I can cut the good dash.
I also have the full car wiring harness from the II, so if I do this, I will use that harness. I may try to use the II steering column, since I found out how to make that into a tilt column.
I guess there are some advantages to having a project collapse. I have lots of potential Pinto parts. :-)
Russ
Hi again. :-)
I had another question.
Does the windshield HAVE to come off to remove the dash on a 79? No gaskets, it is sealed. That would be something I don't want to do at this point since the windshield is in really good condition.
It would be easy enough to remove. Weed eater string works really well on the sealant stuff. You need to make a hole in it to feed the string through, and then just "saw" the string back and forth around the windshield. Doesn't even hurt the hands.
But I have no place to store the windshield safely.
Thanks,
Russ