Installs to do before windshield?

[bwagner130]

Hello all,
I recently acquired an ‘83 suburban 6.2.
The previous owners had torn the inside apart, and I was wondering if there’s anything in my dash or instrument cluster or dash trim or anything at all that would be a lot easier to deal with now before I install the windshield? Just trying to make my life a little easier, as this is a lot bigger of a project than I’ve tackled before.
Thank You!

 

[Bloodhound1981]

Dash speakers for sure

 

[mtbadbob]

I tore my dash apart, cleaned the duct work, rewired a few things, rebuilt/replaced the radio cutout, installed new dash speakers, refurbished cluster, & installed a new pad with the windshield in. It was all easily done.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Nah, there’s not really anything that can’t be done with the windshield in

 

[mxer147]

Be sure the windshield mating surface is 100% solid and sealable. If you plan to paint and are doing a color change, paint now and it will be much cleaner than taping the windshield later. Those floorboards are toast, hopefully you will fix where the water entered, especially if it was from the windshield seal or cowl area.

 

[rwjtexas]

Mine went to Paint and I brought it home to do the interior without the windsheild. For me it was super easy being able to work both sides if you will and be able to install all trim, dashpad, cluster, speakers, HVAC ducts and vents.and chase wires.

The one issue I had was installing the windshield gasket on the Pinch Weld we had to remove the headliner support bar going across the front to get the gasket to go on tight ... then once the windshield was installed we reinstalled the headliner support bar.

My work was done in the garage, so I did not have to worr about the elements or a lot of dust so it was able to keep clean.

If I had to do it again, I would do all the work first then install the windshield.

I did strip out everything with the windshield in place so I know going back it definitely an option with it installed ... The value is being able to have a fan circulate air on you when you work.

 

[Scott91370]

Some things are easier to do without the windhield but none of them can't be done after it's installed.

 

[Jeff Lewis]

Derust anything under window seal and rust inhib. Do not buy seal from anyone other than Steele Rubber Products. Do not use any metal pry tools.

 

[JBswth]

Derust anything under window seal and rust inhib. Do not buy seal from anyone other than Steele Rubber Products. Do not use any metal pry tools.

I bought a gasket from somebody other than Steele and it was no good. The windshield guy had his own that he was able to rope in. Did it in just a few minutes. No water leaks at all.

J.B.

 

[saltdog]

Definitely de-rust, prime, paint, and seal the cowl drain area, and the inside under dashboard as well as the windshield frame itself. Consider spraying 3m cavity wax inside the window frame (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0741FHDPF/) using these super long wands (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B4DFTXF/)