Dash pod instal tips

[aluminum]

Hello Forum Users I wish I had some Install Tips ' But am looking for some instead
No Doubt this is covered somewhere in the Forum but I never was able to understand how to search and find anything rather then just surf the Forum
About the Dash Pod Install :
All seems simple EXCEPT the 1 Long Bolt perhaps 8 mm ? on the Right facing the Pod over the Ignition Switch . Anyone know how to install that bolt ?
It has some crazy offset Bracket with yet another Bolt that also is used to secure that Bolt . The long Bolt then goes up to the top of the Pod and into it
Short of leaving that bolt out i WAS THINKING hUMM HOW TO DO IT ?
1 Drill a hole in the ignition Lock to run a extension through
Well that's out
2: Install the Pod with the Bolt already stuffed in the 2 Rubber bushed round Bushing sleeves > But then how do you turn the bolt ?
It is such a tight install space I see no way to turn the bolt in fact I cant even see the bolt when holding the pod in place
My Guess is that most Dash Pods that have been removed have no bolt on that side when reinstalled . I seem to remember when I removed my Pod it took about 1 hour to remove that bolt about 1/4 turn at a time with the dash Pod at some crazy angle ?
I expect Back in the Day this is what they Called a Dealer Repair only Item lol
Regards if anyone Knows the " SIMPLE " Install tip for this Bolt .
Note By Chance I noticed that this bolt is the same Length as the Bolt that hold on the Drivers side Cam Cover lol

[stepson]

as you are facing the instrument pod (oriented correctly) On the left side, it gets one of the long bolts (the longest) I like to position the instrument cluster and just start this bolt to help hold the pod and cluster together. On the right side, the offset bracket and a long bolt holds the other side of the instrument cluster to the pod. Both of these bolts can be installed prior to positioning the pod on top of the ignition switch. The long right side bolt should be run all the way to snug, but I leave it just snug enough to allow for movement of the offset bracket, which should be swung all the way around towards the back and right side of the pod. Connect the instrument cluster connections and position the pod over the ignition switch. If you lay on your back, you can slip the left long bolt head with washer over the mounting point on the steering column/ignition lock built in bracket. Once that is correctly placed, snug the left side bolt.
Use a long drift to line up the hole of the offset bracket on the right side with the hole corresponding hole in the steering column bracket and secure the right side of the pod/instrument cluster assembly with the remaining short bolt.

This work is made faster if you use long allen sockets with an extension.

[Fixer]

It's tight but can be done on the ignition side. You may have it oriented wrong as most people seem to do the first time. Are you using a good quality allen wrench?
Reach the straight side up in there. Good Luck

BTW, I hold the bolts in place with tiny o-rings that tightly fit around the bolt.(threaded end)
This way they stay put and the rubber 0-ring simply crushes as you tighten.

[Plexus928]

try
Pod Removal and Instrument Cluster Repair w/pics (Part I)
Check the rest of his posts as well, chances are, he's been there, done that waaaaaay before you., this guy does the most detailed (read pedantic- but in a nice way)repairs/removal write ups!

[medipedicman]

Originally Posted by stepson

This work is made faster if you use long allen sockets with an extension.

This has been the key to quick and easy for me. Once you understand what you are screwing in to, and how it just swings around to line up it is pretty straight forward.

[aluminum]

Thanks everyone
YES " stepson " This is what I was thinking as a possible fix . Before Posting I already tried a instal and first installed the Long Bolt on the Left side ( Facing dash ) I then tightened that Bolt somewhat snug as I alined the Instrument Cluster and it all fell into place . I also at that time had the " RIGHT SIDE " Rubber bushings and bushing Bracket's in place but with no bolt in it .
However I could then see no way to insert the Long Right side Pod Bolt into the POD
So then i WAS THINKING JUST as you suggested to Pre Instal the Bolt in the Rubber bushings > BUT I did not think to screw the Bolt into the Pod Pre Instal
Thanks stepson >> However It did not Occur to me to Pre Instal the Right Side Pod Bolt and the exact Instructions as just to how to instal it " Just tight enough so that you can just turn the Offset into position . All of this make good sense to me
I shall give this method a try and I expect it well indeed work
I was thinking to just leave that Bolt out but not happy about that at all
I must be honest and state I can Not buy that " Porsche Engineer " a Beer or Drink of choice for the instal method required for the Pod >> A Offset Bracket next to the Ignition Switch with yet another Bolt That's Not good Engineering in my opinion .
Perhaps it was a Pre Planned " Dealer only Repair " as the removal of the Light and other dash switches also a bit tricky
Plexus928 that Link is great Tks
My (1980 US ) 928 has no Allen bolts to the Pod But rather Just 10 MM Bolts
Than you Forum Members

[Landseer]

Generally you can disassemble, repair stuff, and reassemble with all bolts in about 30 minutes.

Gets faster with each car you add to the stable.

[stepson]

Originally Posted by landseer

generally you can disassemble, repair stuff, and reassemble with all bolts in about 30 minutes.

Gets faster with each car you add to the stable.

+1

[aluminum]

Originally Posted by Landseer

Generally you can disassemble, repair stuff, and reassemble with all bolts in about 30 minutes.

Gets faster with each car you add to the stable.

LOL I Expect I could disassemble one in Perhaps 30 Min's in a Self Service Wrecking Yard
with a Crow Bar and a Hammer Knowing that I would most Likely Never see the Car again
But ? This is why I prefer to work on my own Car rather the let anyone else work on it.
Even if I mess up something I Expect I can Go Back and get it right especially with all the Quality and Genuine Forum Member's Here .
I guess I like to go at a Pace that I enjoy and find rewarding as I don't really think of it as work at all
Perhaps I well Get a Crow Bar ( Gift wrapped ) for Xmas

[Danglerb]

Get a firm idea of how its done, as the posture required isn't comfortable to hold or repeat, at least not for me.

[stepson]

Originally Posted by Danglerb

Get a firm idea of how its done, as the posture required isn't comfortable to hold or repeat, at least not for me.

And the older I get, the less comfortable it is, too!