55 dash installation (puzzle piece)

[HRUVDT564]

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on my project. Last night I did a quick attempt to set my dash in. Column and windshield is out but as I tried to maneuver it in place I realized its not a slip in deal.
Does anyone know the secret to set that rascal in?

One thing I realized its not a one man job

🙂

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[55birdman]

I did mine not too long ago. Mine seemed to hang up on the outermost corners. Seems I had to “persuade” it some and pry those ends in. This would be where the dash flows into the door trim. A rubber mallet might be necessary in this area as well to get it in that last 1/2” or so. If you have any wiring to do I would suggest supporting the dash a few inches off so that you can work between the dash and firewall.
Also if you’re doing A/C it’s best to install that first.

 

[thessler]

Did you guys recover those dashes your self ? They look great.
How hard is the recover job ? I want to do mine this winter but am a little intimidated.
Did you use contact cement ?
Sorry I can't help with your original question, but those pictures inspire me.
Tom

 

[doug7740]

Attached is the dash cover installation procedure.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[HRUVDT564]

I had my dash done at a shop $ 175 using material I purchased

 

[55birdman]

I actually didnt recover mine as it was in great condition. I "painted" it with a Vinyl paint by SEM. Works great!
Redid the lower half with some textured finish black then went over it with the same SEM spray.