Dashboard

[jackorte]

How much trouble is it to replace dashboard without too much damage?How about the windshield?

[dogberry]

I basically had to pry mine off. Not the best way because it got totally destryoed. But, it worked. I looks good now. But make sure the nylon nuts do not fall below or you might have a problem.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

From what I hear, it's a severe PITA to remove all of the plastic nuts that hold the dash cap onto the dashboard frame. People have told me they've invented whole new classes of swear words for that... The vinyl covering on the rest of the dash is pretty easy after that, I'm told.

--DD

[tahoward]

You need small hands, my daughter helped me. Removing the lower part of the dash is essential. If you use your new dash as a gauge to help find the nuts it really helps. I believe I had to remove the gauge cluster and glovebox to do this job. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[Bleyseng]

You must remove both the gauge cluster and glove box to access the plastic nuts. Use a 13mm socket with a swivel joint to get to some of them and a 13mm box wrench to remove the others. It really isn't that bad of a job if you don't mind laying upside down for awhile.

[odie]

Yes, the dashboard is a pain. But you will be able to install a dashcap a lot easier once it's removed. As for the padded area above the dash. Replace this after the dash and windshield are removed (it's a lot easier). Then have the new windshield installed and replace the dash/dashcap. I wish I did the pad while my windshield was out. It would have been sooooo easier.

[Pritchard]

A friend of mine walked up while I was removing my dashboard and asked what in the heck I was doing. I was laying on my back in the floorboard with my feet sticking out of the top of the car (top was removed). I guess I was quite a sight. The point is, it requires a lot of contortion to get the job done, but what job doesn't when working on our cars?

Have fun

Pritchard

[bowlsby]

I've been thinking about a dash replacement too and had a thought for your feedback.

The 916's had a leather covered dash and interior. If our cracked vinyl dash's could be repaired and covered in leather wouldn't that be a good upgrade?

I'd use some high density spray foam to fill the cracks, then sand down any bulges to a uniform plane. Then have an upholstery shop stitch up a countoured cover and install over the original dash with a 1/8" thick foam pad. The first one made could be used as a pattern and circulated for others use.

I haven't discussed it with any upholsterer but my guess is that it would be about the same cost as a new vinyl dash...yet its leather!

Then I'd have to get the rest of the interior done to match...que sera.

Am I way off base or what do you think?

[Richard Evans]

The plastic nuts are not hard to remove, just hard to reach. After my experience with removing my dash (torn to pieces) I think I will use a deep 13mm socket attaced to a "finger tip" ratchet. I can't remember where I saw this ratchet but it about the size of a silver dollar and is operated with just your finger tips. I considering replacing my dash with the 911 style that is made by M.A. Shaw. This is the dash that used to be in the Automotion catalog. Shaw only sells the fiberglass blank so it will need to be covered.