86 - on DashPad Removal [Windscreen out or not?]

[CrossT]

I just read another thread on another board that beginning in 86 and on thru the 993 model [presumably with the dash/vent re-design] you don't remove the windscreen to get the dash out. The 7 screws/bolts are accesible either thru the trunk, guage holes, or the center vent [once removed]. I've been putting off replacing my cracked dash, because I thought it was required to remove the glass.

I then went to confirm this good news in Bentley and first step in their procedure is to remove the wind shield.

Anyone able to confirm either way?



todd
86 Coupe

[moazam]

bump...

I'd love to know this as well. It'd save alot of time and money if I don't have to pop out the windshield to replace my warped dash.

[Eric Coffey]

I think if you have the large single defrost vent (`86+), it can be done without removing the windshield. However, it is probably still much easier with the glass out. The risk of breaking the fragile molded-in studs trying to position the new dash would be a concern I would think. Hopefully someone who's actually done it will chime in.

[tchanson]

Originally posted by Eric Coffey
I think if you have the large single defrost vent (`86+), it can be done without removing the windshield. However, it is probably still much easier with the glass out. The risk of breaking the fragile molded-in studs trying to position the new dash would be a concern I would think. Hopefully someone who's actually done it will chime in.

There is no need for or advantage in removing the glass on '86 and later cars to replace the dash. I've done it in the past and, unlike the earlier cars, its a straightforward project.

The later dashes (a) no longer have the vertical screws at the leading edge that can only be removed with the glass out and (b) unlike the earlier cars, the '86 and later dash stops roughly 1/2" to 2/3" short of the base of the windshield, making it easier to lift out. Removing the glass wouldn't increase access to anything.

If I recall, Bentley doesn't make any distinction for the post '86 dashes, which it probably should.

Good luck,
Tim

[jyl]

Agree w/ Tim, if you have the single center defrost vent then there's no reason to remove the windshield.

Replaced my dash pad last year, it was pretty straightforward. The biggest hassle was finding and removing the nuts inside the dash (use the replacement dashpad as a guide) and figuring out how to remove the vents to get at some of the nuts. You'll need a small 10mm socket with a short extension. I found a "thumb-drive" ratchet pretty useful (TOL-SK49270 at PP) or you could use a stubby drive (TOL-AP9701 at PP).

Since you'll have your gauges out to access some nuts, might as well replace all the bulbs.

Since you'll remove your steering wheel to remove the gauges, might as well get a 930S steering wheel.

And so it goes . . .

[CrossT]

This is great. My cracked dash is the main item that is keeping my car from being in truly excellent shape. I've found a few other 'discrepancies' in the Bentley manual. Still, way better than the Haynes.

Any opinions/experiences on refurbishment vs. buying new? It seems that the color dashes would be hard to find.

todd
86 Coupe

[Tim Polzin]

I echo the comments about not taking the Windscreen out to replace the dash for an 86. For the nuts on the right side, I used a really long extention on a 1/4 drive. Saved having to use some bandaids on my fingers.

For my blue coloured dash (NLA from Porsche) I used a black dash and coloured it using leather dye and an air brush. Turned out perfect.

Tim

[jazzbass]

I'm currently replacing my original 85 dash with a black one I got from an 87. The 85 dash is not coming out in one piece with the windshield in - period. The first thing I noticed, though, was the leading edge screws were not on the 87. It looks feasible.

Originally posted by jyl


And so it goes . . .

You have no idea. My dash replacment has turned into a complete interior rebuild. I mean, as long as the windsheild is out, you might as well replace the headliner. And to do that, you need to pull the seats. And if the seats are out, you night as well replace the carpet...

[jyl]

Can you tell me more about this process? I have a navy interior and a black dash, not very noticeable but I notice it. It's something I'd like to fix someday.

Originally posted by Tim Polzin
I echo the comments about not taking the Windscreen out to replace the dash for an 86. For the nuts on the right side, I used a really long extention on a 1/4 drive. Saved having to use some bandaids on my fingers.

For my blue coloured dash (NLA from Porsche) I used a black dash and coloured it using leather dye and an air brush. Turned out perfect.

Tim

[Tim Polzin]

John

Had some Surflex custom mixed. Simply cleaned the new black dash with laquer thinner and applied two or three coats of Surflex. Went on like paint using the airbrush. Pretty simple, although not likely as durable as a factory built. Colour is dead on.

Tim

[jwakil]

Does this mean that on pre-86 cars, the leading edge screws are not really needed and if I can find some way of pulling the dash out (cutting, etc) I can put in a new one and not worry about those screws? Or do the 86+ cars have some other mechanism that does the job of those screws?

[Elombard]

Good question I think the front edge would lift and/or not stay smooth from heat sun etc. The windshield is not that big a deal in and out. Does require a new seal and lots of patience. Have you looked at the procedure?

[javadog]

Originally Posted by jwakil

Does this mean that on pre-86 cars, the leading edge screws are not really needed and if I can find some way of pulling the dash out (cutting, etc) I can put in a new one and not worry about those screws? Or do the 86+ cars have some other mechanism that does the job of those screws?

The defroster vents are larger on the later dashes, so they help hold the front of the dash down.

I don't know why people find removing the windshield so difficult. The last one I removed came out in under a minute. Takes a lot longer to get a dash out... Given the value of a used dash, I wouldn't even think about cutting one out.

JR

[john walker's workshop]

The defroster vents are in different places between early and 86 on dashes, so an early car with a late dash will have restricted air flow through the defrost vents.

[jwakil]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

The defroster vents are in different places between early and 86 on dashes, so an early car with a late dash will have restricted air flow through the defrost vents.

I'm not talking about changing the dash to a newer style, just leaving out the screws at the front from the older style.

[jwakil]

Originally Posted by Elombard

Good question I think the front edge would lift and/or not stay smooth from heat sun etc. The windshield is not that big a deal in and out. Does require a new seal and lots of patience. Have you looked at the procedure?

I've looked at the procedures on windshield removal/install and also read a lot of people saying what a pain it was. The procedure I've read on removal requires cutting of the seal, and the procedure on the install states that to get the windshield correctly centered might require two or three trials. Does that mean that for each of the trials I might have to cut the seal (in other words does the part of the seal that engages the car lip on the inside have to be engaged before finding out if windshield is correctly centered)?

[javadog]

No, just push it out and start again. I usually push on one of the upper, inside corners.

JR

[BullStandsAlone]

I'm sure this is been asked before on the forums, but I'm having trouble finding answers using the search mechanism:

I've got all of the bolts out of the dash in my 86 targa. I want to take the dash out, but I don't know what needs to be done to the center vent. Is there somewhere I can take it out or release it before pulling my dash out of the car?

I'd like to avoid wrecking it if possible! Any help is appreciated

[Elombard]

The center vent comes out with the dash it just slides into the air duct behind it. One you have the dash out you can remove the center vent easier.

[BullStandsAlone]

Thank you! Saved me a lot of anxiety.