dash removal ?????

My dash on my '71 911 T has been replacedby a previous owner but it looks like it was not installed properly. The top part of the dash (the part with the speaker grille) where it meets with the window is clearly not seated properly. It sticks up slightly and the top surface is not flush with the defroster vents. How does one remove this top part of the dash and reinstall it properly. Is there a trick to removal without destroying or damaging the dash ?

I'm sorry to give you the bad news, but you have to remove the windshield to do it right. There are clips on the section that is not seated correctly that will have to be fixed and re-seated. Take it in for this type of job, unless you feel confident that you won't ruin the glass. Good luck with your problem.

WOW . . you mean I have to take out the front window ? What is involved with doing that ? Sounds like the only risk would be to be careful and not crack it. . .. any other tricks here ?

The front windshield does have to come out and I leave that to the professionals. The rest of the dash removal and re-fitting is not too bad, but I would look around this site a bit. I think they put a tech bulletin up about this topic. I have done it a few times and it really isn't bad. No tricks, though, just a pain in the a!@##@$ss.

You definately have to take the windshield out, when you get it out you will see the screws that hold the front of the dash down in front of the windshield.

Now, as far as taking the windshield out, it is actually very easy to do. I have previously removed all of the glass from a couple of 911s, by myself, including the front and rear windshields. The trick is to get a new windshield seal. Carefully pry out the chrome strip. Using a sharp razor, cut off rubber (hard to describe, but basically just slide the razor between the glass and the rubber seal, and cut through to the gap where the chrome trim was in, once you start doing it you'll see what I mean). Actually, once you start the cut, you can sometimes just peel that strip of seal off. Obviously, be very careful when using the razor.

Once the seal is cut back, you will see that you can simply lift the window out, because now its just sitting there with nothing holding it in. It may help to have an assistant, but I've done it myself easily.

If the seal on your car is new and you don't want to cut it, you can still take the windshield out but it is quite a bit harder (you need to pry the seal over the frame from INSIDE the car) and you definately run the risk of breaking the glass, because you may not have pried the seal completely and it is partly glued in. It really is easier just getting a new seal (something like $45) because its safer, easier, and you end up with a nice new windshield seal!

Now, getting the windshield back in properly is a bit more challenging, and for that task I'd say call a mobile glass installer. Its hard to get the chrome strip to sit right, there are some tricks (using rope) to get the windshield back in, and you need to use some glue. Kind of a hassle.

Taking it OUT yourself, however, is worthwhile because then you can fix the dash at your own leisure without having to have the glass guy come out twice (once to get it out and once to put it back in).

Brian

[This message has been edited by Brian Kumamoto (edited 06-08-99).]

Thanks guys for sharing your knowledge. If I get brave enough, I'll tackle it this next winter when its being parked in the garage for a while. By the way . . are glass installers pricey ?

A new 911 windshield installed from safelite is 145.00 plus the new rubber strip if you need it.
It doesnt have the German logo on it but you can lightly wet sand the safelite logo off .