1941 Ford dash assembly

O

olguy

Junior Member
Hi, just looking for knowledge to remove the plastic 3" high strip that runs across the dash on my '41. I would like to take it off for painting, but do not know if it is held on by clips or if there are nuts behind the dash for removal. Any advice would really be appreciated...thanks in advance.
Tony Corradi
 
The metal trim is held on by little screws and if I remember right the plastic trim I have removed was too.
 
Yes, the plastic trim is held on by small panhead self tapping screws. They are quite short.
 
...and if you loose any of them make sure any replacements are not to long otherwise they will leave a dimple in the plastic...guess how I know.

GB
 
Thanks for the info guys. It's not exactly what I wanted to hear though....I'm guessing it's pretty tough to get the screws on the gauge side out/in. Can't quite bend like that anymore...(I'm 81)...so I guess I'll have to do a bunch of masking to paint it.
 
olguy said:
Thanks for the info guys. It's not exactly what I wanted to hear though....I'm guessing it's pretty tough to get the screws on the gauge side out/in. Can't quite bend like that anymore...(I'm 81)...so I guess I'll have to do a bunch of masking to paint it.
Click to expand...

If you are going to paint the dash in the car you better mask off everything inside. Overspray is tough to remove, especially from the upholstery. Why not remove the front seat and then you can lay on your back to get the bolts and screws out of the dash to remove it. I am 78 and that's how I would approach it.
 
Same age and not all that flexible. I do not like working under the dash, but it can be done. Slide the seat all the way back, sit on the running board, and lie back. On the driver side you have to twist a bit to get past the steering wheel. You will need a flashlight and screwdriver choices in hand to minimize the number of times you have to do this maneuver.
 
You could mask the plastic and paint. Alternatively, if you have good mobility, remove the front seat and drop the pedals. I was able to be relatively comfortable under there when I did my 41.

It depends on your mobility and if you have any wiring work to do while you are there. I pulled my gauge cluster for a cleanup while I was at it.
 
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While not a '41; someone I knew was able to mask his dash and flawlessly paint it with a brush. He was good.
 
I brushed a motorcycle frame once with a good brush and automotive PPG paint and it flowed out perfect. Less stinky too
 
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