Dashboard install to avoid windscreen removal

[metrod]

Not trying to tell Porsche how they should have done it but is there a better option of putting a dash back in so it can be removed at a later date without removing the windscreen, after a glass out paint job and dash recovering I am just trying to make it user friendly for later.

Ta

Nigel

[Discseven]

Existing system is ridiculous. Dash could slide forward with catch tracks below instead of those forward screws and plastic prongs. Looking forward to see what you come up with Nigel.

[Trackrash]

Didn't Porsche "fix" this problem at some point? What year did the two piece dash go into production?

[juanbenae]

all the research I did some years ago here pretty much said it could not be done. after pulling my glass and removing the dash to sell & installing a ABS cover for a race car application I don't see how it could be done. with a helper or two roping the windshield back in is easier than you might think. it will take a couple tries, and maybe a lil dish soap, and some patience but I bet you can do it. some say use an insulated type wire instead of a rope.

[metrod]

I always praise the logic of 911's to anyone who cares to listen but when it comes to the dash it just didn't make sense, I will keep staring at it a bit longer until I can think of an idea then run it past you all.

P.S. it;s only number 768 on a list of 10000 things to do before it's back on the road, I only wanted to do a quick paint job, I should know me better!!

[DaveMcKenz]

I would also be interested in a way to remove the dash with glass in place. Even if the current fasteners are destroyed, just so a new fastening method could be developed.
Thanks,
Dave

[VFR750]

It can not be done without removing the glass. It is also very easy to work on the dash with the glass out.

One person can remove the glass (I did). One person can reinstall it. (I did).

The trim strip is the tricky thing. Two wraps of the lubricated cord helps get that seal back in place.

I did put duct tape on both sides of the glass for piece of mind. Less likely to collapse if I cracked it.

Get a new rubber seal too. Especially if the glass has not been out in a while.

[VFR750]

Oh, there are 6 or 8 hidden screws on the front edge of the dash. You can't get to them without removing the glass. You will destroy the dash if you try to pull it off the car and those screws are in place. They go through the vinyl / leather cover and screw into the body.

Plus the two metal post holding the dash to the body would be ripped out if you can't lift the dash upwards.

Hence, you must remove the glass and spend $60 for a new rubber seal.

Or destroy the $1700-2000 dash, plus the $60 for the new rubber seal when you remove the glass to install the new dash.

[VFR750]

As for the logic. One nice thing is the dash does not have to be removed to service the stuff underneath it. Gages pop out. Can get to the underside from the trunk and the gage holes.

Which is unlike modern cars where the whole bloody thing has to come apart to fix a heater core.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by metrod

I always praise the logic of 911's to anyone who cares to listen but when it comes to the dash it just didn't make sense

Car 311/VFR750 nailed it. The ease of removing and reinstalling the windshield is key. It is not a deal breaker. Minutes for the experienced.

If you have no friends, like me. Rent one.

Spring for a new Porsche seal.

[DaveMcKenz]

I believe you. I just wish there was a clever, even if time-consuming way to pull the dash with windshield in place. Oh well.
Thanks,
Dave

[tchanson]

Originally Posted by VFR750

It can not be done without removing the glass.

Depends.

OP does not name model year he is working on, but on '86 and later dashes there is no need to remove the windshield to R&R dash, nor is any access whatsoever gained by by doing so.

[RSBob]

Do you seriously think Porsche made these cars so many years ago, as well as now, with the DIYer in mind? They just want you to buy a new one every couple of years and toss the old one. And if that was not their business model they would still not be in business.

But I agree it is a PITA. Replaced mine 2 years ago.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

If you have no friends, like me. Rent one.

If it flies, floats or fornicates, RENT IT.

[Jrboulder]

Why would Porsche care if there is an extra step in dash removal? If your seal is not all dried up just push the windscreen out with your hand (it's designed to come out very easily) and then put it in with a length of para cord.

Dash removal is certainly not a routine procedure and everything under it is accessible without dash removal. My car is 38 years old and has never had its dash out. When it was built they probably weren't hoping for much more than 10 years useful life out of the car.

[Tony V]

One of the good things about the 1968 model is that the dash is two piece and can be removed without removing the windshield.
Tony