Is your Falcon's dash pad cracked, faded, or hard to the touch? Maybe you’re ready to upgrade your classic Falcon's metal dash to a stylish dash pad. Replacing the dash pad is a straightforward task, but care must be taken to ensure a proper installation. This guide will walk you through the process, whether you're replacing an existing pad or installing one for the first time.
Required Tools and Materials
- New dash pad (Part 41-44542)
- Vinyl spray and dye (Part 41-75606)
- Tide laundry detergent or similar cleaner
- Trim removal tool or knife
- Exacto knife
- Double-sided carpet tape
- Stainless steel screws
- Solvent cleaner
- Scratch awl
- Masking tape
- Respirator and vinyl gloves
Step 1: Dyeing the Dash Pad
-
Clean the Dash Pad:
- Use Tide laundry detergent to remove any manufacturing residue.
- Allow the pad to dry completely.
-
Apply Vinyl Spray:
- In a well-ventilated area, apply a light coat of vinyl spray to the entire pad.
- Allow it to dry for 30 minutes. This creates a bonding layer for the dye.
-
Apply Vinyl Dye:
- Spray thin, even coats of dye, allowing 10-15 minutes of drying time between coats.
- Alternate spraying angles (e.g., 90 degrees to the previous coat) for even coverage.
- Apply 7-8 coats or as needed to achieve full coverage and match your interior color.
Step 2: Removing the Old Dash Pad
-
Remove Chrome Trim:
- Carefully slide a trim removal tool or knife under the trim to release spring clips.
-
Remove Components:
- Detach the speaker grill, defroster duct hats, and radio speaker.
- If the original defroster duct hats are still present, consider replacing them (some early Falcons had metal hats).
-
Detach the Dash Pad:
- Remove end caps on both sides and the three windshield base trim pieces.
- Gently lift the old dash pad to break any glue bonds.
- Use a solvent cleaner to remove old adhesive from the metal dash.
Step 3: Trimming and Installing the New Dash Pad
-
Initial Fit and Trimming:
- Place the new dash pad on the metal dash and secure it with double-sided carpet tape to prevent shifting.
- Use an Exacto knife to cut out holes for the defroster ducts and speaker.
-
Reinstall Components:
- Reattach the speaker and defroster duct hats.
- Install the speaker grill to hold the dash pad in place.
-
Locate Trim Holes:
- Use a scratch awl to locate spring clip trim holes along the lower edge.
- Exercise caution to avoid damaging the new dash pad.
-
Finish the Trim Edges:
- Carefully remove excess material below the trim line using an Exacto knife.
- Use a flexible shield (e.g., a milk bottle cutout) to protect the metal dash while trimming.
-
Install Final Components:
- Attach the lower dash trim, using stainless steel screws for the end caps.
- If your Falcon never had a dash pad, drill holes at masking tape markers based on measurements from a Falcon with an original dash pad.
Pro Tips
- Ensure all components are securely fastened to prevent movement.
- Use masking tape to confirm hole locations before drilling.
- Perform all steps in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear during dye application.
By following these steps, your Falcon will have a refreshed and stylish dash that not only looks great but also enhances the interior's functionality. For quality dash pads and installation products.