Padded Dash Install

[TX-73]

Im at the point in the wiring where I'm ready to start installing switches, speedometer, etc. There's also a Trim ring around the speedometer that attaches to the metal dash. I've got a new padded dash that I'll be using but I'm not exactly sure of when to install it so that the sequence is right and I don't have to remove switches and vents in order to get the dash into place. I don't exactly remember if everything was out before or after I had pulled the old dash. Plus there's the vent system.
Can someone please lend a hand with what gets installed back into and on the dash? Thank you.
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My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
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[windfish]

VW actually made it fairly easy to swap out the dash pad, did it a few weeks ago on my '70 and didn't have to rewire anything except plug back in the brake warning thing.

You can do the controls before or after, the knobs come off all the switches except the brake warning thing (which needs to go in after).

Speedometer should go in after, the trim ring goes over the pad.

I did vents after (the '70 only has the top vents), and it may be slightly easier to do so (lip of the vents should rest on the pad), but the dash pad should slot right in for those on top.
Looks like the '73 got dash vents, which I heavily suspect need to go in after.

[Mr.Duncan]

To remove the pad:

Inside the trunk in the upper left and right corners of the pad, two 10mm nuts need to be removed, and the washer behind it (don't drop it down the hole in the trunk!)

While your in the trunk, remove the speedometer (held in by two Phillips screws) Now you can bend the 4 taps that hold the trim ring in, and remove the trim ring.

Lastly, Bend the taps on the metal grill parts (on each side of the speedometer, and pop them out. This is the last thing to do from inside the trunk.



Then, under the pad (from inside the car now) you will have Phillips screws along the bottom.

Remove those.

Now at the top, You will have two Philips screws. Remove those.

Remove (unscrew) your switch knobs (headlight, Fresh air, etc..)

Remove the brake warning light, and fresh air fan knob if equipped.

Remove the glove box door, (4 Phillips screws)

Now you're ready to remove the dash pad, sometimes it may be a bit tough, but it will come out.

I've had good luck pulling it out, without removing the plastic trim ring (behind the glove-box door) You may need to cut the 4 plastic rivets with a blade, and remove the trim ring. (upon installation of the new pad, AFTER installing the pad, install the trim ring, and put 4 new plastic rivets)


New trim rings, and plastic rivets are for sale by WCM.


To install a new pad, do everything in reverse.

If you need help, let me know!


I used these screws and washers from Ace hardware.

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[TX-73]

Perfect, that helps tremendously, thanks!
_________________
My 1973 Standard Beetle Build SOLD
Click to view image