Front Dash Speaker

[Michael Vogler]

I want to replace the front dash speaker in my ‘64 De Ville Conv.  Do I really have to take the dash pad off, to access it from the top (As I read in the shop manual)? Or does anyone have tip to remove from underneath??

[19riqs6furc4f]

You can access it from underneath,  you’ll need to take the radio out though. 

[Michael Vogler]

Great.  Better than pulling the dash top apart.  While the radio is out, perhaps I can get it reconditioned.  While it works well, the AM/FM lights are out and the channel knob sometimes slips a bit. 

Any recommendations on a radio restoration place?

Mike

[0hsy7we8jmzty]

With the dash pad off, the speaker mounting brackets are readily visible and accessable. There are, if memory serves, two 7/16" hex bolts on each side.  Removal of the dash pad to do this has the benefit of reducing the possibility of puncturing or otherwise damaging the speaker cone while trying to reposition it from below.  Moreover, if you are going to do it from below, it might be helpful to remove the glove box liner for greater visibility and access.

To remove the dash pad:

1.  Remove the LH and RH "A" pillar chrome trim, 2-phillips head screws each;

2.  Remove the three phillips-head screws over the speedometer-instrument cluster;

3. Open the glove box and remove the two 5/16" hex screws at the upper lip of the glove box opening.  A small hand-held mirror will help you to locate these.

4.  Gently, but firmly, pull the pad assembly away from the windshield and toward you while you are seated in the car.  Genty pry back on each of the two lower pad extensions to disengage the spring clips. Put the tilt wheel in the lowest position if so equipped.

5.  When the pad is free, reach under it and disconnect the following:  LH courtesy lamp; twilight sentinel, if so equipped; ATC sensor (connector is about 12 inches away from the sensor; then the RH courtesy lamp. 

6. Lift the entire pad assembly up, and remove from the passenger compartment .

7. When re-installing, be mindful of the fasteners at the leading edge of the pad that must go UNDER the windshield base.

8. Also exercise care in removal and re-installation so that you do not contact the gear shift lever. The shifter is not locked, and inadvertently moving the shift lever out of PARK could cause the car to move, with potentially disastrous consequences.

9. Having a helper to support the pad, while connecting and disconnecting wiring, and assisting with moving it in and out of the car, will make the task much easier..

[Michael Vogler]

I started with the Shop Manual instructions and attempted to remove the chrome pillars on either side of the windshield.  They were both so tight on the dash pad that I was afraid the I would scar or tear the dash pad.   Hence, my question about accessing from the bottom up.

[Jason Edge]

Yep, removing the dash pad is a must to gain easy access to the speaker and the dash pad comes off quite easy. We have an removal help page with pictures at this link:
 Dash Pad Removal

[Jason Edge]

ps.. look around with the dash pad off... might find something cool like this original beatles pin I found in a parts car a few years back:

[Michael Vogler]

I love it!  Hope I'm so lucky.

[Michael Vogler]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the tip.  I purchased a speaker a couple of months ago from OCPI.  Here's the inform from the website.

Speaker, Dash, Custom Autosound, 1959-74 Cadillac, 1978-85 Monte, 4x10, 4-ohm