How to replace this dash piece?

[azasadny]

Does anyone know how to remove and replace this dash part? I looked last weekend, but I couldn't figure out how the piece is attached and I didn't want to rip into my dashboard without knowing what the heck I'm doing (not that it's ever stopped me before!). Thanks!

[azasadny]

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Art, this is an ugly job. Plan on a full 8 hours, no beer, and work slowly and methodically. I did this for a friend's car last summer.

Remove:
Steering wheel
knee guards
ashtray
entire HVAC system under the front trunk. Don't make the mistake of taking it out in pieces, you can remove virtually the entire unit in one piece:
remove under dash vents on both sides (2 phillips screws each)
under the hood, remove clips from the 3 cables from the control levers
remove the fresh air intake on the cowl ±4 small screws), remove the 2 long bolts (phillips head) holding the HVAC intake in place.
remove wiring connector
I htink this will allow you to pull out the assembly

then remove the lever assembly from the dash
rear defrost switches are self explanatory, cigarette lighter you have to unscrew the body.

I think that covers ancillary part removal. then with a putty knife, take off the dash pad. clean the area with some acetone or glue remover.

When installing, take your time lining it up. Note: I added a factory foglight switch with 10 ft. wire tails for my friend so he could add fender-mount Cibie's in the future. if you don't have a hole, you'll have to drill on.

I used contact cement, following brush-on and set-up directions.

before you do that, practice mounting it. really. practice placing on the dash, lining it up and note what your line-up cues are. You want to get the line with the glove box straight.

Then mount and press.

Reassemble.

good luck, hope this helps.

[Rich76_911s]

Art,

Be careful removing the entire HVAC system under the front trunk. I've done it twice now and broken the drivers side plastic housing both times. I just can't seem to bend my arm back around the back of the tube and undo the clip back there. Brute force does not work.

Rich

[azasadny]

Rich and Shaun,
Thanks for the information and advice! This certainly doesn't sound very pleasant, especially the "no beer" part. I may try this on a rainy day when I feel like a glutton for punishment! I have been thinking about replacing my in-dash stereo and this may be a complementary project... Thanks again!

[scottb]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but since you guys seem knowledgeable about this, can you tell me how to remove and replace the piece just to the left of the steering column?

Thanks!