dash removal

[benzboy]

hey there. i have a 71 911t. the dash is shot. im not going to buy a new one. i just want to repair and recover with a new piece of vinyl. i know you must removal the windshield.. i really dont want to mess with the windshield. i thought of an idea. what if i remove the bolts from the back of the dash, and break of the tabs form inside the trunk the holds the top of the dash down. i thought when i go toput the das back in, i would silicone the top to hold it down. do you think this could work????

[regency]

Well, I don't think you're plan will work too well. I recently replaced my dash on my 73 Coupe and now, with this new experience behind me, you really should do it with the W/S out. The finishing touch was screwing down the leading edge. I suggest buying a core dash, restore it and then do the switch with the W/S out, then sell your original dash as a core.

Steve

73 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

[geshaghi]

Not really possible to get it out without removing the glass.

[Rich76_911s]

Even if you break all the tabs and loosen all the bolts there are still screws on the leading edge under the windshield that you can't access. To remove the dash the windshield has to come out.

[vulcan300]

Putting the front windshield back in isn't too difficult. You'll most likely have to replace the seal with a new one though. Make sure the seal you get is genuine Porsche.

If you want to try and save the old seal you can soften it with a heat gun and then try to push the whole window out as one piece. The glass can crack from the stress however, so saving the seal would not be my first choice.

[joefrantz]

See pics below:

Red circles are threaded studs. Blue are plastic clips. Green - sheet metal screws.

[Lukesportsman]

If your looking for a "faster" "cheaper" solution, why not just buy a dash cap and have it covered. Do a search, there is one that had alcantara french seamed and glued on to cap. The cap just snaps on afterwards. Good, predictable results without breaking anything. Consider this as it looks good and doesn't cause any longterm heartaches.

If your idea doesn't work, your removing a windshield, seal and a used dash to start over.

[benzboy]

thanks for all the comments. i forgot about the couple of screws on top. so i guess my idea wont work. i checked other thread about the dash caps. a lot said they look really cheap. not sure what im going to do. i have taken the windshield out before and instlled it too. i just dont want to take the chance of breaking the w/s

[Lukesportsman]

Here's the idea (page 2):


show me your creative interiour! lightweight projects

[That Guy]

Replaced my '72 E dash without taking the screen out. Lots of effort to get to the nooks an crannies, and broke a couple of clips on the way. By the time I had done it all; I had bloody knuckles and many many hours had passed. Fitting then new one was even harder, and while it was secure and solid; I couldn't get to a couple of clips so never really happy I fitted it properly. Would have been much easier to take the screen out. And you'll get satisfaction of doing it properly....