The Ford Barn

olguy · 06-29-2022, 02:47 PM

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

rich b · 06-29-2022, 03:33 PM

The metal trim is held on by little screws and if I remember right the plastic trim I have removed was too.

TJ · 06-29-2022, 05:37 PM

Yes, the plastic trim is held on by small panhead self tapping screws. They are quite short.

Graeme / New Zealand · 06-30-2022, 12:31 AM

...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

olguy · 06-30-2022, 10:26 AM

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.

TJ · 06-30-2022, 10:54 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by olguy

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.

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.

drolston · 06-30-2022, 04:59 PM

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.

Graeme / New Zealand · 06-30-2022, 08:02 PM

use a magnetic driver if you have one, I recall using a short stubby one.

GB

cmbrucew · 06-30-2022, 08:08 PM

Just to be safe, disconnect your battery.

Bruce

fortyonerag · 07-01-2022, 08:57 AM

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.

rich b · 07-01-2022, 11:18 AM

While not a '41; someone I knew was able to mask his dash and flawlessly paint it with a brush. He was good.

cas3 · 07-01-2022, 11:44 AM

I brushed a motorcycle frame once with a good brush and automotive PPG paint and it flowed out perfect. Less stinky too

06-29-2022, 02:47 PM	#1
olguy Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: michigan Posts: 16	1941 Ford dash assembly 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

06-29-2022, 03:33 PM	#2
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,825	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly The metal trim is held on by little screws and if I remember right the plastic trim I have removed was too.

06-29-2022, 05:37 PM	#3
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,035	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly Yes, the plastic trim is held on by small panhead self tapping screws. They are quite short.

06-30-2022, 12:31 AM	#4
Graeme / New Zealand Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lower Hutt , New Zealand Posts: 2,126	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly ...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 __________________ "you can't make honey out of dog sh*t" "You're a long time looking at the lid"

06-30-2022, 10:26 AM	#5
olguy Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: michigan Posts: 16	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly 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.

06-30-2022, 04:59 PM	#7
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly 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.

06-30-2022, 08:02 PM	#8
Graeme / New Zealand Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lower Hutt , New Zealand Posts: 2,126	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly use a magnetic driver if you have one, I recall using a short stubby one. GB __________________ "you can't make honey out of dog sh*t" "You're a long time looking at the lid"

06-30-2022, 08:08 PM	#9
cmbrucew Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: North of sandy ago, CA. Posts: 2,064	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly Just to be safe, disconnect your battery. Bruce __________________ Works good Lasts long time

07-01-2022, 08:57 AM	#10
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 541	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly 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. Last edited by fortyonerag; 07-01-2022 at 10:33 AM.

07-01-2022, 11:18 AM	#11
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,825	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly While not a '41; someone I knew was able to mask his dash and flawlessly paint it with a brush. He was good.

07-01-2022, 11:44 AM	#12
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: sw minnesota Posts: 4,572	Re: 1941 Ford dash assembly I brushed a motorcycle frame once with a good brush and automotive PPG paint and it flowed out perfect. Less stinky too