Crash pad installation with view finder windshield

[John Marinan]

I've been told that there is information on the forum explaining how to install the crash pad over the wiper motor, but I can't find it. Does anyone know the link, or how to install it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TAC71]

It is possible to hollow out the back of the dash pad without damaging the outer surface. Carefully and slowly carve out the rear of the pad while testing the fit constantly. Another way is to use a Coverlay cover over your cutout dashpad.
If you take care doing the mod you will have good results.

 

[bknbronco]

i have the viewfinder frame and hollowed out the pad. I was just gona weld a box to the dash around the motor but after putting in the dash pad and seeing the look ill never go without the stock pad.

Its a old crappy pad i used so i just hacked it up. you also have to cut some steal thats inside the pad. It would suck to do it to a new pad but im thinking long term best idea is to carve it out and have a place reopolster my old pad.

There arnt but a few guys on here with that frame so i really have never talked to anybody or seen but a few pics of the frame and all i have noticed dont use the dash pad. Seems like everybody like to make a full roll cage and ditch the pad. I love the soft look or the pad verses just a dash.

Its uncharted territory as far as i know but didnt take me but a few minutes to cut the pad and have it slipped over the motor. I did it quick last fall just before my bronco went into storage so first thing this spring it to try and finish it off.

Good luck ill be watching this for more ideas.

The post above mine is from TAC71....he is the most familiar with these viewfinder frames Hello again Gary! Nice to hear from ya.

 

[greatguy57078]

Could you post pics of the install?

 

[bknbronco]

Could you post pics of the install?

who you talking too? and the install of the pad or the frame?

If you want pics of the dash pad it looks just like a stock one once its on the dash. I dont have any pics of where i pulled foam and metal out from the backside. Its pretty self explanatory. Im def not done with the pad yet. If i get around to finishing it ill do a write up on it. It pretty much needs to be recovered at a upolstry shop im pretty certain, but im not sure yet. The pad gets real thin on the bottom and to get it to bump out and around the motor wasnt verry easy with my old weathered cracked pad. The more i worked with it the more it kept cracking.

Oh and i forgot but if you havent installed the glass yet take some time to read up on the glued in glass vs the old rubber seal. Its a added touch to a already ausome frame!!

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205788&highlight=glued+windshield

 

[greatguy57078]

I am interested in the whole install starting with the windshield. I like the look of the wipers on the bottom also. I would like to see how that is done.

 

[bknbronco]

I am interested in the whole install starting with the windshield. I like the look of the wipers on the bottom also. I would like to see how that is done.

Not to hijack this thread all up but install is as easy as riviting the new frame in place. Its all stainless steel construction. Look on WH website, thats the only place you can get the frame. You can probably download the instructions from there web site. I have also seen a installation writeup and pics in a offroad magazine before, not sure which one or which issue off the top of my head. The frame is made so the glass is all the way up and that makes room for the wiper stuff on the bottom. the kit includes wipers, arms, linkage, and motor. I went to junk yard and pulled a plug off similar motor, spliced it into the original wiper harness and plugged it into the motor. Only drawback i can see to this frame is the windshield will not flip down without first removing the wiper arms and linkage. But ill never fold the frame down so no big loss to me.

 

[bknbronco]

here is what everybody i have seen does with the motor cover, but i want to keep the dash pad.

Also some more pics of the frame...

the frame ant cheep but its a subtle change that even bronco guys dont notice right away and i think its how FORD should have made them to begin with. The motor on top is just a stupid idea!