Not having a windshield in...
Not having a windshield in place made measuring, cutting, and reinstalling the coupe's dashboard and new dashpad around the rollcage tubes a lot easier.
We felt we should take the opportunity to install our T-top coupe's replacement dashpad and rear package tray while the 'Stang didn't have a front windshield or rear glass.
Both components require a small amount of trimming for correct fitment with the rollcage tubing and the windshields, a clean installation is all but impossible with the glass in place.
Making changes to our Dash-Top dashpad is fairly easy. The cover is made from a flexible, rubbery material and can bend far without breaking. That allows us to mount the pad directly against the front rollcage tubes for a near-factory look.
For the Andy Burnett package tray, we asked Ryan "Junior" Shostle of DS Racing to help us modify and fit the sheetmetal piece, which gives the back of our 'Stang's interior a nice, finished appearance.
 We're installing this DashTop...  We're installing this DashTop replacement dashpad for '79-'86 Mustangs (PN LRS-0428D; $179.95). The covers are available through Latemodel Restoration Supply, and they come in several different colors. Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez traces an outline of the pad on a big piece of cardboard. We used the box the dashpad was shipped in. |  It's important that we're...  It's important that we're as exact as possible with our outline... |  ...as it's used as a template...  ...as it's used as a template for cutting the new dashpad for proper fitment around the front tubes of the rollcage. |
 After transferring the outline...  After transferring the outline from our template onto the actual dashpad (we recommend using a pencil for this)... |  ...a hole saw and an air saw...  ...a hole saw and an air saw are used to cut through it. Patience is a virtue with this process. | 
Dashpad before... |
...dashpad after. |  The absence of a rear windshield...  The absence of a rear windshield gives us a chance to install our coupe's new package tray. Ryan "Junior" Shostle of DS Racing handled final fitment of a trick aluminum piece made by our buddy, Andy Burnett. Andy is better known for making the rear bulkhead/firewall panels for hatchback Foxes that we featured in our rundown of must-have products for Mustang racing ("The Must List," July '06, p. 154). The package tray requires a small amount of trimming for a perfect fit. |  The package tray is made with...  The package tray is made with 0.040-inch aluminum. Junior uses a hole saw and snips to cut out the proper openings for rollcage clearance... |
 ...and then he creates a pair...  ...and then he creates a pair of small inserts to give the assembly a clean finish. | 
Package tray before... | 
...package tray after. |