[dv068]

replacing center front speaker and dask in my 68 coupe. can somebody explain me how to do this? e.g., when i start pulling the dash out, odometer/clock etc come out, but i'm afraid to break the wiring etc behind it. any other things i should keep in mind?

thanks!

[Jay H 237]

I've never replaced the dash pad in my 68 but I've had the instrument cluster out a few times.

Before pulling out the instrument cluster lay a towel on top of the steering column so you won't scratch it and/or the instrument bezel. After removing the screws holding it in (the top two screws of the climate control lever assembly, plus 3 going up into the top of the dash) you will have to balance it on the column as you reach behind it to unplug the wiring harnesses, 3 or 4 plugs if I remember, and also unscrew the speedometer cable. You can now remove the whole instrument bezel.

To reach the speaker you can just remove the radio and reach up there.

To remove the plastic panels around the glove box remove the glovebox itself first by taking out the screws holding the hinge at the bottom with the door open so not to stress the catch.

If your car has air or the conveience package with the idiot lights in the center panel above the radio you will have other plugs and hoses to remove to give yourself more access to the dash.

Also, the molding at the base of the windshield inside has to be removed to take out the pad. I've heard some of the repro pads don't fit well here and need to be trimmed but the good thing is the trimmed edge will be hidden behind the molding. Luckily all the ones I've heard about have been oversized which is better than being undersized since it's easier to take the material off than add it on.

Some aftermarket speakers won't bolt up to the studs in the dash from the original factory speaker. With the dash pad out you can easily remove and/or add new studs/bolts to mount a new speaker or just make up a bracket or something to mount the new speaker(s) to then mount that to the original studs.