Installation Instructions for the 1960 - 1963 Padded Dash.
Dash Pad Preparation
Prior to attempting installation of your new dash pad the following issues need to be addressed:
Remove both the right and left inside A pillar moldings.
Remove both the right & left lower inside trim moldings.
Remove the speaker grille.
Remove both defroster cones.
Remove the radio speaker.
Remove the stainless trim moldings that encompass the lower edge of the dash pad. Use extreme caution when removing these moldings. They are held in place with spring clips and damage to the metal dash and/or the moldings can result if handled improperly.
Remove any old foam or adhesive from the steel dash. This surface needs to be free of all foreign matter to allow for the best fit of the new dash pad. This is a great time to check your skill level. You have been provided with the best fitting product for your Ford Falcon. However, some trimming will be required during the installation process. Your new dash pad was fitted to a stock metal trim fixture prior to shipment to you, as part of the manufacturer's Quality Assurance Program. Some applications will still require edge trimming and slight foam trimming for the best fitment to your vehicle. If you are uncomfortable with performing these adjustments PLEASE STOP NOW! It will be in your best interests to consult a professional upholstery installer. ONCE THE DASH PAD HAS BEEN TRIMMED OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY, IT IS NON RETURNABLE. Dash Pad Installation.
Installation Instructions
Manufacturer, Rhino Fabrication, recommends using adhesive for installation. The factory trim moldings will secure the pad in position. Ideal installation temperature is 75-80 degrees which will allow the pad to remain flexible during installation. Do not allow the dash pad to sit in extreme heat or direct sunlight for any extended time. The pad will distort and be ruined if subjected to these conditions prior to installation.
Slide the new dash pad onto the metal dash. Check the front edge and curved side edges of the dash pad. They should conform to the metal dash and the front edge where the trim molding will later be installed. Use your hand to check the fitment of the speaker-recessed area of the dash pad to the metal frame underneath. Feeling along the rear edge of the speaker recess you will be able to tell if the dash pad is far enough forward on the metal dash. Gently press the pad forward to allow the pad to slip down into the recessed metal dash. If your dash pad fails to move forward far enough to fit the opening it will be necessary to pull the dash pad away from metal dash and observe the far ends of the dash pad where it contacts the metal dash of the vehicle. Your dash pad may need some foam material removed from the back side of the dash pad where the end horns meet the metal dash. The manufacturer has initially removed some material from this area. However your vehicle may require some further removal of the foam material. Take your time and remove small amounts of foam material in increments checking the fitment often.
Remember, you are only removing foam from the ends of the dash pad that might be contacting the rearward protruding horns of the metal dash. Do not get carried away here. You can destroy your new dash pad if too much material is removed.
Slight trimming of the vinyl skin may be needed on each end of your new dash pad. As the pad fits forward on the metal dash, the front ends will need to be relieved slightly to avoid tearing the dash pad. Temporarily install the stainless steel trim end caps and the A pillar moldings to test fit how much trimming is allowed. Once the pad drops into the radio speaker recess you are ready to begin fine tuning the outside perimeter of the new dash pad. You have been provided with enough material on the dash pad to allow the trim moldings to cover the edges of the pad. USE EXTREME CAUTION! Do not trim away too much material from the edges on your new dash pad. Very little material if any needs to be removed. TAKE YOUR TIME. The final appearance of your new dash pad depends on it.
Use a razor knife to trim away the openings for the defroster cones. Only trim away what you need to install the defroster cones. If you are installing an in-dash radio speaker, you should also trim out that area. Install the speaker grille.
It is now time to install the lower windshield trim moldings. Do not tighten any of the screws until all of them have been started. Then gently tighten all screws evenly. Do not over tighten these trim molding mounting screws as leakage of the windshield rubber seal could occur.
Fit and install the A pillar moldings.
Installation of lower stainless steel trim moldings: Apply a light downward pressure to the dash pad and use an awl to locate the mounting holes for the trim clips. With the clips mounted in the stainless trim moldings begin pressing the moldings in place. Apply pressure only directly over the clip location or the molding will be bent. Continue until all clips are seated. Install the screws in the end caps.
Inspect the installation and when you are satisfied with the fitment, use a razor knife to gently trim away excess material from beneath the lower trim molding. Be careful and do not scratch the paint of the metal dash.
FINISHED.
