Dash disassembly on a 73

[Daly]

Ive tried looking online to no avail, but is there a break down of how to take the dash apart to replace the radio? Any specific order to the disassembly?

I would like to try and get some insight before I just start disassembling the dash to replace the radio and possibly front speaker, and inevitably get frustrated and risk breaking something I can't replace readily.

Also, does anyone know the front center speaker size?

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

73 what? That might help!

Factory service manuals are available at the link below for free download. They are your best source of the correct information to help you, and then further clarification can be sourced from our members here.

Service Manuals – MyMopar

 

[Big_John]

One of the things that every person with an old car should have is a factory service manual. Sometimes you can download one from Service Manuals – MyMopar but no '73 FSM is listed. There is a '72 version, which may get you close enough, but I suggest you get one. eBay is a great source and I happen to like digital versions myself.

That said, if your dash is like my '70, first drop the ashtray out. Usually just 4 screws. Look up under there and there should be a brace that bolts to the dash and the back of the radio. Take that off. Pull the knobs off the radio and underneath you'll see some nuts. You'll need a deep socket. If you can, hold the back of the radio with your other hand and the radio will basically fall out now through the ashtray hole. Disconnect the wiring as it comes out.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

'73 Dodge is listed, but Plymouth, Chrysler and Imperial are not.

 

[Daly]

73 what? That might help!

Factory service manuals are available at the link below for free download. They are your best source of the correct information to help you, and then further clarification can be sourced from our members here.

Service Manuals – MyMopar

Sorry 73 Newport

One of the things that every person with an old car should have is a factory service manual. Sometimes you can download one from Service Manuals – MyMopar but no '73 FSM is listed. There is a '72 version, which may get you close enough, but I suggest you get one. eBay is a great source and I happen to like digital versions myself.

That said, if your dash is like my '70, first drop the ashtray out. Usually just 4 screws. Look up under there and there should be a brace that bolts to the dash and the back of the radio. Take that off. Pull the knobs off the radio and underneath you'll see some nuts. You'll need a deep socket. If you can, hold the back of the radio with your other hand and the radio will basically fall out now through the ashtray hole. Disconnect the wiring as it comes out.

That's the issue I am having. I think the 73 dash is the same as a 72, but I haven't confirmed it. In case there are small variations.
I will have a look at it today when I get home. I hope it's that easy.

 

[Daly]

Also what's the best way to get at the speaker?

 

[71Polara383]

Also what's the best way to get at the speaker?

I believe there is some Phillips screws that hold down the metal cover over the defroster vents / speaker. Once that's removed you should have easy access to the 4x10

 

[CBODY67]

In the case of Chryslers, all Fuselage body instrument panels are the same. What @Big_John mentioned is accurate. As a general rule, plan on everything from the bottom-side of things. Not sure about the front speaker, though.

Remember, too, that the instrument panels were assembled "off line" before they were "walked into" the car, front seat removed, as a complete unit. Several bolts and they were done. Windshield went in later, as did the steering column and such. HVAC case was there before hand, but no hoses or cables attached to it.

IF you might desire, use your smartphone camera to take pictures of each step of what you do, for reference.

Take care,
CBODY67

 

[Daly]

Thanks for the info guys. I removed the ashtray and could get at the radio. I did also have to loosen and move one of the blend door diaphragm to get the OEM radio out. The new radio is much smaller and much easier to get in.
I put a Retro Sound radio for a 73 Charger in the car. They don't list one for the Newport, but both the Charger and Newport have a flat radio, not curved like the Dodge and Plymouth C bodies.

I had to scavenge some parts from the OEM AM radio to make it look and fit as clean as possible, but I was just going to toss the old radio anyway.

 

[CBODY67]

The difference between the C-body Fuselage radios and the similar B/E-body radios is the push buttons. On the B/E-body radio, the smooth top is on the top of the button, with the insets to which you pull on the button to set a station for that button.

On the C-body, with its sloped flat mounting, the smooth part of the button is on the bottom of the button, so you see that part of the button from the front seat, with the (unseen) inset part on the top of the button.

Glad you got that project done!
CBODY67

 

[nightman61]

Ive tried looking online to no avail, but is there a break down of how to take the dash apart to replace the radio? Any specific order to the disassembly?

I would like to try and get some insight before I just start disassembling the dash to replace the radio and possibly front speaker, and inevitably get frustrated and risk breaking something I can't replace readily.

Also, does anyone know the front center speaker size?

I have a 73 Newport. I have had the dash apart on it. I will say it is different from my 67 Newport. Are you looking to replace the radio with another same model, or upgrade? The speaker can be accessed from the top, at least on mine. Look at the speaker cover, you will see I think it is 5 screws.. 3 across the front, and 2 on the back, it's been a while, I would have to look. If you want to upgrade your radio, I thought of doing that on mine, you will need to make a mount for it. It does not slide into a box, or mounting point like the newer cars. My 67 has the tumble wheel radio, and I did not want to hack up the dash. I mounted a stereo under the seat on it. I have looked at my 73, currently just have a small radio mounted in the glove box. If you have never had the dash apart, reach back. I will try to explain. I can try to get a picture of the breakdown so you can see.