Help needed - attaching front of light bar to dash pad

[Dakota]

I'm putting my standard dash (non-Rallye) back together.   I can't remember how the front edge of the light bar attaches to the dash pad along the yellow line in the photo below.  I have a dash pad that was recovered, so any previous holes are covered over.  Speed nuts?  Screws into the metal frame?   Use studs that are buried somewhere under the new cover?

[Cuda Cody]

 

[Dakota]

Thanks much Cody!   I didn't want to start cutting into the pad unless it was needed.   

[dodj]

The light bar still clamps down onto the pad material. Don't trim too much. If the padding is a little too puffy, you may need to use a touch of heat. Again, not too much.

[anlauto]

Whenever I start with a new pad like that, the first thing to do is trim off all the extra material and foam filler to get the light bar to sit in correctly. It's worse with a rally dash light bar.

[Dakota]

Thanks guys - I appreciate the guidance.   There was a fair bit of trimming needed to get access to the mounting holes.   Same issue with getting the dash vents installed and the plastic trim pieces around the instrument cluster.   I can't say I enjoyed slicing into the dash pad, but most everything is in it now.

[dodj]

I remember when I was doing mine, a 1/16" at a time. Afraid to cut too much. 

[vinsar]

If your windshield is not in make sure the dash pad edge is not going to be too far into the windshield channel. That would prevent the windshield from being glued in correctly. I had that issue with mine on the driver side near the VIN # and had to gently peel back the skin where it meets the edge and trim the excess foam. I used a heat gun to peel it back and then contact cement to re-glue it.

[shawge]

   Had to do that same procedure on my pad as well.  A little too much padding near the VIN location and there was no way the windshield would have fit.  This was with a UR pad from a group buy ~10 years ago.  I'm sure the process has improved since then.