Replacing the Dash

cicsprog · cicsprog's Garage

I’m replacing my cracked burgundy dash on my 88 CAB (one of four NEW OEM Burgundy ones left on the planet…don’t ask $....yikes). Bought the OEM windshield seal preparing for the windshield removal. I saw this thread:

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

Bentley says windshield out also. So does the windshield need to come out or not? Would love not to take it out. As always, I check with my Professional Porsche Mechanics (you pelican guys) before opening up the patient.

Thanks for the replies!

jpnovak · 10-29-2004, 12:43 PM

I know on my early car it would be nearly impossible to remove with the glass in. Sounds like you are OK to remove it. since yours is already cracked what do you have to loose? If it comes out in one piece, your done!

mb911 · mb911's Garage

Gotta come out. It really is not all that bad to take out and put back in.

sammyg2 · 10-29-2004, 01:20 PM

I replaced my dash, I don't think it would have been possible to do right without pulling the windshield.
It was a PITA even with the window out.

mb911 · mb911's Garage

You asked us not to ask but I am curious now how much for a burgandy one?? I have a friend who has one and I told him it was worth alot.

cicsprog · cicsprog's Garage

$1700.......but I'm keeping the car so worth it to me.....any 86+ guys who replaced the dash wanna weigh in....windshield OUT or IN?

Jason

jazzbass · 10-29-2004, 01:59 PM

Windshield in.

The design of the 86+ windshield is considerably different from the 85 and earlier ones. I replaced the original cracked brown dash in my 85 with one from an 87, so I've seen them both side by side.

With the pre-86 dashes, there was a strip of vinyl that screwed down under the weather stripping. 86+ dashes don't have this - they have the long one piece defroster vent cover with 4 screws angled such that they can be removed with the windshield in the car.

Remove the defrost vent, remove the bolts from the various studs under the dahs (access via the trunk and pulling the gauges). Installation is the reverse of removal, as they say.

jazzbass · 10-29-2004, 02:04 PM

BTW, if you're "keeping the car forever", take a look under the weatherstipping in the lower left and right hand sides of the windshield. There a better than average change you've got some rust there. Even though you don't necessarily have to pull the glass because of your newer style dash, this could be a good change to repair any rot that may be developing there.

Tim Polzin · 10-29-2004, 02:08 PM

Eric Coffey was right on the money. tThe windshield does not need to come out on the 86 and later cars to replace the dash. The large defrost vent holds the front of the dash down instead of screws.

When I did mine, removing the windshield would not have made any difference.

Tim

jyl · jyl's Garage

If you have the single long defrost vent, the windshield does not need to come out. I replaced the dash pad on my '89 without removing the windshield, and your '88 should be the same.

cicsprog · cicsprog's Garage

Chris and John...thanks...I'll do the check....forever, let's not get crazy

....till that perfect 993 shows up and tax refund/lottery win. Keep any more insights comin.

Jason

Evans, Marv · 10-29-2004, 03:32 PM

Jason:
Before you buy a $1,700 OEM dash, check with Just Dashes. I,m supposed to be getting my black dash back from them in a couple of weeks. It cost $450 plus shipping, tax, etc. They are supposed to be warranteed for as long as you own the car. They do colors at an extra cost ($50 comes to mind) and may be able to match yours. They have a website.