Dash Pad removal '72

Removing the dash pad seemed harder than I thought. The front corners fit soooo tight that it damaged the edges a bit. As low as it can get, the windshied posts still force it very tight to bring it past and out. Everything around it is already pulled off, ie top trim, L + R side trim. Higher up make it even more narrow to pull past the posts. No worries about the old pad, I am replacing it and really don't want to damage the new one when putting back together. Hints on getting this back in damage free?

Yup! It's difficult. I needed to remove the windshield to repair the posts, so I put mine in before the windshield. It also helps to slightly bend or bow the pad in order to not damage the corners.

Yes...you will need to bow it UP in the center while keeping the outer edges low to the dash(might need a helper), and pop one side at a time out. You stated you have the side trim pieces off, but don't mention if you have the speedo/gauge pad, or map pocket pad off. Taking those off or loosening them and let them drop down some will help a bunch. If you do not care about damaging the old one, you can see just how far you can bow it up before it snaps. The old one will be more brittle due to age, the new one should be more flexible. They definitely are a tight fit, but that's the only way to get them on/off, even at the factory or dealer. Be sure to disconnect the speaker wires before you go too far, if you have speakers. Good luck! 😉

Yes the lower dash pads are loose and the right side is out. I elected not to remove the left side but pushed it lower by loosening the steering column.

Did you remove trim around windshield. Take out your map pocket on passenger side, might be a brace holding dash pad. Drop steering wheel down, just so instrument drops down. Hope that helps.