eJokl

Hi, I'm restoring a '70 442 and I'm having a hard time finding a part that was rusted out. It's the metal at the base of the windshield but on the interior side. The cowl portion is fine but the piece that it's welded to is all rusted out. There was a crack in the windshield that might have let extra moisture in or something. Does anyone know the name of that part or where I can find a replacement? I just need the first 5" or so that I can wend in to replace the rusted part. It looks like its all one piece of the dash. The metal that makes up the dashboard interior. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

v8al

Maybe your looking for something like this?
Auto Metal Direct Dash Top Repair Panels 465-3468

You can search for "Dash Top Repair Panels" but most are for early F-Body's. I don't believe anyone has reproduced this part for 70-2 Oldsmobile's yet.
Your best bet will probably be a used panel off a parts car. Check the classified section on this site.

eJokl

It's hard to tell if that part would work. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about. I'll try to get a not so close up photo tonight.

scrappie

Best to find a donor IMO. There might be something out there reproduced but Im not aware. Other GM cars of the era may interchange also?

442crzy

Eddie Hansen

Eddie Hansen

If you can get original metal it is the way to go, however, you will still need the windshield channel? how will will you weld inner and outer? I repaired my inner first, doesn't have to be perfect, I used sheet metal and a pair of dividers to get the curve, then welded it in. then cleaned it up. for the dash there may be enough metal to repair the dash, if not you will need the whole dash depending on your skills, its possible to fabricate anyway looking at yours and what I had looked similar. pictures kid of tell the story...

joe_padavano

The repro parts available are for Chevelles. There are some differences on the Cutlass. The Chevelle parts require some work to be used.

Eddie Hansen

Joe , yes mine is from a Chevelle, even though I bought it from Fusick, wasn't terrible to use though, but did need work (tweaking) as you stated

Eddie Hansen

How to replace both parts at the same time? am I missing something? if you get from a donor the inner and outer are welded together, so you will need to grind off either the inner and outer? This was my first channel repair and I am no expert either lol

scrappie

Looks good Eddie, nice work

eJokl

Yea that looks great man. The outer portion of mine including that plenum space is in pretty good shape. Mine pretty much exclusively rusted inside the windshield. I'd probably just grind off the inner portion and replace it with a patch. I just found this. Not sure if it's the same but looks similar.

v8al

Here are the AMD panels that are available. You may be able to get the metal you need off one of these panels.



AMD Dash panel

joe_padavano

You might want to click on the APPLICATIONS tab for that part. It's for a first gen Camaro/Firebird. Different width and shape than an A-body.

eJokl

Good catch. I think this might be my best bet. It doesn't look right to me but maybe it's just the perspective of the picture or something.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/amd-465-3468

joe_padavano

That is your only bet. There are no other options.

Eddie Hansen

That is the part I bought, parts place, fusicks etc have them as well. amd only makes the more complete top part for a 1967 chevelle, :-(

Eddie Hansen

http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....?number=FCA702

eJokl

https://www.getallparts.com/Aftermarket-/p/GMK403252168

found one for $50. Pretty good. I'll have to do an update once I get it in.

Thanks for your help everyone

lemoldsnut

make sure you test fit a windshield as you progress in the repair. Just a reminder.

Billyaxe