69 Camaro Upper Dash Panel Replacement

[169yenko]

Ask the experts...
Anyone have exprerience replacing the upper dash panel on a 69 Camaro? Talking about the panel the dash, speaker and vents attach to. I have removed my windshield and found a rusted spot on one side. I have considered replacing the whole thing. It does not appear to be a complicated deal, but I know appearance can be deceiving. Questions...Is it fairly easy? I have some body work experience. Is it held in only by spot welds? How many and locations? Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas to all.

[enio45]

If possible, id like to tack a question on to this about the VIN tag...when you do the above, what is the correct process to follow to ensure this does not create issues with originality on the VIN tag and the rivits they originally used? Thanks for the opportunity to tag on here.

[Schonyenko2]

If you only have rust in the front section of the dash area,ie: under the windshield area, you might consider sectioning in that area rather than the entire dash top as it does disturb the VIN area. I suggest that you take plenty of detailed pictures while you're doing the work, and should you decide to move that VIN, have it documented from a member of law enforcement, or DOT. Better yet, check with your local, and state officials to find how it is legally done in your area.

[169yenko]

My VIN tag does not appear to have any rivets in it. I have not looked at it from the underside, but I will assume it has some type of tabs on the ends that are bent over to hold it in the recess on the dash cowl top. Again, I may be wrong, but my VIN tag has no visible rivets. Cowl panel tags are riveted on.
Why would you get someone to verify moving the VIN when if you are replacing the cowl panel the VIN tag will be removed from the old cowl and go right back where it was on the new piece? Am I wrong? Would not be the first time or last.

[m22mike]

169Yenko
Before you decide to replace the whole top dash, why don't you cut into the rust area and see how the metal below it looks. You may be able to just do a patch.
I have enclosed a pics of one I did. The first layer below looks kind of bad, but it was solid and I etched the heck out of it when it was open.
Second thing you should do is take a good light to the underside of the dash from the inside. If you see rust coming through there you may have some more to repair including replacing the dash.
I have replaced a upper dash, and made patch repairs underneth to the cowl and firewall too.
Once you get all the paint and sealer off the dash you will find most of the spot welds.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/copo125.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/copo126.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/copo127.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/copo132.jpg

Hope this helps
Mike