1973 opel gt dash replacment problems

[littleD55555]

I am wanting to replace the dash of my opel with a new one i obtained from the previous owner but i am having problems getting the 4 (or however many) screws out that hold it on near the defrost vents. Do i have to take the windshield out because the screws are on such an weird angel?

[hallgeir]

I`m just finished taking my dash out, and putting it back in, and believe me, removing the windshield is absolutely worth it. It`s sooo much easier that way.

[namba209]

There are those that have not removed the windshield, the previous poster being one of them. I had my windshield out and total time was about 20 minutes to put in all 7 screws, once I got the air ducts lined up and installed in the rubber sleeves. If you do decide to not take out the windshield, then I would suggest getting a flexible 1/4" drive extension and a #1 Phillips bit and apex holder. That and some luck may do the trick.

[markandson]

Originally Posted by littleD55555 I am wanting to replace the dash of my opel with a new one i obtained from the previous owner but i am having problems getting the 4 (or however many) screws out that hold it on near the defrost vents. Do i have to take the windshield out because the screws are on such an weird angel?

What do you mean by a "New One"? If it is an original dash it might be possible to do without taking the window out. If it is a recovered dash I would take the window out for sure, the fit of the dash with the vents attached is very tight and you will be doing this trying to get it to fit and have the screws line up.

[Dennis Texas]

I've done it both ways and be assured it is easier to put it back in with the window out. You don't have to take the window out, but it will save you a lot of frustration and time, expecially if your doing it yourself with no help.

[jvandyke]

I struggled to get at those screws. (my dash is covered in vinyl which makes it worse). I finally gave up and pulled the windshield out. I would not hesitate to remove the windshield again. It was easy to get out and back in and made the dash removal/reinstall a breeze (at least compared to doing it with the windshield in place).
My gasket around the windshield was newer though, therefore flexible and workable. With an older gasket it may be harder and you could destroy the gasket and/or locking strip.
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/137047-post5.html
I think I posted about the whole process in some thread somewhere too.

[littleD55555]

it is an original, never refinished dash from a different opel, there is no vinyl on it, but I'm just going to remove the windshield and switch out the dash when I paint her during summer break...are the gaskets hard to find or expensive? and I was wondering where i could find the chrome strips that goes around the windows. Thanks for the help again!

[jvandyke]

OGTS has it all, but not cheap. I seem to remember the windshield gasket being close to $100 and the locking strip another $60 or so. I got lucky in that both the gasket and locking strip survived and were put back into service with no issues. If you have a good OEM dash then I would definitely pull the windshield to be sure to get it installed without hurting it. Worth it's weight in gold.

[guyopel]

I would use one of the top dash covers on the new dash you are installing to protect it when the car is in the sun .
Good luck ! HTH
John